New year, new (recycled) cells

New Year's Day approaches, and the "new year, new YOU" comes with it. YOU are a body, and your body is made up of organs, which are made up of cells. I will be focusing on a smaller, cellular level. I want to discuss the concept of autophagy. Autophagy is broken down by auto (self) and phagy (eating), which means self-eating. This is a process that our cells follow during a type of recycling process when exposed to a certain level of stress or accumulation of toxins.

Cells will follow this process of recycling as a response to stressors and the build-up of toxins. As we age, this process becomes a little slower. Think of it as having less energy to break down those cardboard boxes to put into the recycling bin. Now, we know that just because we age, it does not necessarily mean we become slow and weak. We know that it takes intentionality and a little bit of discomfort now to have more energy and strength later. The same thing is true for cells. As we age, if we are not intentional, we tend to give up on things like exercise with the excuse of feeling tired and "getting too old for this stuff." Our cells also age, and if they are not pushed, the recycling slows down and even stops.

Now, you may be thinking that this may not be a big issue. Just like you may believe that one cardboard box will not make a big change for the environment. The thing is, if the recycling stops or slows down, our cells are leaving behind the toxins that they were responsible for getting rid of. I have a love-hate relationship with the word "toxin." I hate that it sounds so serious, but also love the effect it has on our minds, like it is actual poison. In a way, it can be like that. Certain toxin build-up that is affected by the halt of recycling from our cells is centered at the neurodegenerative level. Some toxic proteins are the ones responsible for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. If those toxic proteins linger in our bodies, it creates more risk for these diseases.

On another scary level, is the fact that when our cells do not recycle properly, they also get "lazy" in the regeneration process that helps us stay young. Yes, I am talking about keeping those wrinkles away and seeing that plump and glow in our cheeks. Autophagy helps promote regeneration and healthy cells. You may be blessed with some great genes, but the effect these have on our lives is minimal compared to the "learned genes" that come from habit building. You may not realize that you follow a routine passed down from generations that includes a healthy lifestyle. Your family may have followed a healthy routine like eating a certain way or always being active.

Yes. If you've read my other blogs, you know where this is heading. A healthy lifestyle and exercise are again the key ingredients to this autophagy process. In particular, autophagy seems to react well to intermittent fasting and exercise. Intermittent fasting is the process of not eating for a specific amount of time. There are several ways to follow this regimen, and you can find the right one for you. I recommend talking with your doctor before you try this to make sure it is right for your specific medical needs. This regimen could be dangerous for people with certain chronic diseases. Exercise, on the other hand, is for everyone. I'm not saying that running is for everyone or that biking is for everyone, but I am saying that EVERYONE can find one physical activity that works for them.

Both approaches are difficult and require effort. We were created to work, and it is at times when I read about things like these that it just confirms it. When we slow down, our factory (or body) is not producing the same, and the profits decrease until we end up bankrupt. It is never too late to start, but remember, any investment will have more chance to grow when you start early.

Reference:

Autophagy: Definition, Diet, Fasting, Cancer, Benefits, and More. (2018, August 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/autophagy#benefits