Autophagy: A New Version of Ancient Indian Health Management System

Abstract

Autophagy is a lysosome involved degradation system by which the cytoplasmic components of the cells are recycled. In response to acute stress like starvation and exercise, autophagy is activated. It degrades organelles and proteins to provide energy and metabolites for its pro-survival effects. These degraded organelles include long-lived and malformed proteins, organelles damaged during biosynthesis. Thus, it helps to rejuvenate organs and clear out the junk and toxins that builds up, proving to have beneficial effects on the health. Thus, channelling this innate process of cleansing for maximal health benefits is necessary, without overdoing it which otherwise may cause unnecessary stress. This autophagy can be regulated by various therapies like drugs and daily routine activities. While many drugs target these pathways, we can control them naturally through diet and exercise. Indian System of Health Management advocates an ideal lifestyle which is applicable for all culture and geography through which autophagy can be regulated. Ayurveda with its objective ‘Swasthya Rakshanam’ meaning maintenance of health emphasises the importance of good lifestyle. These systems contain various daily routine practices to help in inducing autophagy in the body which helps in rejuvenate body organs. They provide us with a stimulus for autophagy to create more beneficial cellular components (like in our immune system) or a stimulus to remove more harmful ones (like faulty cells and cancer). These include methods like fasting (upavasam) in Ayurveda, and yoga techniques mainly Shatkarma which include neti, kunjalkriya, agnisar, nauli, kapalabhati, tratak and shankaprakshalana. Thus, now we can add autophagy in the long list of health benefits and use different system of Indian medicine in regulating it for our health benefits.