Autophagy
Even in the healthiest human body, cells are constantly becoming damaged as a normal part of metabolic processes. However, as we age and experience stress, our cells become damaged at an increased rate.
This is where autophagy comes in. Autophagy, or extended fasting, helps clear damaged cells and oxidation from the body. It’s important to remove these damaged cells because they can trigger inflammation and they contribute to disease.
In animal studies, researchers have been able to observe how fasting can promote longevity as well as benefit the nervous system, immune system, heart and metabolism.
Is autophagy good for your health?
It’s definitely good! Autophogy is your body’s way of carrying out cellular renewal processes.
Thanks to recent studies, we now know that autophagy is important for “cleaning up” the body and defending against the negative effects of stress.
Benefits of Fasting
Research suggests that some of the most important benefits of fasting include:
Providing cells with molecular building blocks and energy
Recycling damaged proteins
Regulating mitochondria, which help produce energy but can be damaged by oxidative stress
Protecting the nervous system and encouraging the growth of brain and nerve cells.
Fasting seems to improve cognitive function, brain structure, and neuroplasticity.
Supporting the growth of heart cells and protecting against heart disease
Enhancing the immune system
Protect the stability of DNA
Prevent damage to healthy tissues and organs
Potentially fights cancer and other illnesses
How can you incorporate autophagy into your life?
Make sure to finish eating at least three hours before bedtime. If you go to bed around 10pm, make sure you don’t eat after 7pm. In the morning, wait until at least 7am and you have created a 12-hour fasting window putting your body into autophagy.
In the Functional Medicine detox I like and use, there are two liquid days incorporated into the detox. You drink four shakes throughout the day. The shake powder contains vitamins and minerals.
Between detoxes, I’ll occasionally do a liquid day. For example, I’ll eat dinner with my family Sunday night and Monday I’ll fast, drink two detox shakes, and then have dinner with my family. That gets me a solid 24-hour window of fasting benefits.
PS: The nutritional shake I mentioned is my go-to breakfast each morning and I use it on the days I need a hard reset (ahem, I’ve been guilty of eating too many chips and salsa). I am a chocolate girl to my core so I always get the chocolate and mix it with cold, filtered water in a shaker bottle. You can find it here.
Want to learn more about detoxing? Read 5 things about detoxing and Detox your liver naturally.