Autophagy also destroys disease-causingpathogens, like bacteria and viruses, that can harm cells.
How Autophagy Works
Autophagy takes place within the gelatinous fluid inside of a cell called cytoplasm.
By doing so, a cell becomes more efficient.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Benefits of Autophagy
Autophagy has important effects that occur both within and outside of a cell.
The aim of autophagy ultimately is to keep the body in homeostasis.
Making sudden, severe changes to your diet or exercise routine can cause more harm than good.
How Do I Know I’m in Autophagy?
It’s not usually possible to tell when your cells are in autophagy.
Significance in Medicine
Autophagy declines with age, contributing to the aging process.
The recycled parts are turned into amino acids that can be used for fuel or to form new proteins.
Certain chronic diseases are linked to problems with autophagy.
Even so, there is no evidence that triggering autophagy with diet or exercise can prevent or treat illnesses.
Exercise and diet may be of benefit to you, but not for the purpose of inducing autophagy.
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