Final answer:
d. It acts as a beneficial stressor and upregulates autophagy. Intermittent fasting acts as a beneficial stressor and upregulates autophagy, promoting cellular repair processes and positive adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intermittent fasting acts as a beneficial stressor and upregulates autophagy, which contributes to positive adaptation and promotes cellular repair processes. Autophagy is a cellular process in which damaged or unnecessary components are broken down and recycled. During intermittent fasting, the body experiences a period of nutrient deprivation, which triggers autophagy as a survival mechanism. This process helps remove damaged proteins and organelles, promotes cellular renewal, and enhances cellular health. By stimulating autophagy, intermittent fasting can have numerous beneficial effects on the body, including improved metabolic function and increased longevity.