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| Autophagy |
Fasting and Autophagy
Isn’t it so awesome how the universe was constructed and
fabricated? Here’s the word – Pulchritudinous! Likewise, extraordinarily
mind-blowing, how the human body was fragmented and composed. It’s more than
the expression of inter-denominationalism. The entity behind the scene must be
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Let me share this incidence. Two guys met at a particularly
large scientific laboratory and exchanged greetings. “Hey, what sup?” the first
asked. “Nothing much bro, just converting Oxygen into Carbon-dioxide” the
second replied.
Shocked to hear that reply, the first asked again curiously
“How the hell do you do that?” His friend replied “Breathing… Dude.”
Certain complex scientific process is so easy for you to
perform as a living entity. An example is Autophagy. On October 3rd, 2016 the
Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine to Yoshinori Ohsumi for his discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy.
What is Autophagy?
The word Autophagy is coned from two Greek words, “Auto” and
“Phagein”. Auto means self, and phagein means eating. So literally Autophagy
means Self Eating or eating one’s self. How could this be? Basically, this is
the body’s way of renewing and refreshing itself. Old cell machineries
(Organelles, proteins and cell membranes) are replaced with new ones. The body
lets go of the old cells when there is no energy to contain them, and then
afterwards new cells are produced. It is a regulated, orderly process to
degrade and recycle cellular components. This process gives our body time to
find nourishment.
The major benefit of Autophagy is its ability to restore us
back to newness which can be likened to an anti-aging attribute. You know,
instead of your body to just keep storing and tolerating old cells, it sheds
them off and new cells are created. Scientific claims have revealed that Autophagy
has quite a number of benefits to the human body especially.
1. Removing toxic proteins from the cells that are
attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
disease.
2. Destroying cancerous cells.
3. Recycling residual proteins.
4. Providing energy and building blocks for cells
that could still benefit from repair.
5. On a larger scale, it prompts regeneration and
healthy cells.
On a norm, autophagy declines as we age, this explains the
reason for multiplication of old cells or cells not functioning in the body at
old age. It even explains the secret of wrinkle on our skin at old age. The
rate at which cells are being renewed reduces.
So now, here’s the second question. What does fasting has to
do with Autophagy?
Research has revealed that Fasting is the most effective way
to trigger Autophagy. When your body is denied of food, it is indirectly denied
of energy. In the process of keeping you sound and healthy, the body begins to
shed off old and unneeded cells and cell machineries mainly because of its
shortage of energy. It then begins to convert fats stored in your body to
create energy and regulate metabolic processes. Another way of doing it is
placing you on a low calorie diet. This
change in diet pattern causes your body to causes your body to shift its
metabolic pathways. It will begin to use fat for fuel instead of the glucose
that’s derived from carbohydrates.
In response to this restriction, your body will also begin
to start producing ketone bodies that have many protective effects.
Please do take note that there is a need to consult your
doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or having any health complications.
You will need medical advice to know how much of this you can really engage. Very
importantly!
In conclusion friends, when it comes to matters of health
and nutrition, the secret is balance. Don’t overdo fasting at the detriment of
your health. Understand your own body language. As much as continuous feeding
is injurious to the health, over-fasting can lead to death likewise. Balance is
key! When it comes to fasting, make it a connection between your spirit, your
mind and your body. That way you’ll experience all round refreshing, spirit,
soul and body.
You may visit any of the references below to learn more.
Keep winning friends!
Article By: Oluwadurotimi Okediji
Food, Nutrients and Health
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