How to renew your body: Fasting and autophagy

Yoshinori Ohsumi – awarded the Nobel Prize for his discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy

Yoshinori Ohsumi

In 2016, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Yoshinori Ohsumi for his discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy.

But what is autophagy? The word derives from the Greek auto (self) and phagein (to eat). So the word literally means to eat oneself. Essentially, this is the body’s mechanism of getting rid of all the broken down, old cell machinery (organelles, proteins and cell membranes) when there’s no longer enough energy to sustain it. It is a regulated, orderly process to degrade and recycle cellular components.

junker_sot_up-300x200There is a similar, better known process called apoptosis also known as programmed cell death. Cells, after a certain number of division, are programmed to die. While this may sound kind of macabre at first, realize that this process is essential in maintaining good health. For example, suppose you own a car. You love this car. You have great memories in it. You love to ride it.

But after a few years, it starts to look kind of beat up. After a few more, it’s not looking so great. The car is costing you thousands of dollars every year to maintain. It’s breaking down all the time. Is it better to keep it around when it’s nothing but a hunk of junk? Obviously not. So you get rid of it and buy a snazzy new car.

The same thing happens in the body. Cells become old and junky. It is better that they be programmed to die when their useful life is done. It sounds really cruel, but that’s life. That’s the process of apoptosis, where cells are pre-destined to die after a certain amount of time. It’s like leasing a car. After a certain amount of time, you get rid of the car, whether it’s still working or not. Then you get a new car. You don’t have to worry about it breaking down at the worst possible time.

Autophagy – replacing old parts of the cell

The same process also happens at a sub-cellular level. You don’t necessarily need to replace the entire car. Sometimes, you just need to replace the battery, throw out the old one and get a new one. This also happens in the cells. Instead of killing off the entire cell (apoptosis), you only want to replace some cell parts. That is the process of autophagy, where sub-cellular organelles are destroyed and new ones are rebuilt to replace it. Old cell membranes, organelles and other cellular debris can be removed. This is done by sending it to the lysosome which is a specialized organelle containing enzymes to degrade proteins.

zh10080957560005-1Autophagy was first described in 1962 when researchers noted an increase in the number of lysosomes (the part of the cell that destroys stuff) in rat liver cells after infusing glucagon. The Nobel prize winning scientist Christian de Duve coined the term autophagy. Damaged sub cellular parts and unused proteins become marked for destruction and then sent to the lysosomes to finish the job.

One of the key regulators of autophagy is the kinase called mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). When mTOR is activated, it suppresses autophagy, and when dormant, it promotes it.

What activates autophagy?

Nutrient deprivation is the key activator of autophagy. Remember that glucagon is kind of the opposite hormone to insulin. It’s like the game we played as kids – ‘opposite day’. If insulin goes up, glucagon goes down. If insulin goes down, glucagon goes up. As we eat, insulin goes up and glucagon goes down. When we don’t eat (fast) insulin goes down and glucagon goes up. This increase in glucagon stimulates the process of autophagy. In fact, fasting (raises glucagon) provides the greatest known boost to autophagy.

Fasting is actually far more beneficial than just stimulating autophagy. It does two good things. By stimulating autophagy, we are clearing out all our old, junky proteins and cellular parts. At the same time, fasting also stimulates growth hormone, which tells our body to start producing some new snazzy parts for the body. We are really giving our bodies the complete renovation.

You need to get rid of the old stuff before you can put in new stuff. Think about renovating your kitchen. If you have old 1970s style lime green cabinets sitting around, you need to junk them before putting in some new ones. So the process of destruction (removal) is just as important as the process of creation. If you simply tried to put in new cabinets without taking out the old ones, it wouldn’t look so hot. So fasting may in some ways reverse the aging process, by getting rid of old cellular junk and replacing it with new parts.

A highly controlled process

Autophagy is a highly regulated process. If it runs amok, out of control, this would be detrimental, so it must be carefully controlled. In mammalian cells, total depletion of amino acids is a strong signal for autophagy, but the role of individual amino acids is more variable. However, the plasma amino acid levels vary only a little. Amino acid signals and growth factor / insulin signals are thought to converge on the mTOR pathway – sometimes called the master regulator of nutrient signalling.

So, during autophagy, old cell components are broken down into the component amino acids (the building block of proteins). What happens to these amino acids? In the early stages of fasting, amino acid levels start to increase. It is thought that these amino acids derived from autophagy are delivered to the liver for gluconeogenesis. They can also be broken down into glucose through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The third potential fate of amino acids is to be incorporated into new proteins.

The consequences of accumulating old junky proteins all over the place can be seen in two main conditions – Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and cancer. Alzheimer’s Disease involves the accumulation of abnormal protein – either amyloid beta or Tau protein which gums up the brain system. Although we don’t yet have clinical trial evidence for this, it would make sense that a process like autophagy that has the ability to clear out old protein could prevent the development of AD.

What turns off autophagy? Eating. Glucose, insulin (or decreased glucagon) and proteins all turn off this self-cleaning process. And it doesn’t take much. Even a small amount of amino acid (leucine) could stop autophagy cold. So this process of autophagy is unique to fasting – something not found in simple caloric restriction or dieting.

There is a balance here, of course. You get sick from too much autophagy as well as too little. Which gets us back to the natural cycle of life – feast and fast. Not constant dieting. This allows for cell growth during eating, and cellular cleansing during fasting – balance. Life is all about balance.


Jason Fung

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128 comments

  1. Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    Does Spirulina and Chlorella stop autophagy while on a longer extended fast

    This video may be helpful for you. https://www.dietdoctor.com/video-post-what-breaks-a-fast

  2. Genevieve
    Keto depletes your reserves of potassium. So important to lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, utilize protein, and so much more. That's why Dr. Eric Berg preaches eating enougj vegetables to get 4,700 mg potassium every single day especially while doing keto.
  3. Angel
    Since it is specific for each person, how will we know when we have reached Autophagy? How long do we need to be in Autophagy for the full benefits?
    Reply: #106
  4. Rachelle Philbin
    While I'm fasting am I only allowed water and black coffee? What about Gatorade? I'm doing 36 hour fast. 36 on 12 off, 36 on 12 off etc., can i eat whatever I want while doing my 12 on?
    Reply: #105
  5. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    While I'm fasting am I only allowed water and black coffee? What about Gatorade? I'm doing 36 hour fast. 36 on 12 off, 36 on 12 off etc., can i eat whatever I want while doing my 12 on?

    Gatorade would definitely break a fast. Dr Fung recommends water, black coffee or tea. Bone broth may be useful in replacing electrolytes. When not fasting, eating low carb meals is helpful if you're trying to lose weight or reduce insulin resistance.

  6. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    Since it is specific for each person, how will we know when we have reached Autophagy? How long do we need to be in Autophagy for the full benefits?

    There is no set answer since that does vary for each person. Autophagy can begin as early as just the natural fasting between dinner and breakfast for some people. There aren't going to be signs or symptoms of it though. Here's another article from Dr Fung that elaborates about autophagy a little more.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/autophagy-cure-many-present-day-diseases

  7. 1 comment removed
  8. Laura
    this article states, even a small amount of food will stop autophagy. I have been on a seven day fast and have a coffee with one tablespoon of butter each day. is this ruining my fast. this is important for me because I suffer from major depressive disorder and worry about Alzheimer's.
    Reply: #109
  9. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    this article states, even a small amount of food will stop autophagy. I have been on a seven day fast and have a coffee with one tablespoon of butter each day. is this ruining my fast. this is important for me because I suffer from major depressive disorder and worry about Alzheimer's.

    Dr Fung explains about "breaking" a fast in more detail in this video.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/video-post-what-breaks-a-fast

  10. 1 comment removed
  11. Karen
    Extended fasting to 21 da
    days or more, will taking supplements or painkillers interrupt autophagy and is broth of greens, nettles, onions ok, or miso drink. Needing longer fast to prevent life threatening condition. Inspired by natasha winters recovery on long fast.
    I much appreciate your response thank you.
  12. Monica Lambert
    Fasting for 5 days for 6 weeks would be okay?
    Reply: #113
  13. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    Fasting for 5 days for 6 weeks would be okay?

    Dr Fung recommends doctor supervision for longer fasts. There is a risk of not getting enough nutrition. Although the OMAD guide is specifically for one meal a day, it may give some good points for you to consider.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting/omad

  14. marilee1
    What would the recommended protocol of fasting be for tightening up my loose skin, after losing 50 lbs.? I still have about 15 to go. I am strength training 3 days a week and walking on the other days. I am doing keto and intermittent fasting and extended fasting of 3-5 days once (sometimes twice) a month. I have lost this weight in 5 months. Does it still just take more time or is there something else I could be doing to speed it up? Thanks for your answer.
    Reply: #115
  15. Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor

    What would the recommended protocol of fasting be for tightening up my loose skin, after losing 50 lbs.? I still have about 15 to go. I am strength training 3 days a week and walking on the other days. I am doing keto and intermittent fasting and extended fasting of 3-5 days once (sometimes twice) a month. I have lost this weight in 5 months. Does it still just take more time or is there something else I could be doing to speed it up? Thanks for your answer.

    It sounds like you have all the bases covered. It may just be a matter of time to see results.

  16. Mary Titus
    I began fasting 13 years ago. Its really the best part of my healthy diet. When I began fasting I researched it to see if it would work with my ketogenic diet. I learned that it was also ketogenic, they work hand in hand. I'm 63 and ill continue to fast and eat ketogenic. Go autophagy.
  17. Arvin Alquero
    What is the time begin or start authopagy while fasting? Is it 16 hours? Pls give the exact time?
  18. Jill
    Unfortunately, There is no exact time.
  19. michelle
    Great article, thanks!!!
  20. Lee Hellinger
    Very interesting
  21. Andrea
    I have been successfully fasting for almost a year. Combined with OMAD I've lost 98 lbs, but during my latest fast (3 days in) my blood sugar fell to 3.1mmol/l
    I'm not diabetic and have no metabolic issues.
    I have 37lbs to go.

    Are my fasting days over?
    Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
    Andrea

    Reply: #122
  22. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    I have been successfully fasting for almost a year. Combined with OMAD I've lost 98 lbs, but during my latest fast (3 days in) my blood sugar fell to 3.1mmol/l
    I'm not diabetic and have no metabolic issues.
    I have 37lbs to go.
    Are my fasting days over?
    Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
    Andrea

    Dr Fung recommends medical supervision during longer fasts, to assist with questions of blood sugar or medication.

  23. luis
    false Claim! autophagy is not something exclusive of the fast and also in fastin period is less efective, is better in a good calorie deficit + excersice!
  24. jammie
    They should teach stuff like this in school. I don't like the analogy of the old car, they are built to fail these days, my "old" car outperform many new expensive cars. I prefer to think of inter-cellular junk as like having a garage so full of so much stuff that it becomes very difficult to do anything or find anything in it (which most can relate to), and by fasting it's a way of cleaning out the garage, having a yard sale, in any case a clean and tidy minimalistic garage is much more efficient and enjoyable to work in.
  25. 1 comment removed
  26. Bob
    Will drinking water with three ounces of lemon juice (6 carbs, 24 calories) in it spread over the entire day (16 hours) turn off autophagy during a water only fast?
    Reply: #127
  27. Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    Will drinking water with three ounces of lemon juice (6 carbs, 24 calories) in it spread over the entire day (16 hours) turn off autophagy during a water only fast?

    This video may be helpful for you! https://www.dietdoctor.com/video-post-what-breaks-a-fast

  28. Kimberly
    hello, while fasting for 24hrs-36hrs, how much homemade bone broth can be consumed in one sitting to stay in ketosis state and how much broth can be consumed during these fasting? will 4oz homemade bone broth break your fast or take you out of autophagy or ketosis? is 8oz too much? I've read several books and it mentions bone broth but now how many ounces or how often during these fasting timeframes. can you please advise?
    Reply: #129
  29. Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    hello, while fasting for 24hrs-36hrs, how much homemade bone broth can be consumed in one sitting to stay in ketosis state and how much broth can be consumed during these fasting? will 4oz homemade bone broth break your fast or take you out of autophagy or ketosis? is 8oz too much? I've read several books and it mentions bone broth but now how many ounces or how often during these fasting timeframes. can you please advise?

    Hi, Kimberly! This video should be helpful for you! https://www.dietdoctor.com/video-post-what-breaks-a-fast

  30. Sara
    Can I drink fruit juices in the morning, or smoothies? Juices are ussualy from orange, grapefruit and lemon. For smoothies can you give suggestion if allowed? Thanks in advance!
    Reply: #131
  31. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    Can I drink fruit juices in the morning, or smoothies? Juices are ussualy from orange, grapefruit and lemon. For smoothies can you give suggestion if allowed? Thanks in advance!

    Unfortunately juices and most smoothies are pretty high in carbohydrates. You can read more about what foods to include and avoid in our keto for beginners guide.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto

  32. Kate Crane
    If we die without amino acids why don’t we die whilst fasting ?
  33. Annik Desrosiers
    Is it true that certain food, like cacao or mushroom, can promote autophagy?
    Reply: #134
  34. Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    Is it true that certain food, like cacao or mushroom, can promote autophagy?

    Hi, Annik! That's not something I've ever heard about. There may be more research available online.

  35. Michelle
    I’ve completed a10 day water fast. For referring , I ate small cubes honeydew, cantlooe, oranges, and pineapple. One poached egg on top of a fish cake. Well, it didn’t go too good… within 15 minutes, I felt weak , and instantly knew I was about to pass out. Which I did. Thankfully, my daughter was with me. Took me to washroom. It came out wrong end. I was given a glass of orange juice and recovered almost instantly. I’m so embarrassed because I read up on what/how to refeed. I guess I over did it? I feel like my blood sugars were depleted. Any advice will help. I’d only do 3 day fast from now on. What should I eat next? So far I’m just drinking orange juice. Thanks for any advice
    Reply: #136
  36. Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    I’ve completed a10 day water fast. For referring , I ate small cubes honeydew, cantlooe, oranges, and pineapple. One poached egg on top of a fish cake. Well, it didn’t go too good… within 15 minutes, I felt weak , and instantly knew I was about to pass out. Which I did. Thankfully, my daughter was with me. Took me to washroom. It came out wrong end. I was given a glass of orange juice and recovered almost instantly. I’m so embarrassed because I read up on what/how to refeed. I guess I over did it? I feel like my blood sugars were depleted. Any advice will help. I’d only do 3 day fast from now on. What should I eat next? So far I’m just drinking orange juice. Thanks for any advice

    We recommend doctor supervision for extended fasting. If you start to feel weak please break the fast.

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