Your Circadian Health Knowledge Hub P – T

Welcome to the P – T segment of our Circadian Health Knowledge Hub, where concepts such as `Quantum Biology`, `Thermodynamics`, and `Thermogenesis` are all demystified. Your pursuit for health and wellbeing is a personal one, and Unstoppables is here to help you on your journey. I believe understanding circadian health terms makes them more accessible, relatable and actionable which means each concept has the power to propel you forward even more. Join me as we explore more enlightening topics and take charge of our health stories with confidence. Let’s go!!

P – T of Circadian Health

Q

Quantum Biology

Quantum biology is a fascinating field at the crossroads of quantum physics and biology. It explores the ways in which the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels, may influence our biological processes which are critical to life. This fascinating science seeks to help us understand how these tiny particles, like electrons and photons, can play a role in the complex machinery of living organisms.

One of the intriguing aspects of quantum biology is how it might explain phenomena that classical biology cannot, such as how birds manage to migrate with incredible precision, possibly relying on a form of a quantum compass, or how plants convert sunlight into energy with near-perfect efficiency through a process called photosynthesis.

For us health-conscious people, knowing more about this quantum biology world has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of who we are, and how our miraculous bodies and systems operate. From here we can enter an exciting frontier, helping us live healthier and happier lives – just like Nature intended for us.

R

Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic technique that involves exposing the skin to low levels of red or near-infrared light. It acts on our mitochondria to stimulate increased energy, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), production. Mitochondria is referred to as the “powerhouses” of our cell because they produce the energy molecule ATP  So, by enhancing mitochondrial function, Red Light Therapy helps to increase the production of ATP, leading to more efficient cellular repair and regeneration.

The benefits of Red Light Therapy are:

• Skin health & anti-aging
• Muscle recovery and improved athletic performancy
• Pain relief and faster wound healing
• Improved sleep
• Improved mental health
• Increased energy
• Improved metabolism and hormonal health

Red Light Therapy can be administered through various devices such as panels, handheld devices, and specialised lamps. Many of these devices will also emit near infra-red light (NIR) which works in a similar fashion. Sessions typically last between 5 to 20 minutes, and the frequency of treatment can vary depending on the specific health goals.

A great book if you’re interested in learning more information is The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy.

Redox 

Redox is short for reduction-oxidation. Put simply, it describes the exchange of electrons and involves chemical reactions where the oxidation state of molecules, atoms, or ions changes by gaining or losing electrons. These reactions are crucial in cellular respiration and energy production, and in maintaining a balance between oxidation and antioxidants in the body, which is essential for cellular health and function.

Redox Signaling

Redox signaling is the communication network that our body uses to read the conditions both inside and outside of our cells so that they can do what they need to do. The body uses redox signaling to:

• protect against damage from toxins and foreign invaders including stress, food intolerances, contaminated water, viruses
• detect damage in and outside of our cells after it happens
• communicate with the immune system regarding the extent of the damage
• repair cells where damage is reversible
• replace cells where damage is beyond repair
• adjust efficiency of energy production and metabolism
• adapt to seasonal changes

So, redox signaling is not only the communication network, but it is also the investigator, the repairer and cleaner, getting rid of damaged cells where possible and making way for new healthy cells.

S

Solar Callus

A solar callus refers to the gradual tanning of the skin as it naturally adapts to regular sun exposure. This process enhances our skin’s tolerance to ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the likelihood of sunburn and increasing the efficiency of vitamin D synthesis. This is what our ancestors did and what nature intended for us.

Our body has evolved to cope with and utilise the UV light from our sun. However, like all good relationships, our relationship with the sun takes time and work too. It is only when we meddle with things, that our body’s natural mechanisms won’t work, such as spending our days and nights indoors, wearing sunglasses all the time, using sunscreen, hiding ourselves from the sun by always covering up. These activities all inhibit our ability to get gradual sun exposure which reduces our capacity to deal with the healthy exposure of UV light.

By getting careful and well managed sun exposure, especially during Winter and Spring, you can help build your solar callus ie. you natural sun tolerance, and therefore strengthen the healthy benefits you get from the sun and reduce your chances of sunburn and other damage. This is an example of nature working in harmony with us.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a very small region of our brain located in the hypothalamus. It is often referred to as our body’s “master clock” due to the crucial role it plays in regulating our circadian rhythm, which includes the following:

– Regulating our sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion, and metabolism
– Synchronising our body’s internal clock with the external light-dark cycle to ensure proper timing of physiological processes
– Influencing our behaviour and physiological functions related to the daily timing of certain activities, such as our alertness, our body temperature, and appetite

The SCN receives direct input from the light-sensitive cells in our retina. This helps to synchronise our body’s internal clock with the external light-dark cycle, ensuring our bodily functions are aligned to nature’s rhythms and appropriately timed to the day-night cycle.

If ever there was a case for big things coming in small packages, our SCN is the perfect example considering the mammoth job it does. Its super close connection to our eyes, as its source of how it receives information from our external environment, also reaffirms just how important it is for us to get that daily sunlight exposure and to avoid artificial light at night as this will keep the two chatting nicely, and their conversation right on track.