What is a circadian rhythm? The circadian rhythm is a 24 hour internal clock that regulates your sleep/wake cycle over the course of a 24 hour day, and is controlled by an area in your brain that is sensitive to light.
When exposed under light it sends out a signal to the rest of your body telling it that it's time to wake. When dark it signals to the rest of your body that it's time to rest.
How meal times affect your circadian rhythm? Starting the day off with breakfast provides our bodies with energy storage to make it through each day, and affects our internal clock (circadian rhythm) helping us get quality sleep. But lets assume you're someone who consumes foods late in the day. That sends a signal that rather than prepare to sleep, you must stay up to process a meal. Causing a considerable amount of stress on vital organs, your sleep pattern and, you guessed it, your internal clock.
Optimal Hours for Circadian Rhythm Fasting. Ideal eating hours for your circadian rhythm are between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; fasting for the other 12 hours.
I also like to start with a heavier meal at the beginning of the day, ending with a lighter meal.
And that 12 hour nightly fast means all food AND water stop. Yes, even water.
What are the benefits of Circadian Rhythm Fasting?
Sticking to an eating schedule that aligns with your natural cycles and avoids late-night insulin spikes can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The circadian rhythm diet has been associated with other health benefits as well like...
Weight loss
More efficient metabolism
Increased energy levels
Better digestion
Reduced inflammation
Improved immunity function
Timing your meals with your natural circadian rhythm has also been shown to help improve inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, metabolic disorders, certain cancers, and central nervous system disorders, like Parkinson's disease.
In Ending.
I promote the circadian rhythm fasting technique for the obvious health reasons, but also find that it's sustainable long term and in the end isn't that what we're all looking for?
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