Circadian Health for the Whole Family by Dr. Kelli Ritter - GUEST POST 03
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Circadian Health for the Whole Family by Dr. Kelli Ritter - GUEST POST 03
by Dr. Kelli Ritter, PhD, LPC, FNTP, CRNC
Today, I am so excited to bring you a guest post by Dr. Kelli Ritter, the Quantum Stress Doc! I met Dr. Kelli through the Institute of Applied Quantum Biology, where we both took the Applied Quantum Biology certification. She was gracious enough to have me on her podcast earlier this year. You can watch that episode on YouTube here:
And now, without further ado, please enjoy today’s guest post from Dr. Kelli!
Guest Post on Brighter Days, Darker Nights by Dr. Kelli Ritter, PhD, LPC, FNTP, CRNC
Circadian Health for the Whole Family by Dr. Kelli Ritter
Everyone benefits from a strong circadian lifestyle. Circadian rhythms are the natural physical, mental and behavioral changes that occur in a 24-hour cycle. Primarily responding to light and dark, other inputs such as timing of food, exercise and socializing influence our circadian rhythms. One of the more important yet overlooked aspects of health, circadian clocks are now the subject of a great deal of research. In fact, the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. A strong circadian lifestyle translates to better health by helping the body keep time, make hormones and neurotransmitters, and support healthy mitochondrial function.
What are mitochondria and why are they important? Mitochondria are those little organelles within each of our cells - all over the body except in red blood cells - that have many functions including how we make our energy. More energy (ATP) equals better health. In essence, healthy mitochondria drive health while dysfunctional mitochondria drive disease.
Traditionally it is believed that we get our mitochondria from our mothers. However, recent research suggests that we inherit our mitochondria not just from mom, but also dad’s DNA. Additionally, we can not only heal dysfunctional mitochondria but it is also possible to make fresh, healthy functioning mitochondria. One way to support mitochondria is with healthy circadian rhythms. You knew that was coming, right?
There is no better time than NOW to support your circadian biology for improved health, mood, sleep and energy. So, how do we do that? The strongest circadian signal is light. I think people believe that’s all there is to the circadian rhythms story - far from it! We honor the light AND dark cycles of each day. Early morning light exposure is ideal for setting the master clock in the brain called the suprachiasmaticnucleus (SCN) and in turn, the internal clocks throughout our body. It is also helpful to take natural light breaks during the day - going outside or even just cracking a window will do the trick. That’s not the end of the story! The dark is just as important for signaling to the brain and body that it is time for rest and repair. Melatonin is released from darkness signaling. We can block blue light after sunset to help support our circadian signaling.
Eating food is also a circadian input - certain times we may need to eat at times that would not necessarily be considered the most appropriate for circadian rhythms (like pregnancy, recovery, etc). Generally - eating nutrient-dense foods between sunrise and sunset are ideal for optimal circadian signaling. The idea is to eat breakfast within about thirty minutes of sunrise and eat your last meal before sunset each day.
Supporting our circadian biology is important for the whole family. I wish I had known this when my children were young. I would have focused on circadian rhythms, not only to help them, but to make sure I was fully supported in this quantum biological way during such an important season of life. It is never too late! We all deserve to have the inputs that help us maintain health, vitality and optimal functioning in any season of life.
Wishing you optimal health. Would love to connect!
~ Dr. Kelli
Guest Post on Brighter Days, Darker Nights by Dr. Kelli Ritter, PhD, LPC, FNTP, CRNC
Connect with Dr. Kelli at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kelli/
Website: www.nourished-soul.com