Did you know your body has a built-in “detox and repair” system? It’s called autophagy, a natural process where your cells clean out old, damaged parts and renew themselves. This discovery earned Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and it’s now one of the most exciting areas in longevity research.
When you eat constantly, your body stays in “growth and storage” mode. But when you fast for 12 to 24+ hours, your body switches into “repair mode.” During this time, your cells start recycling waste, repairing damage, and renewing themselves — like clearing junk files from your phone to make it run smoother.
Benefits of Autophagy
- Encourages cellular renewal and repair
- Helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Supports metabolic balance and energy
- May lower the risk of age-related diseases
Who Should NOT Fast
Fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. Avoid fasting or seek medical supervision if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are underweight or have a history of eating disorders
- Have diabetes or low blood sugar (especially if on insulin or medication)
- Have chronic illness, frailty, or recovering from major illness/surgery
- Take medications that require food (e.g. steroids, some painkillers, or acid-lowering drugs)
- Have thyroid, adrenal, or heart conditions
Always check with a doctor or nutrition professional before starting any fasting plan.
How to Try It Safely
- Start small: Try a 12–14 hour overnight fast (finish dinner at 7 pm, eat breakfast at 9 am).
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of filtered water.
- Break the fast gently: Eat balanced meals with vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.
- Listen to your body: Light-headedness, weakness, or irritability are signs to stop or shorten the fast.
Fasting isn’t about starving — it’s about giving your body time to clean, repair, and renew. Even short, regular fasting windows can help your cells rejuvenate and support graceful, healthy aging from the inside out.
If you’re curious about whether fasting is right for you, or how to do it safely alongside your health goals, speak to our holistic nutritionist today.
