Self-digestion refers to the process by which an organism breaks down its own tissue for energy or nutrients. Synonyms for this term include autophagy, self-cannibalism, self-eating, and self-consumption. Autophagy is the most commonly used scientific term and refers to the regulated process by which a cell consumes its own proteins and organelles to recycle their components. Self-cannibalism and self-eating are the more colloquial terms that have gained popularity in recent years. These terms can be found in various contexts, from medical research to pop culture. Regardless of the terminology used, self-digestion is an important cellular process that plays a critical role in maintaining cellular health and preventing diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.