Circadian Chaos: Restoring Balance Within
Late-night binge-watching your favourite series or working late on that never-ending project not only messes up your sleep schedule but also leaves you tired and moody in the morning. But guess what takes the most toll in the long term? Yes, you guessed it right - it's your gut microbiome.
Circadian clock influences the microbiome composition and functions while the microbial activities in turn alter the Circadian clock. Let’s understand this statement with a situation, remember the time when you were exhausted from work and starving so instead of cooking dinner you order a greasy burger with french fries along with soft drinks. Your stomach is now full! You felt energetic after eating so you decided to complete that long lasting assignment. After an hour or so you felt an unexpected wind of tiredness and you decided to sleep but as you hit on the bed you still cannot sleep. Feeling restless and turning and tossing sides, but can’t sleep. Now you have a tired morning and this cycle continues again & again.
In the scenario described, the consumption of fast food late at night, coupled with the decision to work instead of rest, disrupts the body's natural rhythms and exacerbates the negative effects on both the gut microbiome and the circadian clock. The rapid spike in blood sugar from the high-glycemic meal may lead to insulin resistance over time, further disrupting metabolic processes and promoting inflammation.
This scenario described the interconnectedness of our circadian rhythm, diet choices, gut microbiome, and overall health. When our circadian rhythm is disrupted, whether due to late-night activities or irregular sleep patterns, it can lead to disturbances in the gut microbiome.
Disruptions in the circadian rhythm can alter the timing of feeding and digestion, which in turn affects the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Research has shown that shifts in meal timing can disrupt the natural rhythmicity of the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis and an imbalance in microbial communities. This dysbiosis can contribute to metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and a weakened immune response.
Furthermore, disturbances in the circadian rhythm can impact the production of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep, mood, and appetite. This can exacerbate the effects of poor dietary choices, such as consuming high-glycemic foods like greasy burgers and sugary drinks late at night.
In conclusion, disruptions to the circadian rhythm can have far-reaching effects on our health, including disturbances to the gut microbiome. By prioritising healthy sleep habits, regular meal timing, and a balanced diet, we can support the symbiotic relationship between our circadian rhythm and gut microbiome, promoting overall well-being and longevity.
References
Potential Role for the Gut Microbiota in Modulating Host Circadian Rhythms and Metabolic Health
