What is Autophagy?
Autophagy is the method by which your cells clean out damaged cellular components, helping you produce healthier cells. “Auto” means self and “phagy” means eat. So the literal meaning of autophagy is “self-eating.”
Over time, our cells accumulate a variety of dead organelles, damaged proteins and oxidized particles that can clog the body’s inner workings. This accelerates the effects of aging and age-related diseases because cells aren’t able to divide and function normally.
If you are not triggering this natural biological process in your body at least twice a year, you’re aging 30% faster than you should. Set your juice cleanse aside! Autophagy is a perfect detox mechanism that prevents loose skin by triggering collagen production and making the skin more elastic and firmer.
Throughout history, numerous people have searched for the elixir of youth. Now, science is pointing to intermittent fasting as one possible option. How exactly do we trigger autophagy through fasting and start our journey toward a more youthful look?
You need to fast for at least 12-16 hours to get the benefits of autophagy, because you need to consume your glycogen stores at a significant level to enter the cell cleansing phase. This happens approximately 12-16 hours after your last meal so 14/10 or 16/8 patterns of intermittent fasting are the simplest and safest ways to support autophagy.
For fully healthy people, fasting has no side effects. But if you have type 1 diabetes, adrenal gland dysfunction, or hypothyroidism, fasting may not be suitable for you. You should at least consult your doctor first.
Benefits of Autophagy:
Autophagy has been linked with many health benefits:
Autophagy reduces loose skin: When autophagy is activated, your skin cells are repaired so you get less wrinkles or loose skin. It also improves the quality of the skin by cleaning out toxins that your skin has been exposed to, such as excessive sunlight, stress, or a poor diet.
It enhances your longevity: Autophagy turns your body clock back by reducing aging symptoms.
It protects you from serious diseases: Higher levels of autophagy have been linked to a reduced tendency to develop Alzheimer’s disease. It also reduces the risk of cancer, as it triggers the production of healthy new cells.
