Timing is Everything

Link to Study Overview

A brand new piece of research is once again underlining the vital impact that correctly functioning circadian rhythms have on metabolism. (To access the full paper follow the link, at the bottom of the article click on the ‘DOI’ hyperlink.)

I have been interested in circadian rhythms for over almost two decades now, and based my first dissertation study on the diurnal (daily) cycle of Testosterone and its implications for strength training adaptations. Over the years my gut feeling for their importance has gradually been borne out.

This recent paper shows that disruption to the sleep/ wake cycle completely disorders fat metabolism in the liver which then leads on to the development of metabolic syndrome or CHAOS (Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Adult Onset Diabetes, Obesity and Stroke; more disease states are being added frequently to the list although the acronym highlights the major maladies that were first associated).

Regardless of diet or activity, the single fact of a disrupted sleep/ wake cycle initiates a process whereby the liver accumulates fat; a condition known as fatty liver disease or Non-Alcoholic Liver Steatohepatitis (NASH). When the liver is full of fat (it should contain very little), it secretes triglycerides into the general circulation.

Here’s where it causes trouble.

High blood triglycerides alone promote Insulin resistance. If you also add glucose (blood sugar) into the mix then the problem is compounded. Since the triglycerides are inducing a state of Insulin resistance, the cells have a diminished capacity to take up glucose. This stimulates the Pancreas to further increase its output of Insulin to attempt to lower the toxic levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin is then transported to the liver where it is converted into triglycerides; which starts the whole merry cycle again.

For a while this increase in Insulin will manage to moderate the glucose levels but eventually the Insulin resistance becomes full blown Diabetes.

For fat loss and especially optimal health, you need to manage your circadian rhythms, as without attention, no matter what else you do, it will come to nought.

There’s plenty of information out there, however navigating through the misinformation, and outright lies to distil the truth is no easy task, you can either do it alone, or alternatively, let me guide you. I’ve designed the Lean for Life Online Coaching Program to either directly or indirectly support circadian rhythms at every step of the program. Each week another piece of the puzzle is put in place so that by the end of the program the entire picture is in place; however it’s provided in a way that it’s easy to implement and causes no real disruption to day to day life.

I’m starting a new group in August 2012, simply e-mail or inbox me to indicate your interest in joining us.