by Ognyan Krastev - CEO, MLO Nutrition
One of the easiest ways to capture public interest when talking about fasting is to begin with a simple equation: you can lose weight by eating the same number of calories you typically do—so long as you consume them within a specific window of time during the day. However, while accurate (supported by both animal and human studies), this explanation oversimplifies and even undervalues the host of benefits associated with time-restricted feeding (TRF).
The reality is that the majority of people first encounter the concept of intermittent fasting (IF)—also known as time-restricted feeding (TRF)—in the context of obesity, weight loss, or glucose management. Yet this model of eating is far more than a fleeting dietary trend. Fasting is one of the oldest, most well-documented health practices in human history. It dates back to early hunter-gatherer societies and appears across a wide range of cultural and religious traditions. The foundation of fasting's effectiveness lies in its alignment with the human body’s natural circadian rhythms and a network of so-called “clock genes.” These genes regulate the core systems of biological life: metabolism, immune response, inflammation, neuroplasticity, autophagy, aging, and more.
There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to fasting—so let’s begin with a brief dive into its ancestral roots. In the past, our early human predecessors didn’t start their day with breakfast. To eat, they first had to hunt or forage for food. Sometimes they found nourishment quickly; other times, it took hours—or even days—before they returned with provisions. Because of this, the human body evolved to handle long periods without food. This adaptation is now often referred to as the “metabolic switch”—the body’s natural transition from a fed state to a fasting state. This metabolic shift activates energy systems that tap into stored fuel sources, such as glycogen and body fat. At the same time, it initiates a powerful cellular cleanup process, clearing out damaged components like dysfunctional organelles and potentially harmful cells. This self-repair mode not only conserves energy but also plays a role in disease prevention and healthy aging.
Fasting, in its simplest form, comes down to two golden rules: avoid eating for one to two hours after waking in the morning, and stop consuming calories—whether in solid or liquid form—at least three to four hours before bedtime. Water, plain tea, and black coffee are generally allowed during fasting, as long as they don’t contain sugar, milk, honey, or sweeteners. Drinks like milk, wine, or alcohol should be avoided during fasting hours. For many people, the appeal of intermittent fasting lies in its simplicity and sustainability. Unlike traditional diets that require strict calorie counting or portion control—something many find difficult to maintain—fasting simply asks you to not eat for certain periods of the day. It's also completely free—no subscriptions, meal plans, or supplements required. In fact, one of the reasons it works so well is because this pattern of eating follows what could be called a primordial rhythm—aligned with the natural cycle of daylight. Our bodies are naturally more metabolically efficient during the day, when physical and mental performance peak. In contrast, avoiding food after sunset supports rest, repair, and cellular recovery during sleep. A compelling study has shown just how powerfully timing influences our metabolism. When participants consumed the exact same meal at 8:30 a.m. versus 9:30 p.m., their glucose and insulin levels were significantly higher at night. This suggests that the body processes food far more efficiently earlier in the day.
There are many approaches to fasting, but they all revolve around a central concept: limiting the window in which you consume food to a span of 8 to 10 hours, and allowing the body to fast for the remaining 14 to 16 hours. The most popular model is known as 16:8—eating within an eight-hour window, and fasting for the other sixteen. For example, if you finish dinner around 8 p.m., your next meal would typically be at noon the following day. Alternatively, if you prefer an earlier dinner around 6 p.m., you might resume eating at 10 a.m.
In addition, intermittent fasting is a great solution to one of the worst modern eating habits - the near-constant snacking, particularly on refined carbohydrates or sugary foods, that’s often described as the “glucose rollercoaster” (a cycle of energy spikes followed by crashes, which can disrupt mood, focus, and appetite regulation). By contrast, intermittent fasting helps stabilize blood sugar levels, lowers insulin exposure, and supports a more balanced hormonal environment. And while we are on the subject of what can intermittent fasting do for your health let’s break the benefits down into sections
Anti-Aging
Fasting has consistently shown the potential to slow markers of aging and extend health span in both animal and human studies. This effect is largely due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—two major contributors to cellular aging. During fasting, cells activate survival pathways, increase antioxidant defenses, and boost DNA repair mechanisms. At the molecular level, fasting lowers insulin levels and activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a key energy sensor that promotes metabolic efficiency and stress resistance. AMPK activation inhibits mTOR (a major regulator of growth and aging) and stimulates autophagy—the body's internal recycling system that clears out damaged cells. These coordinated shifts not only support longevity at a cellular level but also replicate the well-established benefits seen in long-term caloric restriction studies.
Glucose, Insulin, and Metabolic Health
One of the most immediate and well-documented benefits of intermittent fasting is improved glucose regulation. By reducing the frequency of eating, the body becomes more sensitive to insulin, allowing for better blood sugar control and a lower risk of insulin resistance. Fasting can also help normalize blood pressure, decrease triglycerides, and reduce atherogenic lipids. Notably, these effects go beyond just reducing calorie intake—fasting itself triggers unique metabolic adaptations that enhance fat oxidation and improve energy efficiency.
Gut and Microbiome
Emerging research shows that time-restricted feeding positively alters the gut microbiome, promoting microbial diversity and the proliferation of beneficial bacteria. These changes may help regulate blood sugar, support immune balance, and reduce symptoms of gut disorders like IBS and colitis. Intermittent fasting provides the digestive system with extended periods of rest, reducing inflammation in the gut lining and giving the microbiome time to recalibrate—
Autophagy plus Cellular Cleansing
One of the most fascinating effects of fasting is its ability to stimulate autophagy—a natural detox process where cells break down and recycle dysfunctional components, including damaged proteins and organelles. This not only clears out cellular "junk" but also enhances energy efficiency and prevents the buildup of potentially harmful elements, such as those that contribute to neurodegeneration or tumor growth. Extended fasts further stimulate mitophagy, targeting damaged mitochondria and improving overall cellular resilience.
Neuroprotection and Cognitive Function
Intermittent fasting is a powerful modulator of brain health. It increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for neuroplasticity, learning, and memory. It also boosts mitochondrial function in neurons, enhances antioxidant defenses, and reduces neuroinflammation—all of which are protective against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. People practicing fasting often report improved mental clarity and focus, a phenomenon likely linked to the metabolic switch from glucose to ketones, which are a more efficient fuel for the brain.
Inflammation and Immune Regulation
Chronic low-grade inflammation is a root cause of many modern diseases—from heart disease to autoimmune conditions. Fasting helps suppress inflammatory pathways and reduces markers like CRP and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its anti-inflammatory effects have shown promise in treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and may also play a role in cancer prevention by disrupting energy supply to tumor cells and enhancing their sensitivity to treatment.
All of this might sound too good to be true—and as someone who’s been practicing intermittent fasting for several years, I can say from experience that it’s not without its physiological challenges. Extended periods without food can trigger hunger, bile stagnation, sluggish gut motility, and difficulty tolerating supplements on an empty stomach. But where there’s a challenge, there’s also an opportunity. That’s why in 2024, I set a personal goal to create a product designed specifically for both experienced and novice fasters—something I felt was missing in the health supplement space. One year later, I’m proud to say that MLO ProFasting—my passion project—is no longer just an idea, but a reality.
At its core, MLO ProFasting is a blend of fermentable fibers, natural detox binders like zeolite, and gut-supportive compounds that address the physiological stressors of fasting. It promotes gentle bile flow, supports liver detox pathways, and helps trap toxins for elimination—key processes that become especially relevant during longer fasts. Importantly, the formula maintains ketosis and autophagy by delivering no glucose and preserving the metabolic switch critical to fasting's health benefits.
MLO ProFasting also provides microbiome nourishment without spiking blood sugar or feeding pathogenic bacteria, supporting gut balance and regularity. For women and others prone to digestive sluggishness during fasts, it helps sustain healthy peristalsis and motility. Additionally, it serves as an ideal carrier for fat-soluble supplements (like omega-3s or antioxidants), allowing for better nutrient absorption without breaking the fast or causing stomach discomfort.
Whether you’re doing a daily 16:8 protocol, a weekly 36-hour reset, or a multi-day fast, MLO ProFasting enhances fasting by reducing hunger, improving detoxification, and supporting energy, mood, and digestive comfort. For those managing metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, it can even help buffer glucose spikes when taken before meals—extending the benefits of fasting into the fed state.
Ultimately, MLO ProFasting is more that a meal replacement—it's a metabolic ally. It empowers individuals to fast more comfortably and effectively and enjoy the fasting experience from the inside out.
Here is the quick breakdown of TOP 10 MLO ProFasting benefits:
Supports Bile Flow and Digestive Function
MLO ProFasting gently stimulates bile flow—mimicking the signal of food—helping to maintain liver function and digestive balance during periods without eating.
Safeguard Against Forced Bile Release and Gastrointestinal Irritation
During extended fasts, the absence of food can trigger the body to expel bile into an empty stomach. MLO ProFasting includes compounds that mimic the biochemical signals associated with food intake, gently triggering bile release. While some individuals attempt to initiate bile secretion through traditional methods like lemon water or olive oil on an empty stomach, these approaches may irritate the gastric or duodenal lining, especially in sensitive individuals.
Enhances Detox by Blocking Toxin Reabsorption
The formula’s natural fibers and zeolites bind to bile-bound toxins in the gut, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This supports the liver’s detox efforts, especially when fasting mobilizes more stored toxins.
Feeds the Good Bacteria—Not the Bad
MLO ProFasting selectively nourishes beneficial gut microbes without fueling harmful ones. This targeted support helps optimize the gut microbiome, increasing the production of serotonin, short-chain fatty acids, and other compounds key to gut and brain health.
Helps Curb Hunger Without Breaking the Fast
The volume and fiber in MLO ProFasting stretch the stomach and signal satiety, helping reduce hunger while keeping your body in a true fasted state.
Keeps Digestion Moving Smoothly
Lack of food can slow intestinal movement, causing discomfort or constipation—especially for women or fasting newcomers. MLO ProFasting promotes regular bowel activity, keeping the digestive system functioning without needing caloric input.
Improves Supplement Tolerance During Fasting
Many supplements—especially fat-soluble ones—can cause stomach upset when taken on an empty stomach. MLO ProFasting acts as a gentle carrier, allowing for better absorption and comfort without disrupting ketosis or fasting benefits.
Deepens Ketosis and Promotes Autophagy
By delivering no glucose and minimal protein, MLO ProFasting helps sustain low insulin levels and ketosis. It also minimizes the body’s need to produce glucose (gluconeogenesis), potentially enhancing autophagy and cellular cleanup.
Blunts Blood Sugar Spikes When Eaten With Meals
Used before a meal, MLO ProFasting slows the absorption of carbs—like the effect of eating fiber-rich vegetables first. This buffering effect supports more stable blood sugar and insulin levels, especially helpful for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
On-the-Go Digestive and Metabolic Support
Modern life often forces us into situations where ideal food choices aren’t available — whether traveling, flying, or simply rushing through a busy day. MLO ProFasting offers a convenient way to support your digestive system and metabolic balance when access to healthy meals is limited. Taken before a less-than-optimal meal, such as a processed snack or fast food, its fiber matrix and detoxifying agents help buffer glucose absorption, flatten postprandial spikes, and bind dietary toxins. This provides a layer of metabolic protection, making it easier to navigate real-world eating scenarios without completely derailing your health goals.
Bonus Effect
Bonus The probiotic, prebiotics and fibre complex in ProFasting can also indirectly mimic some appetite-related effects of GLP‑1 agonist drugs
My ProTips for ProFasting
While 250 ml is the baseline mixing suggestion for MLO ProFasting, feel free to add more water to suit your preference; the more hydration during fasting, the better it supports detoxification, digestion, and satiety. Once mixed, be sure to drink it within 5–10 minutes, as the fiber-rich formula naturally thickens into a gel-like consistency if left standing too long. Finally, MLO ProFasting plays well with others — it's an ideal companion to a wide range of supplements, including antioxidants, phospholipids, creatine, glutamine, and taurine, making it a seamless fit for both wellness routines and performance-driven protocols.
Speaking both from research and personal experience—and as the CEO of MLO International, a company dedicated to health and wellness—I truly believe intermittent fasting is one of the most powerful habits you can try. It’s a simple, evidence-backed, and body-aligned approach to health that reconnects us with our natural rhythms. And now, with MLO ProFasting, your trial run with time-restricted eating can feel less like a challenge and more like a smooth, empowering shift toward a sustainable longevity strategy. Alternatively, seasoned fasters will find in this supplement a multifunctional tool—like a Swiss Army knife—for overcoming the more taxing aspects of fasting with ease and confidence.
With that said, happy fasting—and I hope to see you in the longevity club of centenarians.
