Nobel Prize Discovery Reveals How Fasting Triggers the Body’s Self-Cleaning System
Nobel Prize Discovery Reveals How Fasting Triggers the Body’s Self-Cleaning System
Nobel Prize Discovery Reveals How Fasting Triggers the Body’s Self-Cleaning System
Japanese biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi reshaped modern understanding of human health after discovering how the body removes damaged cells during periods without food, a process now known as autophagy. His groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize and opened new pathways in research on aging, immunity, and disease prevention.
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Autophagy is the body’s natural recycling system. When external nutrients are unavailable, such as during fasting, cells begin to break down old, malfunctioning components and convert them into energy and building blocks for new, healthier cells. Rather than shutting down, the body enters a repair and renewal mode, clearing toxins, damaged proteins, and cellular waste.
Scientists have since linked autophagy to a wide range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, stronger immune function, slower aging, and protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The process is also being studied for its potential role in cancer defense, metabolic repair, and longevity.
Ohsumi’s discovery has significantly influenced modern health practices, including intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating, which aim to activate autophagy through controlled periods of fasting. Researchers say these approaches help maintain cellular balance and reduce the risk of chronic diseases without relying solely on medication.
Experts note that the findings highlight a powerful biological principle: strategic periods of less food can allow the body to heal, renew, and strengthen itself from within.
Nobel Prize Discovery Reveals How Fasting Triggers the Body’s Self-Cleaning System
