To find the meaning of the term autophagy, you have to search among the Greek words, since it derives from the terms "auto" whose meaning is literally "I" and the word "phagein" which in Greek means to eat. Therefore, the exact definition of the word autophagy is, eat yourself. Something that may seem macabre or horror movie, but it is a natural process of the body itself.
The cells of the body are constantly changing, dying and regenerating throughout life. For prevent the body from filling with waste and other components that no longer have validity or functionality in the body, natural processes are carried out by which useless cells are eliminated, they regenerate. And this is exactly what autophagy does.
What is autophagy?
Autophagy is a natural mechanism that occurs at the cellular level in the body. This process is necessary so that the body can eliminate all those substances and waste that are produced as a result of the aging of cells that no longer serve. Since if they are not eliminated, diseases such as Alzheimer's or Dementia may arise.
The cells themselves are capable of selecting everything that no longer serves to convert it into energy and other molecules with functionality. But this is not something that happens easily, as it involves a slow but continuous process. Which means that at a certain moment, the cells themselves manage to renew themselves to return to being in the best conditions.
Studies on autophagy have been carried out for decades, as it is believed that Thanks to this cell renewal process, degenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's could be avoided. Although these studies are not yet decisive and cannot be firmly affirmed. But what is evident is that Cells need some cleaning to stay healthy and avoid disease.
Autophagy and intermittent fasting
Although it has become fashionable in recent years, intermittent fasting it is part of the lives of many people in various cultures around the world. Not as a way to lose weight as used now, but as a way to keep the body healthier and free of substances waste that intoxicates the body. This is because for autophagy to occur, there must be a fast, that is, the body eats itself when it is not provided with food that provides it with energy.
Fasting is what sets autophagy in motion and different methods can be used to do so. The most affordable is the 16/8 fast, with 16 hours in which no solid food is eaten and 8 hours in which food can be taken. There are also foods that can activate autophagy, such as pepper, black coffee, turmeric, green tea, elderberries, or broccoli.
These are some of the benefits of autophagy:
- Se strengthens the immune system.
- Reduces the chances of suffering neurodegenerative diseases.
- Type II diabetes is prevented.
- Constant improvement concentration.
- Increase the Energy.
- Protects the flora intestinal.
- Avoid being overweight and it is key to controlling obesity.
- Control blood pressure.
- Protects against cancer, since autophagy takes care of protect healthy cells.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Autophagy stimulates the production of growth hormone. Which means that they improve bone density and muscle mass.
Intermittent fasting and therefore autophagy, are adequate mechanisms to protect health and avoid diseases caused by the aging of the body's cells. However, it is very important perform recurring medical check-ups to make sure all levels are kept under control. If you want to start practicing autophagy as a prevention and health protection method, see your doctor to make sure that everything is working properly.