What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. It doesn’t dictate what you eat — just when you eat.

Common approaches include:

• 16:8: 16 hours fasting, 8-hour eating window
• 5:2: 5 days of regular eating, 2 days of restricted calorie intake
• OMAD: One Meal A Day
• Alternate-day fasting

The goal isn’t starvation — it’s triggering cellular responses that may benefit long-term health.

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How fasting might influence longevity

Fasting causes a shift in the body’s energy metabolism. In a fasted state, the body stops relying on glucose and begins using fat and ketones for fuel. This metabolic switch has been shown to activate several protective mechanisms.

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Key effects include:

• Autophagy: A process where cells clean out damaged components, reducing risk of disease and age-related decline.
• Insulin sensitivity: Lower insulin levels improve metabolic health, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to aging. Fasting may lower pro-inflammatory markers.
• Hormetic stress: Fasting stresses the body just enough to activate resilience and repair mechanisms, including pathways associated with longevity.

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Animal studies: what we know

Numerous studies in mice, rats, and other model organisms have found that intermittent fasting:

• Extends lifespan by up to 30%
• Delays age-related diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular conditions
• Improves cognitive function and mitochondrial health

While these results are promising, translating them to humans is complex and still ongoing.

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Human evidence: what’s emerging

Human trials are newer and less conclusive but suggest benefits including:

• Weight loss and body composition improvements
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Better blood sugar regulation
• Potential links to slower biological aging markers (like reduced oxidative stress)

Researchers are now studying how IF might impact cellular aging markers, such as telomere length and gene expression.

Still, fasting is not for everyone. People with certain health conditions, a history of disordered eating, or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider first.

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Fasting and brain health

Fasting may protect the brain by:

• Boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
• Enhancing mitochondrial function
• Reducing risk of neurodegenerative disease through lower inflammation and cellular cleanup

Some scientists believe that intermittent fasting may mimic the cognitive benefits of caloric restriction, a proven lifespan extender in lab settings.

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Fasting vs. other longevity strategies

While fasting shows promise, it’s most effective when combined with:

• Whole-food diets (e.g. Mediterranean, plant-forward)
• Regular physical activity
• Sleep hygiene
• Stress reduction
• Avoidance of smoking or excessive alcohol

There’s no silver bullet — but fasting may be part of a broader toolkit for longevity.

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Cryopreservation and the longevity mindset

While intermittent fasting aims to slow aging today, cryopreservation offers a different kind of longevity: the possibility of pausing time after legal death and waiting for future rejuvenation technologies.

At Tomorrow.bio, we meet people who take proactive steps to live longer and healthier — including IF. For those looking beyond today’s limits, cryopreservation is one more way to plan for tomorrow’s science. Schedule a consultation to explore the option.

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Final thoughts

Intermittent fasting is not about deprivation — it’s about timing, recovery, and renewal. While more human research is needed, early results suggest it could help reduce disease risk and increase longevity.

Eat with intention. Rest your cells. Let your body repair — and perhaps, extend your journey.

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About Tomorrow.bio

At Tomorrow.bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people and pets a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients — preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.

📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio
🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio
🤝 Schedule a consultation: Book a call

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