Yes, some research suggests that fasting, specifically fasting-mimicking diets, can have a rejuvenating effect on your body, potentially making you appear biologically younger. These diets involve consuming very few calories for a set period, typically 3-5 days, and are designed to mimic the effects of fasting without the complete deprivation.
A study published in 2024 found that participants who followed a fasting-mimicking diet for three cycles experienced a reduction in biological age by 2.5 years. This effect is believed to be attributed to the process of autophagy, where the body breaks down and recycles damaged cells, making room for new, healthier ones.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects of fasting on aging, the initial results are promising.
