Your circadian rhythm, an internal time clock with 24-hour cycles, plays a crucial role in maintaining your health. It is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle, blood pressure, basal body temperature, and hormone release. The position of the sun (daylight and darkness) greatly influences these rhythms as they are designed to help regulate your day-to-day activities.
However, a disruption in your body’s circadian rhythm can negatively affect you both mentally and physically. Researchers at Texas A&M University found that disruption in these rhythms might be crucial in the development of various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Additionally, an irregular circadian rhythm can even increase your chances of developing some cancers.
The Effects of Disrupted Circadian Rhythm
While working the late shift, your chances of getting cancer may increase due to the disturbance of hormone production in your body. Eating at odd times, staying up late, and using bright lights at night can distort hormone production and increase the likelihood of tumor development.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm not only helps regulate mental and physical processes but also reduces the risk of life-threatening diseases.
Spermidine: A Powerful Compound
Interestingly, a recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that peas contain a compound called spermidine, which is known to repair damage to your circadian rhythm. Israel researchers found that when mice were fed with spermidine, their circadian rhythms became faster and more efficient.
In humans, spermidine is an essential compound found in cell tissue, where it performs various vital functions for cell survival, such as attacking free radicals that cause premature aging and illnesses. However, your spermidine levels decrease as you age. So, consuming spermidine-rich foods like peas can help maintain a younger body, less prone to diseases.
Peas are not the only food rich in this powerful compound. Spermidine can also be found in other fruits, vegetables, and everyday items like soybeans, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and legumes.
Additional Health Benefits
Aside from its impact on repairing and maintaining your circadian rhythm, spermidine also provides several other health benefits. It has been found to help hinder tumor growth, prevent age-related macular degeneration, and regulate cell growth, division, and recycling.
Moreover, some studies revealed that spermidine’s intake might protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
With these additional health benefits, incorporating spermidine-rich foods into your daily meal plan can yield a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Balancing Your Circadian Rhythm
For a healthy balance of your circadian rhythm, avoid late-night snacking and maintain regular meal times to prevent metabolic disruptions. Also, consider limiting your nighttime exposure to artificial light sources, such as smartphones and computer screens, as they can confuse your body clock.
Getting natural sunlight exposure during the day is also essential for a well-functioning circadian rhythm, as sunlight alerts your body that it’s time to be awake and active. Conversely, a dark room encourages the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.
It’s crucial to prioritize getting enough sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Sleep is essential for mental and physical health, and setting a routine helps keep your circadian rhythm balanced.
Conclusion
Incorporating peas, and other spermidine-rich foods, as a part of your daily diet can help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, and contribute to delaying aging, preventing diseases, and overall maintenance of the body. Pairing a spermidine-rich diet with a balanced lifestyle that ensures proper sleep, regular meals, and controlled exposure to natural and artificial light can contribute to a healthy and well-regulated circadian rhythm.
