Autophagy is a Greek-derived term that means “self-” (auto) “eating” (phagy).
In other words, autophagy is the ultimate natural body cleanse.
But is autophagy something that happens on its own, or can you control it?
What is autophagy?
If they’re not cleared out, these damaged particles accumulate in your cells and jam things up.
Enter the process called autophagy.
This is a form of cellular cleansing and, really, the true meaning of a detox.
Autophagy also helpsdeliver nutrients1to cells that need them.
One of the most notable ways thesedead proteins accumulate is seen in Alzheimer’s disease2.
Think of it this way: Autophagy is like the robot vacuum you have in your house.
Health benefits of autophagy.
Having a clean body and properly functioning cellular pathways is the foundation of health.
Autophagy also helps balance insulin levels, which decreases inflammation and has positive effects on your gut health.
Something Pedre calls “an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of losing weight and cultivating overall health.”
On the other hand, stimulating autophagy may keep beta cells healthy and helpimprove insulin sensitivity8and insulin signaling.
Lowered risk of cancer
The role of autophagy in cancer is a little controversial.
However, if tumors are in the late stage, autophagy may actually contribute to their growth.
How can you induce autophagy?
Fortunately, most of the things that turn this powerful cellular cleansing process are actually really simple to incorporate.
Intermittent fasting for autophagy.
Nutrient deprivationor going without eatingis the primary trigger for autophagy.
That might sound like something you don’t want, but that’s exactly whatintermittent fastingis.
And it’s a physiological state that your body actually thrives on.
“During nutrient-depleted states, AMPK is activated to upregulate autophagy so your body can maintain homeostatic demands.
That’s why intermittent fasting is a great tool.
It alternates periods of eating (or feasting) with periods of fasting (or nutrient deprivation).
This balance ensures that damaged cells get cleared out but healthy cells remain intact.
Are there foods that promote autophagy?
When you follow a keto diet, you deprive your body of glucose.
This lack of glucose is an internal signal thatactivates AMPK10and turns on autophagy.
Bottom line.
For healthy people, doing so is virtually all reward and no risk.
