Khorana says studies suggest that ketosis can also cause starvation-induced autophagy, which has neuroprotective functions. In response to this restriction, your body will begin to start producing ketone bodies that have many protective effects. It will begin to use fat for fuel instead of the glucose that’s derived from carbohydrates. This shift in calorie sources causes your body to shift its metabolic pathways. In the keto diet, you get about 75 percent of your daily calories from fat, and 5 to 10 percent of your calories from carbs. “By not overwhelming the body with an external load, it gives the body a break to focus on its own health and repair.” “Ketosis, a diet high in fat and low in carbs brings the same benefits of fasting without fasting, like a shortcut to induce the same beneficial metabolic changes,” she adds. “Fasting is most effective way to trigger autophagy,” explains Petre. Remember that autophagy literally means “self-eating.” So, it makes sense that intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets are known to trigger autophagy. Researchers believe that new studies will lead to insight that will help them target autophagy as a therapy for cancer. “Recognizing and destroying what went wrong and triggering the repairing mechanism does contribute to lowering the risk of cancer.” “This is how the body polices the cancer villains,” she explains. While there’s no scientific evidence to back this up, Petre says some studies suggest that many cancerous cells can be removed through autophagy. That’s why some researchers are looking at the possibility that autophagy may lower the risk of cancer. While all cancers start from some sort of defective cells, Petre says that the body should recognize and remove those cells, often using autophagic processes. “Autophagy declines as we age, so this means cells that no longer work or may do harm are allowed to multiply, which is the MO of cancer cells,” explains Keatley. on a larger scale, it prompts regeneration and healthy cellsĪutophagy is receiving a lot of attention for the role it may play in preventing or treating cancer, too.providing energy and building blocks for cells that could still benefit from repair.removing toxic proteins from the cells that are attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.“Of course this takes energy and cannot continue forever, but it gives us more time to find nourishment,” he adds.Īt the cellular level, Petre says the benefits of autophagy include: Khorana points out that when our cells are stressed, autophagy is increased in order to protect us, which helps enhance your lifespan.Īdditionally, registered dietitian, Scott Keatley, RD, CDN, says that in times of starvation, autophagy keeps the body going by breaking down cellular material and reusing it for necessary processes. In fact, Petre says it’s best known as the body’s way of turning the clock back and creating younger cells. The main benefits of autophagy seem to come in the form of anti-aging principles. Plus, it promotes survival and adaptation as a response to various stressors and toxins accumulated in our cells,” she adds. “It is recycling and cleaning at the same time, just like hitting a reset button to your body. Petre explains that the purpose of autophagy is to remove debris and self-regulate back to optimal smooth function. This is because autophagy is an evolutionary self-preservation mechanism through which the body can remove the dysfunctional cells and recycle parts of them toward cellular repair and cleaning, according to board-certified cardiologist, Dr. It’s also referred to as “self-devouring.” While that may sound like something you never want to happen to your body, it’s actually beneficial to your overall health. So the literal meaning of autophagy is “self-eating.” Autophagy is a natural, self-preservation mechanism whereby the body removes damaged or dysfunctional parts of a cell and recycles other parts toward cellular repair.Īutophagy is the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells, according to Priya Khorana, PhD, in nutrition education from Columbia University.
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