The actual study1 (again, a preclinical mechanistic study in mice) is a bit dense and techinical for anyone who’s not a researcher to understand. Yet being familiar with what stem cells are, why you might want more of them, and natural and safe ways to increase stem cell activity are timely topics that all of us should know. When a stem cell divides, each “daughter” cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a heart muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. In theory, the best scenario would be to increase the quantity of stem cells while we are young and then use them to keep our heart, joints, brain, and other parts of our body healthy as we age. The invasive methods (some more invasive than others) used to access stem cells in humans include: This important scientific finding in rodents fits well with the broader body of research that nutrition—or temporary absence thereof during fasting—has profound effects on the behavior of cells and the maintenance of health, even in humans7. The principal investigator on this seminal fasting/stem cell study in mice, Ömer H. Yilmaz, M.D., Ph.D., shared the possible future implications on his research, that “fasting has many effects in the intestine, which included boosting regeneration as well as potential uses in any type of ailment that impinges on the intestine, such as infections or cancers.” Although mice may show changes in stem cell function after just 24 hours, in humans, studies indicate prolonged fasts (several days) may be used to trigger stem-cell-based regeneration that rejuvenates the immune system. This hopeful idea was studied by the team at University of Southern California led by Valter D. Longo, Ph.D., and initial results were published8 in 2014. Using two to four days of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for various cancer diagnoses, patients experienced protection from the toxicity of treatments. The study has profound implications for promoting healthier aging processes, as immune cell function and protection from disease declines with age. Using fasting (something our ancestors regularly practiced, due to food scarcity) to theoretically kill older and damaged intestinal cells or immune cells and replacing them with stem-cell-derived new ones opens doors to regenerative biohacking. In other words, a practical lifestyle method to make your stem cells work for you. In the words of Longo: “We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promoting stem-cell-based regeneration.” The study included 100 healthy individuals; 71 ultimately completed a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) regimen (800 to 1,100 calories daily of a plant-based diet low in protein and simple carbohydrates that is commercially available) for five consecutive days a month for three months in a row. In contrast, the control group consumed an unrestricted diet every day. Compared with the control group, the intervention group following the prolonged “fast” experienced a reduction in body weight, abdominal fat, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipids (total and LDL cholesterol), inflammation (C-reactive protein), and a tumor marker called IGF-1. The FMD results were so compelling, Longo and colleagues received a patent. This important clinical trial9 demonstrated safety of the FMD and efficacy in reducing key biomarkers (risk factors) involved in aging, metabolic health, and chronic disease. The clinical trial results were so compelling, Longo and colleagues received a patent. More research on FMD and intermittent fasting is currently underway in humans and has produced regenerative and even anti-aging results10 across a variety of patient groups. Fasting has been shown to positively affect: While I cannot be certain it was the regenerative activity of stem cells repairing damaged cells, it is good to know that we all have ways to utilize our natural reparative pathways and get ourselves back to optimal health! Although the work is preliminary (again, basic science from animal and cell models), there is a growing amount of data that show phytochemicals (specifically polyphenols) confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect and benefit stem cells. There are thousands of unique polyphenols. The best-studied ones for stem cell benefits16 include resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, EGCG, genistein, daidzein, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and piceatannol. The mechanisms from this preclinical research has definite potential for positive implications in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive disease processes, to name a few. The top food sources of polyphenols are all healthy. They include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, dark chocolate, tea, herbs, and spices. Finally, in addition to a healthful diet, physical activity may support stem cell health too. Research17 in mice indicates that bouts of acute exercise18 increase stem cells in the circulation. Want to know more about the fasting-mimicking diet? This mbg contributor tried it for five days: here’s what she learned. A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
