aïo ૐ ~ a blog by atomïo

Adding a slice of lemon and a pinch of salt, specifically an unrefined salt like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, to your daily drinking water might seem like a simple change, but it unlocks a synergy of benefits that go far beyond basic hydration. This simple mixture transforms plain water into a powerful electrolyte elixir , supporting everything from cellular function to digestion. Enhanced Hydration and Electrolyte Balance The most critical benefit of this mixture is its ability to boost true hydration . Water alone is essential, but for optimal cellular function, it needs minerals. The Role of Salt (Sodium): Sodium is an essential electrolyte that works with potassium to regulate fluid balance both inside and outside your cells.   When you sweat, you lose sodium.  Drinking water with a pinch of salt helps replenish these lost minerals, ensuring that the water you drink is actually being absorbed and utilized by your body, rather than just passing through. This is partic...

The human body possesses a remarkable, in-built recycling program known as autophagy (Greek for "self-eating"). This crucial cellular process—where damaged proteins, organelles, and old cell parts are degraded and recycled—is constantly active, but it becomes dramatically up-regulated during periods of nutrient deprivation, such as a strict fast. Understanding the timeline of this activation is key to maximizing the benefits of fasting. The Autophagy Timeline: From Induction to Peak The transition from a fed state to a deep fast follows a predictable metabolic shift, which is what triggers the cellular machinery of autophagy. Fasting Stage Approximate Duration Key Metabolic Event Autophagy Status Induction 12 to 18 hours Liver glycogen stores are becoming depleted; blood glucose and insulin levels drop. Initial Ramp-Up Activation 18 to 24 hours The body switches to burning fat for fuel ( ketosis begins ). The inhibition of the mTOR pathway activates autophagic genes. Measura...