We’ve all seen it: you walk into a room, and there’s someone who looks effortlessly young, and then there’s someone else whose age seems obvious the second you see them. Why does this happen? And more importantly, can we do anything to slow down the clock for ourselves?
Surprisingly, part of the answer lies at the cellular level in a process called autophagy—and yes, it can be influenced by something as simple as the weekly fastes practiced for centuries in religious traditions.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is for entertainment and informational purposes only. We do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or applicability of the information provided. Before attempting any of the suggestions or tips mentioned, please consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional.
A Day of Rest for Your Stomach
The Ekadashi dry fast is a Hindu spiritual practice. From sunrise to sunset, no food or water is consumed, while meditation and prayer are performed to purify and strengthen the body, mind, and soul.
If you’ve ever participated in a religious fast—whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu—you know that for some hours, the body isn’t digesting food. Think of fasting on Fridays, Sundays, or other holy days, when believers eat very little or nothing at all.
This isn’t just spiritual—it’s deeply rooted in human physiology. When we stop constantly feeding our stomach, our cells focus on cleaning and repairing themselves. Scientists call this process autophagy, and research increasingly shows it may help slow aging over time.
Science suggests short dry fasting (12–24 hours) is rarely safe. It can be done 1–2 times a week, with fluids replaced afterward. It may help metabolism and body rest, but should be done carefully.
Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” Your cells break down and recycle damaged or worn-out components. This keeps cells “fresh” and working efficiently.
Imagine it like recycling and cleaning in your home: you sort out the trash, recycle what you can, and use the remaining materials to build new things.
The better this process works, the “fresher” your cells are, and the slower signs of aging appear on the outside.
Autophagy is most strongly triggered by fasting, calorie restriction, and exercise.
The Christian dry fast typically lasts one day, though duration varies by feast or observance. It is practiced gradually: first restricting food, then fluids, accompanied by prayer and meditation to strengthen faith.
How Long Does it Take to Kick In?
In Judaism, fasting, such as on Yom Kippur, occurs once a year, lasting 25 hours from sunset to sunset. The fast’s purpose is atonement, spiritual purification, and drawing closer to God.
Weekly religious fasts are often 12–24 hours long. Science shows:
12–16 hours without food can start autophagy.
16–24 hours triggers more significant “cellular cleaning.”
Beyond 24 hours, the process continues, but long fasts may carry risks without medical guidance.
Interestingly, your stomach actually empties in 4–6 hours, so even a 12-hour fast allows your digestive system to rest completely, giving your cells time to repair.
Can You Trigger Autophagy While Eating?
Here’s the twist: you don’t have to starve for days to get autophagy benefits. Certain strategies can encourage it even with food:
Calorie reduction – eating less energy triggers the body to use its own reserves.
Exercise – workouts activate autophagy in muscles, liver, and heart.
Natural compounds – coffee, green tea, and certain plant polyphenols can mildly stimulate autophagy.
In Islam, fasting during Ramadan occurs every year for a full month, from dawn to sunset daily. The fast aims to cultivate self-discipline, spiritual growth, empathy for the poor, and closeness to God.
However, none of these methods achieve the same intensity as a 16–24 hour fast, which remains the most powerful trigger.
Why Can You Look Young While Someone Else Ages Faster?
Now we understand that “cellular cleaning” has a major impact on how aging shows on the outside:
Autophagy doesn’t literally reverse time—it doesn’t make you younger.
It slows aging by keeping cells healthier, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolism.
Genetics, diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and yes, fasting or autophagy-promoting habits all contribute.
This explains why two people of the same age can look drastically different: one seems vibrant, the other shows clear signs of wear.
In Buddhism, fasting is optional and varies by tradition. Monks often eat only before noon, abstaining afterward. The practice supports mindfulness, self-discipline, and detachment from cravings, aiding spiritual growth and meditation.
Simple Yet Effective Practices
You don’t have to be extreme to activate these cell-cleaning benefits:
1–2 short fasts per week – even 12–16 hours without food works.
Exercise regularly – aim for 3–4 sessions per week, combining strength and cardio.
Moderate calorie intake – avoid overeating at meals.
Lower sugar intake – stabilizes insulin levels.
Natural stimulants – a cup of black coffee or green tea before fasting can help moderately.
Even these small steps help your body clean and renew itself, which, over time, becomes visible on your face and body.
Summary
So why can’t you always tell someone’s age?
Differences in cellular cleaning, or autophagy, play a big role.
Weekly fasts, calorie restriction, exercise, and certain dietary patterns can activate this process.
It doesn’t turn back time, but it slows the wear and tear on your body, keeping you healthier and fresher for longer.
The best news? You don’t need a lab or fancy supplements. You just need to be mindful about your eating, movement, and occasional fasting. Over time, the results become visible: some people seem to defy aging, while others don’t.
