The Hidden Power of Fasting

How your body heals and regenerates itself without food

Fasting is the body’s natural instinct for survival and renewal.

Dr. Valter Longo

Hello Capilli Eternal Community,

For most of human history, eating was uncertain.

Our ancestors evolved in a world of cycles, feasts and famines, abundance and absence.

Today, constant eating has hidden one of the body’s most extraordinary abilities:

🧬 The ability to repair, rebuild, and regenerate itself through fasting.

In this opening edition of our Fasting Series, we explore the powerful biological processes your body activates when you stop eating, and how these ancient pathways are being rediscovered to extend healthspan and support cellular rejuvenation.

The Science of Fasting

Fasting is not about deprivation. It is about renewal.

When you stop eating for a period of time, your body shifts into a different mode, one focused not on growth, but on maintenance and repair.

After 12–16 hours of fasting:

  • Blood sugar and insulin levels drop

  • Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases

  • Cellular autophagy begins, where cells clean out damaged components and recycle parts for new use

After 24–48 hours:

  • Deeper autophagy intensifies

  • Inflammatory markers decrease

  • Stem cells start activating, preparing the body for regeneration once nutrition returns

This natural cycle of “self-eating” (autophagy) clears damaged cells and stimulates the creation of healthier, more resilient ones.

Fasting and Longevity

Scientific studies suggest that periodic fasting may:

  • Reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage

  • Improve mitochondrial function

  • Boost immune system regeneration

  • Extend lifespan in various animal models

Fasting appears to trigger survival mechanisms deeply embedded in our biology, unlocking pathways that modern life has almost completely silenced.

Types of Fasting

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Common fasting strategies include:

  • Intermittent fasting (IF):

    • Popular formats like 16:8 (16 hours fast, 8 hours eating window)

    • Supports metabolic flexibility and mild autophagy

  • Short-term fasting:

    • 24–72 hours of water-only fasting

    • Activates deeper autophagy and regenerative immune system responses

  • Prolonged fasting:

    • 5 to 7 days or longer without caloric intake

    • Triggers profound stem cell activation, immune system reset, and deep systemic repair

    • Requires strict medical supervision

  • Fasting-mimicking diet (FMD):

    • Developed by Dr. Valter Longo

    • Allows minimal calories to simulate fasting benefits while minimizing risks

Each method engages different levels of biological repair, and the deeper the fast, the more profound the regenerative effects can become.

Precautions

Fasting is powerful, but not for everyone.

Medical advice is essential for:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

  • Individuals with diabetes, eating disorders, or chronic illnesses

  • Anyone planning prolonged fasts or extreme caloric restriction

Fasting is a tool, not a contest.

Respect your biology, and work with healthcare professionals if you wish to explore deeper fasting protocols.

🔍 Expand Your Knowledge

📖 Scientific Articles:

  • Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease

    🔗 Read here

🎥 Watch This:

  • Dr. Rhonda Patrick speaks with Dr. Valter Longo, Ph.D. on Fasting-Mimicking Diet & Fasting for Longevity, Cancer & Multiple Sclerosis

    🔗 Watch on YouTube

What’s Next?

In our next edition, we will take a deeper look at Autophagy, the body’s internal recycling program, and how it is revolutionizing the science of aging, skin regeneration, and longevity.

Get ready to discover how your body cleans itself at the cellular level to stay young.

To your health and vitality,
The Capilli Eternal Team

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Disclaimer:

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.