Autophagy means “self-eating.” It is a natural process where the body cleans itself by breaking down and reusing old or damaged cells. When we fast or eat less for some time, the body starts this process to remove waste and keep cells healthy. This cleaning system helps prevent damaged parts from building up, which can cause illness over time.

Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi discovered how autophagy works and received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2016 for his research. His studies showed that autophagy is vital for cell repair and survival. It helps the body remove harmful or useless material and replace it with new, healthy components.

Researchers have found that autophagy may support longer life and disease prevention. When activated through intermittent fasting or eating fewer calories, it may help reduce the risk of serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists continue to study how this process can be used to improve health and slow aging.

Autophagy shows how the body can heal and renew itself naturally. It reminds us that rest, balance, and healthy habits allow our cells to work better and protect us from disease.