Episode 031: Benjamin Richardson, A Citizen Scientist’s View on Healthspan, the Fasting Mimicking Diet and Self Experimentation

In episode 031 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I explore the world of self experimentation, longevity, intermittent fasting and fasting mimicking diets with citizen scientist Benjamin Richardson.

I recently stumbled across Ben’s work and page at Forever Free From during one of my many rabbit hole forays into emerging medical therapies, this time into the world of intermittent fasting and the newly evolving 5 day Fasting Mimicking Diet.

In this conversation, Benjamin and I delve into some of his curious self experiments, implementing major dietary and lifestyle changes, quantifying the results and sharing this wisdom with a wider audience.

We explore questions such as

What is the difference between lifespan vs. healthspan?

What really is behind the aging process and who is at the cutting edge of longevity research?

Benjamin than leads us into a thoughtful discussion of fasting, outline the differences between intermittent fasting, time restricted eating windows and the Fasting Mimicking Diet or FMD.

He shares he own story researching, planning and implementing the 5 day FMD as well as his generous reflections and resources created so that others can try the dietary approach for themselves.

Through it all, Benjamin shares his authentic curiosity and his genuine desire to help others through his own experimentation.

Dietary interventions such the FMD and intermittent fasting are emerging as powerful therapies for neurocognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer's dementia as well as for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and even cancer and it is quite exciting to explore this space with such a passionate and knowledgeable friend.

Benjamin has provided a wealth of curated resources available on the podcast page and I encourage you to explore some this nourishing content as well as the resources on his own page at foreverfreefrom.com.
We will certainly be having Benjamin back soon to discuss his most recent experiment involving glucose monitoring, carb tolerance, insulin resistance and heart rate variability.

I really hope you enjoy the show!



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Keep up to date with all of Ben's exciting news using the links below:
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Ben’s page Forever Free From
http://foreverfreefrom.com

Fasting Mimicking Diet Resources

DIY Guide to FMD including template
http://foreverfreefrom.com/fasting-mimicking-diet-guide/

Reflections:
http://foreverfreefrom.com/fasting-mimicking-diet-results/

Resource: Guide to science of Fasting https://endpoints.elysiumhealth.com/the-science-of-fasting-2f5b56a2a65d

Resource: Fasting Mimicking Diet First Human Trial outcomes review
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-02/cci-fm020717.php

Resource: Commercial ProLon version of FMD
https://prolon.co.uk/

Resource: Blue Zones actionable insights based on research on the world’s longest lived communities
https://bluezones.com/

Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Salk Institute Dr Satchin Panda on Time Restricted Feeding
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/satchin-round-2

Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Buck Institute Dr Eric Verdin on
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/eric-verdin

Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Valter Longo on Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/valter-longo

Resource: Buck Institute Science of Aging Blog
http://sage.buckinstitute.org/

Resource: Homepage of Chris Kresser, functional medicine advocate, practitioner and author of Your Personal Paleo Code and Paleo Cure
https://chriskresser.com

New Post on Carb Experimenting: Testing Blood Sugar DIY
http://foreverfreefrom.com/blood-glucose-testing-guide/

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