Neglecting our body's natural clocks is harming our health (Part 1) | Satchin Panda, PhD
Sep 25, 2023
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Circadian biology expert Dr Satchin Panda explores the science behind our body's internal clocks. Topics include the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in circadian rhythms, strategies for managing jet lag, the impact of blue light on circadian rhythms, the significance of meal timing, and the link between circadian disruption and chronic diseases.
Our body's internal clocks, known as circadian rhythms, play a crucial role in maintaining resilience and promoting health.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts as the central clock in the brain and disruptions in either the central or peripheral clocks can lead to various health problems.
Circadian disruption, caused by factors like jet lag and irregular eating and sleep patterns, can negatively affect metabolism, blood pressure, DNA repair, and increase the risk of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
Deep dives
Regular blood work to track health
Regular blood work is an effective way to monitor cardiometabolic and hormonal health. Inside Tracker is a convenient service that allows for at-home blood draws and provides comprehensive results and evidence-based lifestyle recommendations through their app.
Benefits of working out and taking supplements
Working out is important for overall health and longevity. A Meal is a plant-based wellness company that offers products like the Essential 8 multivitamin and optimal omega plus, which provide key nutrients often lacking in plant-based diets.
Understanding circadian rhythms
Circadian rhythms are daily time tables that regulate various bodily functions, such as hormone and gene activity. These rhythms play a crucial role in maintaining resilience and promoting health. Almost all living organisms, except for some bacteria and viruses, have circadian rhythms.
The role of the central clock and peripheral clocks
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts as the central clock in the brain, detecting light and controlling sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and hunger. Peripheral clocks are present in every cell and organ and work in coordination with the central clock. Disruptions in either the central or peripheral clocks can lead to various health problems.
The impact of circadian disruption on health
Circadian disruption, caused by factors like jet lag, shift work, or irregular eating and sleep patterns, can negatively affect metabolism, blood pressure, DNA repair, protein folding, and various organ functions. Chronic circadian disruption can increase the risk of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
Episode #280. Ever wondered how the simple act of timing – when you eat, sleep, or even look at your phone – could dramatically affect your health? In this episode, I sit down with circadian biology expert Dr Satchin Panda to explore this concept. We delve into the science of our body's internal clocks and offer practical advice to keep them in sync. Don't miss out on unlocking the potential of your circadian rhythm for a healthier, more balanced life.
We discuss:
Introduction (0:00)
Understanding Circadian Rhythms: Do They Influence Longevity? (1:55)
The Role of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) in Circadian Rhythms (6:20)
Cellular-Level Circadian Clocks: An Overview (10:33)
A Comprehensive Look at Circadian Disruption (15:56)
Effective Strategies for Managing Jet Lag (26:39)
The Impact of Blue Light on Circadian Rhythms (29:17)
Criteria for Diagnosing Circadian Rhythm Disorders (33:42)
Sensitivity Factors of Circadian Rhythms (34:58)
The Significance of Meal Timing in Circadian Rhythms (39:30)
Circadian Rhythms: Their Relation to Cholesterol and Blood Pressure (43:41)
Exploring the Link Between Circadian Disruption, DNA Damage, and Cancer Risk (46:49)
Circadian Disruption and Its Role in Chronic Disease Risk (49:34)
Time-Restricted Eating and Metabolic Health (55:22)
Outro (1:06:09)
To connect with Dr Satchin Panda, you can find him on Twitter and read his peer-reviewed papers on his profile. To learn more about circadian biology, his books, The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code, are an incredible resource. You can also better understand your circadian rhythm while contributing to research with Dr Panda’s app, myCircadianClock.
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Enjoy, friends.
Simon
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