How Autophagy Protects Your Cells and Boosts Longevity

In this Metabolic Classroom lecture, Dr. Bikman delves into the fascinating metabolic process of autophagy, the body’s natural recycling system that maintains cellular health by breaking down and reusing damaged components. Ben explains how autophagy is essential for replacing malfunctioning organelles and proteins, thereby preventing diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and even some cancers. Autophagy also plays a crucial role in energy production during nutrient deprivation, highlighting its importance for survival and optimal cellular function. Dr. Bikman also discusses the relationship between autophagy and metabolic health, emphasizing how impaired autophagic activity in adipose tissue contributes to inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity. He explores its role in longevity, citing evidence that enhanced autophagy can improve health span and lifespan in animal studies. Additionally, Ben examines how factors like insulin, nutrient availability, and diets such as ketogenic diets regulate autophagy, with ketones having a direct effect on boosting this process. Throughout the lecture, Dr. Bikman underscores the need for balance in autophagy, warning against excessive or constant activation, whether through pharmacological means like rapamycin or mismanaged dietary habits, advocating instead for natural regulation via nutrient signals. Show Notes/References: For complete show notes and references referred to in this episode, we invite you to become a Ben Bikman Insider subscriber. As a subscriber, you’ll enjoy real-time, livestream Metabolic Classroom access which includes live Q&A with Ben, ad-free Metabolic Classroom Podcast episodes, show notes and references, Ben’s Research Reviews Podcast, and a searchable archive that includes all Metabolic Classroom episodes and Research Reviews. Learn more about becoming an Insider on our website: https://www.benbikman.com Ben’s favorite yerba maté and fiber supplement: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/InsulinIQ Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10) Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15) Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20) Ben’s favorite health check-up for women: https://choosejoi.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15) Ben’s favorite health check-up for men: https://blokes.co/drben15 (discount: DRBEN15) Ben’s favorite exogenous ketone: https://www.americanketone.com (discount: Ben10) Other products Ben likes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/benbikmanphd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.