Autophagy: What It Is and What It Has to Do With Intermittent Fasting

Have you ever heard of autophagy? This lemma comes from the Greek and means “to eat oneself”. Although the concept may make you think of something nefarious, know that it is not anything dangerous in and of itself. 

Fasting is the most effective method to activate autophagy, the natural process that our body uses to regenerate and maintain health. But let's go into more detail.

What is autophagy?

Autophagy is a mechanism by which cells they cannibalize its damaged or no longer useful parts for get new energy from it. All this allows the body:

• di eliminate waste;
• to promote the cell regeneration. 

Autophagy is not activated randomly, but under specific conditions, such as during a lack of nutrients. And this is where the intermittent fasting.

How to apply intermittent fasting

Il intermittent fasting It is one of the most well-known methods for stimulate autophagy. 

It's not so much a diet, but a way of alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating. The goal? Concentrate meals in a defined time range.

There are different types of intermittent fasting:

• Method 16/8 or 12/12, which involves a 16 or 12-hour abstinence from food. Meals can be concentrated in the remaining 8 or 12 hours;
• Method 5/2, according to which on two days out of seven you reduce your calorie intake to around 600 calories;
• Alternate day fasting, which involves alternating a day in which you eat normally, and another in which you consume only a small amount of calories.

One of the most adopted methods is the 12/12, since it allows you to integrate fasting into your daily routine without too many sacrifices. To these solutions, another extremely interesting one is added, which involves a path of a few days, in which, through a careful and controlled dose of energy intake, you simulates fasting, so as to push the body to activate autophagy while continuing to take in the necessary nutrients.

Why Intermittent Fasting Triggers Autophagy

When the body does not receive food glucose reserves are exhausted and the body goes on the hunt for new sources of energy. It is in this phase that theautophagy. Cells begin to disassemble and reuse their components, turning them into fuel.

Autophagy and Diet: Possible Benefits

Activate autophagy through the intermittent fasting or reduced calorie intake carefully planned and supervised can bring with it numerous benefits. In addition to the Cellular purification and regeneration, it appears to be a beneficial practice also for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and keeping one's weight under control. 

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for Everyone?

As with any diet, before putting intermittent fasting or similar processes into practice it is always a good idea to consult your doctor. Then there are cases in which it would be good avoid it completely, because for some categories of people it could have counterproductive effects. 

Let's talk specifically about:

• pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• people with current or past eating disorders;
• children and adolescents;
• those who suffer from diabetes or blood sugar problems;
• people with hormonal disorders or fertility problems;
• those who have a particularly fast metabolism or are underweight.

If you fall into one of these categories, it is better not to improvise. Before changing your eating habits, it is a good idea Always consult a professional.