Lecture on Autophagy

Jul 16, 2024

Lecture on Autophagy

What is Autophagy?

  • Autophagy: A biological process where the body self-eats and recycles damaged proteins, organelles, and pathogens.
  • Acts like a recycling unit: Transforms unusable protein debris into useful materials.

Key Functions

  • Cleans up damaged proteins: Reduces inflammation.
  • Recycles organelles: E.g., Mitochondria.
  • Pathogen removal: Eliminates bacteria, fungi, mold, and viruses.
  • Viral antigens: Clears antigens that trigger immune responses.
  • Anti-aging: Provides raw materials for new cell formation and fuel.

Triggers of Autophagy

  • Depleting Energy Reserves: Reduces body's protein stores.
  • Nutritional Intake:
    • Sugar stops autophagy quickly.
    • Proteins (in significant amounts) also inhibit the process.

Autophagy and Cancer

  • Protective Aspect: Prevents disease by cleaning damaged mitochondria.
  • Paradox in Cancer: Promotes cancer growth by providing resources.
  • Anti-cancer medicine approach:
    • Inhibitors of autophagy: E.g., Hydroxychloroquine.
    • Non-toxic, plant-based Inhibitors being researched.

Strategies to Trigger Autophagy

  1. Fasting: Most effective way; different durations see different effectiveness:
    • 18 hours: Initial benefits.
    • 48-72 hours: Greater effects.
    • Low sugar/low carb diet enhances benefits.
  2. Calorie Restriction: Occasional consumption of very low calories can help.
  3. Intermittent Fasting: At least 18 hours, preferably 20 hours.
  4. Exercise: Both aerobic (longer, low intensity) and anaerobic (resistance training).
  5. Low Carbohydrate Intake: Reducing carbs as low as possible.
  6. Moderate Protein Intake: Avoid very high protein consumption.
  7. Phytonutrients: E.g., Coffee, tea, green tea, berberine, adaptogens like ashwagandha, mushrooms, ginger.

Cancer-Specific Recommendations

  • Natural Inhibitors of Autophagy:
    • Stony sponge, Apigenin (in several foods), Curcumin (in turmeric), Black cumin seed, Thunder of God Vine, Retinol (Vitamin A).
    • Considering these can help in anti-cancer strategies.

Final Notes

  • Importance of regulated strategies for autophagy to balance health benefits and cancer risks.
  • Dr. Berg's efforts to provide detailed research and content via his website due to platform restrictions.