Autophagy Secrets
So let’s talk about the truth of something called autophagy. It is a fascinating biological process that is always happening to a certain degree.
This is what autophagy does—it self eats. It eats the junk from your body and transforms that into usable things.
It is like a very complex junkyard with a recycling unit right next to it.
When I say junk, I am talking about unusable damaged proteins in the body which trigger inflammation.
It also recycles something called organel. Inside your cells you have different machines that are on an assembly line to make certain things.
You have the mitochondria and other machines that make certain proteins. If there is any damage to that machinery, autophagy can take care of it.
Autophagy helps to get rid of pathogens like bacteria, fungus, mold, and viruses.
All of those can trigger inflammation as well. It also gets rid of something called viral antigens, which signal your immune system to create a reaction.
This can also cause inflammation. Autophagy clears all that up and can start from a ground zero level where you don’t have that anymore.
This is why autophagy is considered like an anti-aging cleaning system of the body.
It doesn’t just clean stuff up, it provides new raw material to build new cells and also provides fuel when you need it.
How to Get Into Autophagy
You are already probably into autophagy to some degree.
The question is whether it is significant or not.
To really create significant autophagy, you need to deplete your reserves to some degree.
You have to deplete some energy reserve in the body.
There are two things that will stop autophagy very fast. The big one is sugar, because that is a fuel source.
Protein as well, but any significant amount of calories will stop autophagy.
If you have enough protein available, the body does not need to recycle old proteins.
Autophagy and Cancer (Important Truth)
Healthy cells and cancer cells behave differently. Autophagy acts as a strong protective barrier against disease.
If you are constantly cleaning up damaged mitochondria, you can avoid cancer and other diseases.
But there is a paradox. If the body already has cancer, autophagy can help the progression of cancer.
It can help grow the cancer because it provides resources and fuel.
This is why there are autophagy inhibiting drugs like hydroxy chloroquin used in therapy.
It is a double-edged sword. It can help you if you are healthy, and it can hurt you if you are not healthy.
Fasting: The Most Powerful Trigger
The single most potent thing to trigger autophagy is fasting.
When you are fasting, you are depleting calories and forcing the body to recycle damaged proteins.
The big question is how many hours of fasting are needed.
Autophagy starts increasing around 18 hours of fasting and goes much higher at 48 to 72 hours. But this depends on what you are eating.
If you eat a lot of sugar or carbohydrates, you may need longer fasting because the body first burns glucose and glycogen.
A simple strategy is to go on a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet so autophagy can start faster.
Diet Tips to Boost Autophagy
If you want more advantage from autophagy:
- Do not go high on protein, keep a moderate amount
- Reduce carbs as low as possible
- Avoid constant snacking, even on fat
- Do not consume calories during fasting
Fat is the least affected compared to sugar, but still, eating stops autophagy.
Dry Fast and Water Fast
A water fast means you are not eating anything but drinking water.
A dry fast means no food and no water.
Dry fasting creates deeper autophagy because it adds more stress to the body.
Even shifting water timing can increase benefits.
For example, not drinking water before bed and extending fasting until the next day can increase results.
Intermittent Fasting and Exercise
Consistent intermittent fasting with a minimum of 18 hours is powerful.
If you can push to 20 hours, it is better.
Exercise also stimulates autophagy. Aerobic exercise can stimulate more autophagy, while resistance training helps build muscle.
A combination of both is recommended.
Doing exercise during fasting can increase results because it depletes resources and increases metabolism.
Other Ways to Trigger Autophagy
- Reduce calories occasionally
- Lower carbs and protein
- Use phytonutrients like coffee, green tea, berberine, ashwagandha, mushrooms, ginger
These create a stress response that can trigger autophagy.
Natural Inhibitors of Autophagy (For Cancer)
Some natural inhibitors being researched include:
- Stony sponge
- Apigenin
- Cumin and turmeric
- Black cumin seed
- Thunder of God Vine
- Retinol
These are being studied as part of anti-cancer strategies.
Balance is the Key
Autophagy is powerful, but it is about balance.
You need a balance between building up and breaking down. The body needs both.
Autophagy can prevent problems if you use it early.
It is a natural process that can clean, repair, and renew your body.
FAQs
1. What is autophagy in simple words?
Autophagy is a process where the body eats and recycles damaged cells and proteins.
2. How many hours of fasting for autophagy?
Autophagy starts increasing around 18 hours and becomes stronger at 48 to 72 hours.
3. Does sugar stop autophagy?
Yes, sugar stops autophagy very fast because it provides fuel to the body.
4. Is autophagy good for anti-aging?
Yes, it is considered an anti-aging cleaning system of the body.
5. Can autophagy help in cancer?
It can prevent cancer in healthy cells, but may support cancer growth if cancer already exists.
6. Does exercise increase autophagy?
Yes, both aerobic and resistance exercise can stimulate autophagy.
7. What foods trigger autophagy?
Low carb, moderate protein, and phytonutrients like green tea and ginger help trigger autophagy.
8. Is dry fasting better than water fasting?
Dry fasting may create deeper autophagy, but it adds more stress to the body.
