Autophagy, derived from a Greek word, the "self-eating" nature refers to an interesting cellular process as part of the body's own recycling mechanism for cellular damage or components that have no purpose. This natural cleansing biological mechanism assists in maintaining health and restoring cellular structures through break-down and repurposing the dysfunctional components, generating energy, and rebuilding new structures for cells.

In the recent past, autophagy has been in the headlines as a potential factor toward achieving health benefits that run from anti-aging features to preventing chronic diseases.

Learn how autophagy works, its potential health impacts, and how individuals might harness this natural process for better health and longevity.

What is Autophagy?

Autophagy is an essential process in which cells remove their "junk" components - such as damaged proteins, malfunctioning organelles, or harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, which would otherwise interfere with proper cellular functioning. This autophagic housekeeping maintains cell functionality and allows them to recover from stress or nutrient depletion.

The breakdown products of these cellular wastes are amino acids during autophagy, which the cell reuses to build new proteins for energy creation or to restore and replace damaged cells. In effect, the body is recycling itself on the microscopic level, boosting survival and efficiency of its cells.

How Autophagy Works

Autophagy occurs in the cytoplasm, which is the jelly-like fluid inside cells. The whole process occurs in the following steps:

Sequestration

The dysfunctional parts of the cell are engulfed by a double-membraned structure known as a phagophore, which gives rise to an autophagosome.

Fusion

The autophagosome fuses with lysosomes, which are special structures containing enzymes that degrade waste materials.

Degradation

Lysosomal enzymes degrade the trapped cellular components into their building blocks, such as amino acids.

Utilization

The produced amino acids are then reutilized for energy or protein synthesis to build new proteins and cellular structures.

In this way, cells manage to remain viable in situations of nutrient starvation or stress, increasing their efficiency and resilience.

Health Effects of Autophagy

The researchers have linked autophagy to numerous health benefits although much of the current knowledge is based on animal studies. Some of the significant ways autophagy can promote health include the following.

1. Anti-Aging and Cellular Longevity

Autophagy is often described to be an anti-aging process. It helps remove the damaged or dysfunctional cellular components so that the process can slow the rate of cellular aging, reduce inflammation, and even enhance tissue regeneration.

2. Disease Prevention

Autophagy is very crucial in preventing chronic diseases. For example:

Neurodegenerative Diseases: It could help in clearing abnormal protein buildup, for instance, those found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Liver Health: Autophagy may prevent damage caused to the liver by alcohol, drugs, or conditions known as fatty liver.

Cancer: While autophagy may inhibit early tumor growth by removing damaged cells, it can also aid cancer cells’ survival under certain conditions, underscoring the complexity of its role.

3. Metabolic Health

By recycling damaged components, autophagy supports metabolic efficiency, potentially reducing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

4. Immune Function

Autophagy helps eradicate harmful pathogens and contributes to a more robust immune response, allowing the body to fight infection better.

Can You Trigger Autophagy?

Although autophagy is a physiological process, there are a few lifestyle modifications that have been known to enhance or trigger it. Here are several potential triggers:

Fasting

Probably, one of the most studied autophagy triggers is fasting. Fasting cells switch to survival mode and start breaking their components down for energy production. It has been observed that fasting periods of 24 to 48 hours trigger autophagy.

Caloric restriction

Even partial fasting has been proven to stimulate autophagy. Nutrient deficiency forces cells to recycle components for energy.

Exercise

Physical activity stresses cells and causes damage, which autophagy can repair. Regular exercise does not only induce autophagy but also promotes the overall cellular and metabolic well-being of an individual.

Ketogenic Diet

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may push the body into autophagy by forcing it to obtain energy from fat rather than glucose. Such a change in metabolism will enhance cellular cleaning abilities.

Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been reported in animal studies as an autophagy inducer. Yet, more human studies will be required; however, curcumin's properties as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant make it worthwhile for further investigation.

Is Fasting Connected to Autophagy?

Fasting perhaps represents the most well known form of autophagy induction. When the organism lacks food, it enters the catabolic state and has to recycle internal elements for survival.

Research has indicated that short-term fasting may actually induce autophagy in the brain, although it is still an area of active research. However, fasting should be done with extreme care because long-term deprivation can cause nutrient deficiencies and other health risks.

Potential Risks and Limitations of Autophagy

Although the benefits of autophagy are promising, there are limitations and risks associated with trying to induce it artificially:

• Unintended Consequences: Overactivation of autophagy can damage healthy cells and tissues, potentially worsening certain conditions.
• Individual Variation: Not everyone responds the same way to fasting, calorie restriction, or exercise.
• Lack of Human Research: Most studies on autophagy have been conducted in animals, leaving questions about its effects on humans unanswered.

For these reasons, consultation with a healthcare provider before such significant lifestyle modifications would stimulate autophagy. Autophagy is that beautiful cellular mechanism that underscores the ability of the body to heal and regenerate and to respond to stress. Although it will require more research for further details on its implications, health benefits are numerous; anti-aging effects as well as prevention of chronic diseases fall under this wide-ranging aspect.

If you’re interested in exploring ways to promote autophagy, consider integrating fasting, regular exercise, or a balanced diet into your routine. However, as with any health intervention, it’s crucial to approach these strategies with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

At a glance: A history of autophagy and cancer. Seminars in Cancer Biology. 2019

The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature. Ageing Res Rev. 2018

Autophagy in liver diseases: Time for translation? J Hepatol. 2019

Autophagy: eat thyself, sustain thyself. Nature Methods. 2015

Role of autophagy in alcohol and drug-induced liver injury. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2020

Becoming a parent is usually thought of as a natural part of life, yet for many couples, the process isn't that easy. You might have taken every test, monitored every cycle, and done every doctor's recommendation—only to be informed that everything is normal. And yet, conception still doesn't occur. This infuriating and most of the time perplexing experience has a name: unexplained infertility. In contrast to conditions in which the etiology is obvious, unexplained infertility puts couples hunting for answers in reproductive medicine's gray areas. Diagnosis is often both a blessing and a reversal—relief that nothing appears "wrong," but distress that no obvious solution exists.

For most couples, parenthood is a journey of anticipation, planning, and hope. But what is a couple to do when there are normal test results, no medical red flags found by doctors, and yet no pregnancy? This is the frustrating, emotionally draining experience of unexplained infertility—a condition which brings couples more questions than answers.

During an interview with Dr. R. Suchindra, Senior Consultant – Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru, he states, "Unexplained infertility is when a couple fulfills all the clinical criteria for natural conception—normal ovulation, normal sperm, patent fallopian tubes, and harmonious hormones—still does not conceive after more than one year of attempting to conceive under age 35, or six months above."

This paradox, too often underemphasized in the discussion of fertility, plagues couples around the globe and is becoming a growing public health issue. Infertility itself affects approximately 10–15% of married couples in India, yet as much as 30% of those cases qualify as unexplained. And although the term may sound final, doctors point out it is really more a matter of limitations in testing than an absolute lack of causes.

Why "Unexplained" Infertility Doesn't Mean "Hopeless"?

The phrase "unexplained infertility" may sound daunting, but it's worth recognizing that it doesn't equal a guarantee of impossibility. Rather, it denotes the realm of reproductive science as of today. Physicians claim that the condition is undeservedly named. What appears to be unexplained now can, in the course of time, turn out to be due to minute hormonal variations, egg or sperm quality problems, or even molecular immune responses that current testing cannot possibly measure.

Dr. Suchindra adds that medical technology is a large contributor: "The more sophisticated the diagnostic equipment, the fewer couples are in the unexplained category. Sometimes the cause is just concealed, not missing."

This is an important point because it reinterprets unexplained infertility as an obstacle to overcome—not an impossible one.

Hidden Causes Behind Unexplained Infertility

Though there is no one explanation, studies propose a cluster of underlying factors that could be responsible:

Latent Tuberculosis (Genital TB): Especially in South Asian nations, this latent infection can destroy the endometrium or fallopian tubes without overt symptoms.

Endometriosis and Muted Hormonal Disturbances: Disorders such as endometriosis, insulin resistance, or thyroid disease are not necessarily detected through regular checks but are able to interfere with ovulation and implantation.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Autoimmune Conditions: Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals, celiac disease, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases like lupus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) may interfere with reproductive processes.

Cervical Mucus and Immunological Factors: In certain instances, cervical mucus has antibodies that destroy sperm, a condition referred to as immunological infertility.

Egg and Sperm Quality: Counts of eggs and sperm motility can be measured, but quality is more difficult to quantify. Unhealthy eggs or undetectable sperm defects might be undetectable in routine reports but affect conception.

All of this serves to explain why unexplained infertility is still such a difficult diagnosis—because the causes are usually hidden beneath the surface.

The Emotional Burden of an Invisible Diagnosis

For couples, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is more than a medical diagnosis—it's a psychological odyssey. A lack of obvious explanation can be followed by cycles of self-blame, anxiety, and uncertainty. There is no one to draw a roadmap for treatment in this situation, as there might be for other conditions, and so patients can feel helpless.

Dr. Suchindra stresses, "This is usually the most difficult aspect for couples. With no cause found, they are left stuck. But here's what to understand: Many couples with unexplained infertility do end up conceiving naturally or with some assisted help."

Support, counseling, and honest communication with the healthcare providers become as crucial as treatments.

Approaches That Can Improve Chances of Conception

The lack of a definite cause doesn't imply there's no hope. Indeed, a combination of lifestyle changes, medical surveillance, and new reproductive technologies usually enhances the chances considerably.

1. The Importance of Time and Patience

On occasion, physicians will suggest a "watchful waiting" plan. Couples who are less than 35 years old can be told to keep trying naturally for several more months and monitor ovulation carefully. Research indicates that spontaneous conception is possible in a high percentage of situations once tension is minimized and timing is refined.

2. Lifestyle Changes That Enhance Fertility

Having a healthy weight, consuming a healthy diet, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol, reducing caffeine intake, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or mindfulness can provide a conducive environment for conception. While these measures don't "treat" infertility, they improve overall reproductive health.

3. Medical Treatments and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

When waiting and lifestyle modifications are not sufficient, physicians might prescribe treatments like:

Ovulation stimulation with medication to control or enhance egg release.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), wherein thawed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus when timed properly.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which circumvents most natural obstacles by fertilizing eggs externally and transferring embryos.

All of them have varying success rates based on the couple's age, health, and duration of trying.

Reproductive medicine is developing fast. Genetic testing, artificial intelligence for embryo choice, and better understanding of immunological and metabolic causes of infertility will soon render the "unexplained" status much less frequent.

"Each year we find new layers of how the body prepares for pregnancy," Dr. Suchindra explains. "Our challenge as clinicians is to bridge that gap between what we know and what remains unknown, so couples can find clarity and hope."

Unexplained infertility can be a disquieting diagnosis, but it is not an impasse. Many couples still conceive naturally after a few months of waiting, while others succeed by adjusting their lifestyle and by using ART. What this process requires most is resilience, honest communication with the medical team, and the knowledge that reproductive science is continuously evolving.

As Dr. Suchindra stresses, "The lack of an answer today does not equate to the lack of a solution tomorrow." To couples on this journey, that message can convert doubt into potential.

‘Birds of a feather stick together’ is often used to define people who share similar traits. It is human nature to find comfort with someone who is more similar to you in certain ways like your preference of socializing, shared hobbies as well as temperaments. Having a partner who gels with you because you both are similar can be a blessing, however could it also be a set back? You may have also heard ‘we attract people who are similar to us’ however, did you know this could also apply to what mental health conditions you may suffer with?

A massive study published in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, looked at the health records of over 14.8 million people and found a clear trend: people with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to marry someone who also has a similar condition. This isn't just a recent trend; it's a pattern that has been growing for decades and is seen in different cultures, from Taiwan to Nordic countries.

Do We Attract People Similar To Ourselves?

The study, which analyzed the health records of over 14.8 million people in Taiwan, Denmark, and Sweden, found that people with a mental health diagnosis are much more likely to marry someone with a similar condition. The pattern has become more common over the last several decades. The researchers have a few ideas why this happens:

Shared Understanding

It's possible that people who have gone through similar mental health challenges feel a special connection. They might feel more understood and accepted by a partner who knows firsthand what they're dealing with. This shared experience can build a strong bond.

Growing More Alike

Sometimes, partners in a long-term relationship start to become more similar over time. Because they live together and face similar challenges, their behaviors and experiences can begin to match up, a process researchers call "convergence."

Social Stigma

Unfortunately, there's still a lot of social judgment around mental illness. This can make dating and finding a partner more difficult. This reality might lead people with mental health conditions to have a smaller group of potential partners, making it more likely they'll end up with someone who also has a similar background.

Do Our Mental Health Conditions Affect Our Families?

This study also uncovered some important findings about how this trend can affect families and overall health.

Passing on Conditions

When both parents have the same mental health disorder, their children are twice as likely to develop the condition themselves. This risk is highest for conditions that are known to have a strong genetic link, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Physical Health Risks

Mental health issues don't just affect the mind; they can also impact the body. For example, people with depression are at a 40% higher risk of developing heart and metabolic diseases.

Strained Relationships

Previous studies have already shown that marriages where one partner has a mental health condition have a higher chance of divorce. These new findings add to that by showing that the marriage itself is often formed between two people who are already facing similar mental health challenges.

It is truly never too late to turn your life around and find a better version of yourself, and this neurologist is proof of that. Although you may have heard of many weight loss stories, where people overcame many difficulties and lost multiple kgs, it can be a much more difficult task to find that motivation yourself.

From 100 kgs to 70 kgs, Dr Sudhir Kumar shared his weight loss journey on social media platform X. He shared his experience and realistic tips that helped him lose the extra pounds and take a step towards a healthier future.

How Dr Sudhir Kumar Lost the Weight

Dr. Kumar's journey started in November 2020. At that time, he had some habits that weren't great for his health: he worked long hours (16-17 per day), got very little sleep (4-5 hours), and ate a lot of junk food and sweets. He weighed 100 kg and found it difficult to even walk 5 km.

To start his transformation, he focused on a simple exercise: running. But he didn't jump into it all at once. He began slowly by walking 5 km, and over the next few months, he gradually increased his distance to 10 km. After that, he started jogging and then running. His main goal was to focus on the time he spent being active, not how fast he was.

How Did Losing Weight Helped Dr Sudhir Kumar?

Later, in December 2022, he also added strength training at least three times a week to build muscle and burn more calories. These lifestyle changes led to some incredible results, both on the scale and in his overall health.

• He went from weighing 110 kg down to a healthy 70 kg.
• He felt more awake and focused at work and had more energy throughout the day.
• His resting heart rate dropped from 72 beats per minute to a much healthier 40-42 bpm, showing how much stronger his heart had become.
• His blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure all got better, reducing his risk for many serious health problems.
• He also noticed a boost in his self-esteem and self-confidence.

What Are Dr Sudhir Kumar's Top Weight Loss Tips?

Dr. Kumar shared the most important lessons he learned, hoping they will inspire and guide others.

• The most important thing is to show up and be active every single day. Being consistent is more important than working out at a high intensity.
• Run at a pace that you enjoy, not one that competes with others. Your speed will naturally get better over time as you get fitter.
• Don't just stick to running. Adding other activities like strength training or cross-training will keep you from getting bored and help prevent injuries.
• Exercise works best when you also change what you eat. Focus on reducing your total calories and try eating within a specific time window each day.
• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is non-negotiable. Good sleep helps your body recover, improves your mood, and gives you the energy you need for your workouts.
• Dr. Kumar reminds everyone that these are just helpful tips, not strict rules. He strongly advises talking to a doctor before making any big changes to your diet or exercise routine.