Autophagy - #17664

Recently, I came across the term autophagy while reading about fasting and cellular health. I learned that it’s the body’s natural way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new, healthier ones. It seems like a process that plays a huge role in longevity, disease prevention, and overall well-being, but I’m still trying to understand how it works and whether Ayurveda has any insights on supporting autophagy naturally. From what I’ve read, autophagy occurs when the body goes into a state where it starts breaking down and recycling damaged cell components. It’s triggered by fasting, exercise, and certain dietary habits. Scientists believe that autophagy helps in reducing inflammation, preventing neurodegenerative diseases, and even protecting against cancer by clearing out toxic cell debris. But I’m wondering—does Ayurveda have its own concept of autophagy, and does it recommend any specific herbs or practices that promote this natural detox process? I’ve heard that fasting is one of the best ways to activate autophagy, and Ayurveda has a long tradition of fasting for health. Are there specific Ayurvedic fasting methods, such as intermittent fasting or juice fasting, that help in boosting autophagy? Would herbal teas or detoxifying drinks like Triphala water or turmeric tea enhance this process? Another thing I’m curious about is whether certain Ayurvedic herbs support autophagy. I’ve read that herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Guduchi are known for their rejuvenating effects—could they help the body in breaking down and renewing cells more efficiently? Are there any Rasayanas (rejuvenative Ayurvedic formulations) that specifically work at a cellular level to enhance longevity and prevent age-related damage? I also wonder if my diet could be affecting autophagy. Ayurveda emphasizes eating according to one’s dosha balance—does this approach naturally support cellular repair? Are there specific foods, like ghee, nuts, or anti-inflammatory spices, that help in promoting autophagy? Should I be avoiding processed foods or heavy meals that could slow down this natural cleansing process? Lastly, I want to know if stress and sleep impact autophagy. I’ve read that deep sleep is essential for cell repair, and Ayurveda strongly focuses on good sleep hygiene—could practices like oil massage (Abhyanga), meditation, or Pranayama enhance autophagy by reducing oxidative stress and supporting the body’s ability to heal itself? If anyone has experience using Ayurvedic methods to support autophagy, I’d love to hear what worked. Did fasting, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes make a noticeable difference in energy levels, digestion, or overall health? How long did it take to notice results? I really want to explore natural ways to enhance this powerful self-cleaning mechanism in the body, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.