Breakthrough on Circadian Rhythms, Aging, & Metabolism

Our human systems are timed to a 24 hour clock.  New research has shown that this clock regulates your energy¹ levels and thus your metabolism.  The researchers found that various proteins that regulate your clock and metabolism are linked and dependent on each other.  This is a profound discovery.

I have long reported that leptin is the conductor of this 24 hour clock, via hormonal control.  The reason for Rule #1 of the Leptin Diet, Never Eat after Dinner, is because leptin is in a 24 hour pattern and is responsible for setting the timing of other hormones.  One of the key themes of the Leptin Diet is that when you eat is just as important as what you eat.  This principle is fully explained in chapter 15 of Mastering Leptin.  The new research is helping to uncover exactly which gene switches are being thrown and how they relate to cellular metabolism and energy production.

“Our circadian rhythms and metabolism are closely partnered to ensure that cells function properly and remain healthy,” say Paolo Sassone-Corsi, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at UC Irvine. “This discovery opens a new window for us to understand how these two fundamental processes work together, and it can have a great impact on new treatments for diseases caused by cell energy deficiencies.”

The research shows that a key enzyme protein of the circadian system called CLOCK directly turns on the anti-aging and metabolism gene called SIRT1 Considered the "longevity protein" known for its life spanning effects. It has been shown to inhibit cancer and promote longevity..  SIRT1 Considered the "longevity protein" known for its life spanning effects. It has been shown to inhibit cancer and promote longevity. then activates key energy-producing steps in cells, and the byproducts of the energy produced then feed back directly to the circadian clock system and regulate it. 

It is important to understand that activating SIRT1 Considered the "longevity protein" known for its life spanning effects. It has been shown to inhibit cancer and promote longevity. is key to anti-aging, burning carbohydrates as fuel, supporting cholesterol metabolism, boosting fat burning, and helping insulin work properly.  I recently reviewed how calorie restriction and the nutrient resveratrol Natural phenol or type of antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine. Research has shown beneficial effects as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents along with supporting healthy blood sugar and cardiovasculature function. help to activate SIRT1 Considered the "longevity protein" known for its life spanning effects. It has been shown to inhibit cancer and promote longevity..

This new research goes another step, saying that a good clocking system also activates SIRT1 Considered the "longevity protein" known for its life spanning effects. It has been shown to inhibit cancer and promote longevity. and that the system activates and reinforces a healthy clocking system – a sort of self-perpetuating metabolic and anti-aging mechanism.

You can help regulate this system by not overeating, following the Five Rules of the Leptin Diet, taking resveratrol Natural phenol or type of antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine. Research has shown beneficial effects as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents along with supporting healthy blood sugar and cardiovasculature function., and by putting as much of your life into a healthy pattern as possible.  This could include going to bed at the same time most nights, getting up at the same time (while ensuring that you get 7-8 hours sleep).  In fact, anything that you can put on a schedule will help your body’s sense of timing and patterns.

When you do this right you will feel more in sync, literally.  Health is associated with energy that comes on when it should in the morning, stays on as needed during the day, and goes off properly at night.  There is an unmistakable feeling of a healthy rhythm when you are doing this right.  Call it feeling in the grove, being in sync, things are just clicking along, etc. 

This is a whole new angle on time management.  It’s not just about making the best use of your time.  It’s about having your clocking system synchronized properly to planet earth’s light and dark cycles.  The better you do it the more energy you will have, the better your metabolism will work, and the longer you will live.