3 Science-Backed Ways to Induce Autophagy to Boost Longevity and Cognitive Function

Autophagy is a natural process in the body that helps to clean up and recycle cellular waste, providing a variety of health benefits. Natural autophagy has been linked to healthy cognitive function, optimal antioxidant function, and optimal overall health.* 

Autophagy is an important process for maintaining healthy cognitive function. It has been termed the “cleanup crew” of the body, as it helps to remove worn-out proteins, impaired organelles and other cellular debris. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, “Autophagy is a fundamental process for keeping the brain healthy and resilient.” It helps to provide free radical protection, optimize metabolic efficiency and protect neurons.*

Autophagy is a fundamental process for keeping the brain healthy and resilient.” - Dr. Andrew Huberman

Additionally, the Father of Biohacking, Dave Asprey, has stated that “Autophagy is the main way to keep your brain running smoothly and help protect it against toxins and the effects of aging.” By promoting the natural process of autophagy, individuals can help to maintain optimal cognitive function and overall health.* 

3 Science-Backed Ways to Promote Autophagy

There are several science-backed ways to promote autophagy, such as fasting and exercise, and the use of senolytic ingredients.* 

Fasting is a popular way to promote autophagy and for good reason. During periods of fasting, the body begins to break down and recycle its own cells. This helps to discourage pro-inflammatory processes and support overall health. Studies have also found that fasting may have cognitive benefits. A 2022 study from the University of Southern California found that fasting could improve memory and cognitive performance in mice.* To learn more about the benefits associated with fasting check out our podcast with Dave Asprey. 

Exercise has been linked to numerous health benefits, and one of the most exciting is its ability to promote autophagy, leading to optimal cell health and longevity. According to a recent animal study published in the journal Nature Communications, regular exercise may lead to enhanced autophagy. The study found that mice that ran on a treadmill for just 30 minutes per day showed increased autophagy in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle. This was due to the increased production of certain proteins that promoted the autophagy process. Overall, this suggests that regular exercise can play an important role in promoting good cell health and longevity.*

Senolytic ingredients are compounds with the potential to support a cell’s normal process of autophagy. A Mayo Clinic study involving senolytics has provided great insight and assistance in understanding age-related declines in health. The study showed that senolytics may help our bodies resist health issues often associated with aging. This is an exciting development in longevity science and could provide a new and promising way to enhance the normal aging process. The research and dosing principles used in the Mayo Clinic study had a direct impact on how our science team formulated Qualia Senolytic.* 

Can Qualia Senolytic Support Autophagy?

Yes, ingredients in Qualia Senolytic—fisetin, quercetin, luteolin, curcumin, milk thistle, piperlongumine, olive polyphenols, and soy isoflavones—have supported a cell’s normal process of autophagy in many studies. That said, we'd think of supporting autophagy as a secondary benefit. 

The main intended benefit of Qualia Senolytic is to help our bodies manage senescent cells*, which is not the same thing as autophagy. Autophagy and cellular senescence are two distinct cellular responses that can be activated by a variety of stresses and have to do with aging (so it's easy to confuse them). Both are needed to keep us healthy but they are different processes. 

Autophagy (literally meaning “self-eating”) is focused on degrading and recycling components inside cells and mitochondria (mostly worn-out or inefficient proteins and organelles). It helps maintain cellular homeostasis so that a cell does not become senescent (think of autophagy as an anti-senescence mechanism). 

Cellular senescence is about the whole cell and occurs when a cell has become so ineffective and worn out that its normal repair process is no longer sufficient. Instead of autophagy, a senescent cell needs to go through a "falling off" process (a healthy cellular function called apoptosis). Senolytics are focused on supporting the whole cell to promote the completion of this falling off process. This is the main goal of Qualia Senolytic.*

As health optimizers all of us should be very interested in the topic of autophagy. By taking advantage of these science-backed ways to promote autophagy, you can support your overall health and cognitive function.

The Ultimate Recipe for Supporting Healthy Cell Repair and Rejuvenation

Qualia Senolytic represents the culmination of years of research into the biological mechanisms of aging. This two-day rejuvenation regimen may hold the key to enhancing cellular health and supporting tissue revitalization throughout the body as you age.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.