The Power of Autophagy

by Journey To Wellness health and wellness

Autophagy is a term that literally means “self-eating”. It refers to the natural process of the body’s cells to self-regulate growth and degrade (“eat away”) parts of themselves that accumulate toxins, damaged organelles, and excess proteins.

What are the effects?

You may be asking yourself, “How does that help my body?”, “Won’t my cells degrading themselves cause damage to my organs?”.

In order to better visualize the effect and power of autophagy on the body, think of it like your cells doing self-care. When you do self-care, you do things like trimming your nails, cleaning your room, going to the salon to get a haircut, breaking off from a toxic relationship, and shopping for new clothes.

Your cells also do something similar when they round up unnecessary byproducts and excess substrates in order to keep everything in the cell running smoothly and efficiently. Cell turnover is increased as autophagy increases, meaning your body is creating and maintaining younger, healthier cells.

As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new!”

Can autophagy cure cancer?

There is a lot of speculation and intrigue regarding the use of autophagy in the treatment of cancer. Autophagy and apoptosis (self-regulated cell death) are already normal cellular processes that help to keep healthy cells regulated and prevent the overgrowth of cells.

In the case of cancer, rogue cells bypass these regulatory measures and begin proliferating at an accelerated rate, causing tumor growth and cell death of the surrounding tissue.

Researchers have discovered that promotion of autophagy does have a tumor-suppressing effect and may be the key to finding the cure for various cancers and hyperproliferative diseases.

Who would’ve imagined that the cure to cancer may have been within us all along?

How to induce autophagy

In normal, healthy individuals, the body’s cells are constantly undergoing autophagy and apoptosis at regular intervals, every minute of every day. However, there are ways that help to promote the process of autophagy at a more efficient rate.

Intermittent fasting is a hot buzzword nowadays, but the practice of periodic fasting has been around for centuries in different cultures and religions around the world. Fasting is touted to be beneficial on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.

Other ways to promote autophagy is through a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as taking supplements with antioxidants that promote somatic cell and immune system function while eliminating free radicals that are produced during metabolic processes.