Circadian Rhythm Fasting

Definition

Circadian rhythm fasting is an eating pattern that aligns meal and fasting times with the body's natural daily clock, based on the cycle of day and night.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Circadian rhythm fasting refers to a dietary approach that synchronizes food intake with the body's inherent circadian rhythm. This approach emphasizes consuming meals during daylight hours when the body is physiologically prepared for food digestion and metabolism, and fasting during night hours to align with natural nocturnal fasting periods.

Benefits

• May improve metabolic health
• Supports weight management
• Could enhance sleep quality
• May reduce the risk of chronic diseases
• Supports better digestion

Examples

• Eating your meals between 7 AM and 7 PM and fasting overnight.
• Aligning meal times with daylight hours regardless of meal frequency.

Additional Information

• Effects: Circadian rhythm fasting can lead to improved hormonal balance by optimizing insulin sensitivity and cortisol regulation, aligning bodily processes with the natural light-dark cycle.

Related Terms

• Intermittent Fasting
• Meal Timing
• Circadian Rhythm
• Time-Restricted Eating
• Chrononutrition

References

• Impact of Meal Timing on Weight and Health: A Review of the Evidence
• Circadian Rhythms: Influence on Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology