11 January 2024 | Cristina Manuela Drăgoi, Alina Crenguța Nicolae, Anca Ungurianu, Denisa Marilena Margină, Daniela Grădinaru, Ion-Bogdan Dumitrescu
Circadian rhythms, chrononutrition, physical training, and redox homeostasis are critical factors in human health, with their interplay influencing physiological processes, behavior, and disease susceptibility. The circadian system, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), governs daily rhythms and is sensitive to external cues like light, temperature, and activity. Disruptions in circadian alignment, such as those caused by shift work, light pollution, or irregular eating patterns, can lead to adverse health outcomes, including chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic imbalances. Redox homeostasis, involving the balance of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), is closely linked to circadian rhythms, with disruptions in either system affecting cellular function and disease progression. Physical exercise, a potent environmental signal, can both disrupt and restore circadian rhythms, with its effects varying depending on the time of day, intensity, and duration. Exercise also influences redox balance, potentially improving mitochondrial function and metabolic health. Chrononutrition, the timing and composition of meals, plays a key role in metabolic health, with dietary interventions affecting nutrient sensing, hormone regulation, and circadian alignment. The interplay between circadian rhythms, exercise, and nutrition is essential for optimizing health, as evidenced by studies showing that aligning physical activity with circadian cues enhances performance and reduces disease risk. Additionally, melatonin, a key regulator of circadian rhythms and sleep, acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Hormonal factors such as cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin also play significant roles in modulating mood, metabolism, and recovery from physical activity. Overall, understanding the complex interactions between circadian rhythms, redox homeostasis, physical training, and nutrition is crucial for developing strategies to promote health and prevent disease.Circadian rhythms, chrononutrition, physical training, and redox homeostasis are critical factors in human health, with their interplay influencing physiological processes, behavior, and disease susceptibility. The circadian system, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), governs daily rhythms and is sensitive to external cues like light, temperature, and activity. Disruptions in circadian alignment, such as those caused by shift work, light pollution, or irregular eating patterns, can lead to adverse health outcomes, including chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic imbalances. Redox homeostasis, involving the balance of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), is closely linked to circadian rhythms, with disruptions in either system affecting cellular function and disease progression. Physical exercise, a potent environmental signal, can both disrupt and restore circadian rhythms, with its effects varying depending on the time of day, intensity, and duration. Exercise also influences redox balance, potentially improving mitochondrial function and metabolic health. Chrononutrition, the timing and composition of meals, plays a key role in metabolic health, with dietary interventions affecting nutrient sensing, hormone regulation, and circadian alignment. The interplay between circadian rhythms, exercise, and nutrition is essential for optimizing health, as evidenced by studies showing that aligning physical activity with circadian cues enhances performance and reduces disease risk. Additionally, melatonin, a key regulator of circadian rhythms and sleep, acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Hormonal factors such as cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin also play significant roles in modulating mood, metabolism, and recovery from physical activity. Overall, understanding the complex interactions between circadian rhythms, redox homeostasis, physical training, and nutrition is crucial for developing strategies to promote health and prevent disease.