1. What is Autophagy?

Autophagy is a scientifically proven biological process in which cells break down and recycle damaged components and waste materials. This process helps:

Clean and repair cells

Reduce the risk of diseases

Slow down aging processes

Improve immune system function

Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries related to autophagy.

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2. Why Islamic fasting helps activate this process

Islamic fasting has specific characteristics:

Complete abstinence from food and drink for several hours (typically 12–16 hours)

No calorie intake during the fasting period

A fixed daily schedule (from dawn until sunset)

Repetition of this pattern consistently for one month

Scientifically, when the body does not receive energy for several hours, it begins using internal energy reserves. During this state, autophagy becomes more active, helping the body repair and renew itself.

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3. A key scientific advantage of Islamic fasting structure

One important feature of Islamic fasting is its alignment with the body’s natural circadian rhythm (day–night biological clock). This alignment helps:

Regulate hormones more effectively

Improve insulin sensitivity

Enhance fat metabolism

Allow the body to enter a cellular repair state

Because eating is restricted to specific hours and follows a natural daily cycle, the body has sufficient time to perform maintenance and recovery processes.

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4. Important note about other types of fasting

Scientifically, abstaining from food for extended periods can activate similar biological processes. However, Islamic fasting combines several beneficial features:

Precise timing

Consistent daily repetition

Balanced fasting duration (not too short and not excessive)

Alignment with natural biological rhythms

This combination allows the body to benefit from repair processes in a balanced and sustainable way.

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Scientific conclusion

Islamic fasting helps activate autophagy, regulate metabolism, and improve immune and hormonal function. These effects are among the most important scientifically