What is Autophagy?
Autophagy is a natural metabolic process that acts as a cell’s “clean up” crew. It is an intracellular recycling process that disassembles foreign bodies and unnecessary components, such as spent proteins, mitochondria, and cellular debris, in order to preserve the viability of the cell and reduce its chances of developing disease or damage. Autophagy is a key component in the repair and regeneration of the body, yet remains often overlooked by many.

How Does Autophagy Work?
Autophagy is a multi-step process that is triggered when cells are exposed to either starvation or stressful conditions. It is associated with a wide range of physiological responses, such as enhanced longevity, cellular defense, and improved immune system functioning. During the process, receptor proteins are activated that lead to the formation of double-membrane vesicles, known as autophagosomes. Once these vesicles form, they then fuse with lysosomes later in the process. During this merging, the vesicles breakdown and recycle the components within, helping to maintain a healthy balance of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates within the cell.

Benefits of Autophagy
Autophagy plays an important role in the body, helping to maintain homeostasis and aiding in the protection against degenerative conditions and disease. Amongst its many benefits, autophagy has been linked to reducing oxidative stress, which is destructive to cells and plays a role in aging and the development of many chronic and degenerative disorders. Autophagy also helps to protect the body against infections, viruses and any foreign bodies that the body may encounter. Additionally, it helps to clear out cellular debris, which can accumulate and cause problems with cellular wear and tear, as well as inflammation. In regards to overall wellbeing, autophagy helps to increase energy and eliminates waste, thus contributing to an overall healthier lifestyle.

In order to maximize autophagy, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes should be considered. Foods such as turmeric, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables are known to promote autophagy and therefore should be consumed on a regular basis. Certain dietary supplements are also known to support autophagy, such as silymarin, resveratrol, and berberine. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise, getting plenty of sleep and managing stress levels can help to boost autophagy activity and ultimately, improve overall health.