The Hormonal Maestros: How Fasting Orchestrates Autophagy
Fasting isn't just about calorie restriction; it's a powerful metabolic signal that profoundly alters your body's hormonal landscape. These hormonal shifts are the primary conductors orchestrating the symphony of cellular recycling known as autophagy. Understanding these key players reveals the intricate wisdom of the body's design for self-preservation and renewal. The Fed State: Growth and Storage Dominance In the fed state, after you've eaten, your body is in an anabolic (building) and storage mode. Key hormones are elevated: Insulin: Released in response to rising blood glucose, insulin is the ultimate anti-autophagic hormone. It signals abundance, promotes glucose uptake, fat storage, and protein synthesis. High insulin levels actively suppress autophagy. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): Stimulated by growth hormone and nutrient availability (especially protein), IGF-1 is another powerful anabolic hormone that, like insulin, inhibits autoph...
