One of the many useful things our bodies do on their own is rid themselves of proteins that are no longer of use. Whether the proteins are defective, toxic or simply surplus to requirements, our cellular machinery can act swiftly and decisively when shedding this dead weight. But sometimes the protein-disposal unit doesn’t work properly, creating a backlog of misfolded proteins that are left to clog up the cell and impact the way it functions. So much so that scientists, including those at Harvard Medical School behind the new study, believe they act as precursors for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Thankfully, there are ways to swing things back in the protein-disposal unit’s favor when it fails to do the job on its own. According to researchers, regular exercise and fasting can bring on hormonal changes that trigger the process that helps your body dispose of detected proteins. If getting your body toned and tight for the summer isn’t the motivation that will get you up and active, perhaps this study will motivate you.
Fasting and exercise can boost your body’s ability to shed toxic proteins
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