Autophagy is a key health benefit of fasting from "summary" of Fasting for Life by Francis E. Umesiri
Autophagy, a term derived from Greek words meaning “self” and “eating,” is a natural cellular process that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellness. It involves the removal of damaged or dysfunctional cellular components and recycling them into new, healthy parts. This process is like a self-cleaning mechanism for our cells, allowing them to function optimally and efficiently. Fasting has been shown to stimulate autophagy, allowing our cells to undergo this essential clean-up process. When we fast, our bodies enter a state of metabolic switch, where they start utilizing stored energy reserves, such as fat, for fuel. This shift in energy metabolism triggers autophagy, as our cells need to break down and recycle old components to support this new energy source. By promoting autophagy through fasting, we are essentially promoting cellular rejuvenation and renewal. This can have numerous health benefits, from improving immune function and reducing inflammation to enhancing cognitive function and slowing down the aging process. Additionally, autophagy has been linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.- Such as through intermittent fasting or prolonged fasting, can further enhance autophagy and its associated health benefits. These fasting protocols give our bodies more time to engage in autophagy and repair processes, leading to more profound effects on our overall health and well-being. By harnessing the power of autophagy through fasting, we can support our bodies in maintaining optimal functioning and resilience against various diseases and aging-related issues.
