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

This year, Nick Jonas has completed 20 years with type 1 diabetes. This is also the same year when his band, the Jonas Brothers have also hit the mark of 20th anniversary. Speaking to Healthline, Jonas said, "It is crazy hpw it lined up. It has been a wild journey in both... in the Brothers sense, it's been the ride of a lifetime, and we have been so fortunate to be able to do this for 20 years now and to have the support of the world's greatest fans."

He also revealed that he had great and some tough times too living with diabetes. There had been struggles of managing his low, however, he revealed that being the spokesperson of Dexcom, a healthcare company known for its glucose monitoring system, and through his own non-profit initiative Beyond Type 1, he has been joyful. “Overall, I’m really grateful to have been able to be transparent about [type 1] and to connect with all these wonderful people from all regions of the world who are experiencing their own diabetes journey, and it’s a really big thing to feel like you’re a little less alone in it,” said Jonas.

On World Diabetes Day, which was on November 14, Jonas took to the stage during a Jonas Brothers concert and shared the audience his A1C. This is a test that measures one's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. This number shows how well diabetes has been managed. He shared an inspiring message of hope, while giving a shoutout to his A1C. The concert was attended by Dexcom Warrior community, which makes more than 30,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes and may share the same experiences. “It was really special for me to get to use the Jonas Brothers’ platform as a place to speak about something that’s obviously very personal to me and on World Diabetes Day, I think it’s natural to get reflective and to tap into kind of what life looks like for me as a now 33-year-old person living with this disease,” he said.

He also dedicated the song 'A Little Bit Longer', that he had written very early on in his career during his diabetes journey. “It’s a really important time for me to get to speak on stage like that and play a song that I wrote about these experiences when I was 14 and to see the impact it still has to this day with the fan base,” he said.

Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Here are some strategies Jonas uses that helped him manage his diabetes. First off the list is to take the pressure off. “You’re never going to have the perfect day living with this disease and even if you’re super on top of your diabetes management, there are just things that are a little out of your control and being able to take a deep breath, reset, and know that it’s going to be OK on the other side is really important,” he said.

It may seem hard, but he said learning it in the beginning of his diagnosis helped him manage his diabetes. Then comes the care. He has focused on taking vitamins, caring for his skin, and most importantly, staying hydrated. “It’s a simple thing, but the more water I drink, my glucose levels are better. I don’t know exactly why, but I just find that hydrating has a lot of health benefits,” said Jonas. “I didn’t put as much focus on it earlier in my life as I do now, and it’s been really beneficial.”

Physical activity is a must. He walks for 30 minutes daily, or sometimes longer for his physical, mental, and emotional health. “It really centers me and even when it’s cold out, getting out in the fresh air is really important when a lot of my day too, is spent indoors for hours at venue or on a film set or something,” he said.

His focus on self, he says is the most important as he says he relies on his therapist from time to time. "I think it is really important to do that self-work". Lastly, he says everyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, must take part in the community. “There will be good days, there will be tough days, but you can climb this mountain, and there’s some incredible people out there whose stories will really inspire anybody that’s going through tough moments,” said Jonas.

People prescribed venlafaxine are being urged to stay alert to certain symptoms and side effects that may require medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Venlafaxine is a widely used SNRI antidepressant. It is mainly prescribed for depression, but doctors may also recommend it for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

What Is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, sold under brand names such as Effexor and Effexor XR, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It helps regulate mood by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that play a key role in emotional balance and mental stability.

Doctors Warn People Taking Venlafaxine

The medicine is usually taken as a tablet or capsule. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, chemicals that help regulate mood. According to NHS guidance, venlafaxine tends to cause fewer side effects than older antidepressants. That said, it is not completely free of risks.

Most people begin to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, although it can take four to six weeks for the drug to have its full effect.

Venlafaxine Side Effects

Common side effects listed by the NHS include sweating, nausea, a dry mouth, and headaches. These are generally mild and often ease as the body adjusts to the medication.

However, there are other, more serious side effects that may need prompt medical advice. While these reactions are uncommon and affect fewer than one in 100 people, the NHS advises contacting 111 or a GP if they occur.

Venlafaxine Serious Side Effects

NHS advice says you should speak to your GP if you notice unexpected weight gain or weight loss, or sudden changes to your menstrual cycle. This may include spotting, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods.

Patients are also advised to contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking venlafaxine:

• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• Bleeding gums
• Bruising that appears without explanation or continues to spread
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Muscle pain or weakness with no clear cause
• Breathlessness, or a heartbeat that feels fast, uneven, or irregular
• Intense feelings of elation, extreme excitement, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay still
• Changes in vision, including blurred eyesight or enlarged pupils
• Coughing up blood
• Blood in urine
• Persistent headaches along with confusion, weakness, or repeated muscle cramps
• Black or red stools, or blood in vomit, which may point to internal bleeding

As adenovirus cases continue to rise globally, health professionals have noticed that this potentially serious infection is sometimes being mistaken for another illness, what many are calling the ‘super flu’.

For those unfamiliar, adenovirus is a DNA virus that gradually affects a person’s upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as other organs. This can include the eyes, digestive system, and kidneys.

Adenovirus Or Super Flu?

According to Dr. Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who spoke to Cosmopolitan: "It spreads when someone breathes in infected droplets, touches the virus and then rubs their eyes, or through the faecal-oral route (not washing hands properly after using the toilet)."

"It moves quickly in crowded spaces where people are close together." She added, "The virus is resistant to soap and many commonly used cleaning products."

Adenovirus: What Are The Symptoms?

The reassuring news about adenovirus is that most people recover within a week or two. Its symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold.

Typical signs include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In more severe cases, patients may also experience conjunctivitis, ear pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, or urinary tract infections.

Certain groups are at higher risk of serious illness. Dr. Lee notes, "Babies and children under five, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable."

Although adenovirus symptoms often resemble those of a typical flu, it’s important to know when someone is dealing with the flu—or worse, the current ‘super flu’ that’s circulating widely.

How Does Adenovirus Differ From The 'Normal' Flu?

One way to tell the difference is by how long someone is sick. Adenovirus tends to develop gradually, whereas the ‘normal’ flu often hits suddenly, with high fever and intense symptoms within hours, Lee explains. Common flu symptoms also include a high temperature (38–40°C), severe headache, and extreme fatigue.

Other key differences: adenovirus can occur throughout the year, while flu is mostly seasonal. Adenovirus can also cause pink eye and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea, but it’s less likely to lead to serious complications compared to flu.

What About The 'Super Flu'?

Doctors say it’s not only the regular flu that needs to be distinguished from adenovirus, but also the current ‘super flu,’ which is causing particularly dramatic symptoms.

This infection is caused by the H3N2 virus and tends to be more severe than typical winter illnesses, especially in the UK.

"Past data shows H3N2 has been linked to more hospitalizations and deaths from flu, especially among adults over 65 and young children, compared with other flu types," Lee explained. When comparing the ‘super flu’ to adenovirus, she notes that the symptoms are very similar.

However, she stresses that the ‘super flu’ is considered much more intense. Not only can your sore throat feel agonizing, but aches and pains may be strong enough to confine you to bed.

Adenovirus vs Super Flu: Symptoms Explained

While adenovirus and the so-called ‘super flu’ can feel very similar, there are subtle differences to watch for. Adenovirus usually develops gradually, with fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes pink eye or digestive upset. Most healthy individuals recover within a week or two. In contrast, the ‘super flu,’ caused by the H3N2 virus, hits hard and fast—high fever, intense body aches, severe fatigue, and an agonizing sore throat are common.

Both illnesses can affect vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, but the super flu tends to bring more extreme symptoms that may require hospitalization. Understanding these distinctions can help people recognize the illness early and seek appropriate care.