Circadian Rhythms and Digestive Health

World Digestive Health Day is celebrated on May 29th each year, and this year the theme is making digestive health a priority. Whilst many of us recognize the importance of keeping our circadian rhythms in check to support our overall well-being, few of us are aware of the role that they play in regulating digestion and metabolism.

Our appetite, metabolism and nutrient absorption are all influenced by sleep and circadian factors, and when our sleep/wake cycle becomes out of sync, we may be more vulnerable to digestive disorders such as ulcers, reflux and irritable bowel disease. So, keeping our circadian rhythm in check not only regulates our sleep/wake schedule, it also helps to support our digestive health.

Let's hear more from the Lumie team on the link between circadian rhythms and digestion!

1. Maintain regular meal times and a regular sleep schedule - in addition to supporting your digestive health, regular meal and sleep times support overall well-being.

2. Consume fibre-rich foods - fibre helps to move waste through the intestines, supporting regular digestion and preventing constipation.

3. Exercise - during exercise, contractions throughout the digestive tract (referred to as peristalsis) become stronger and more effective due to increased blood flow to the muscles.

Segers, A., & Depoortere, I. (2021). Circadian clocks in the digestive system. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 18(4), 239-251.  

Taleb, Z., & Karpowicz, P. (2022). Circadian regulation of digestive and metabolic tissues. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 323(2), C306-C321.  

Vaughn, B. V., Rotolo, S., & Roth, H. (2014). Circadian rhythm and sleep influences on digestive physiology and disorders. ChronoPhysiology and Therapy, 67-77.