Chrononutrition and Gut Health: Exploring the Relationship Between Meal Timing and the Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review explores the relationship between circadian rhythms and meal timing, or chrononutrition, and how it affects gut health. Since the gut microbiota plays a critical role in immunological response, metabolic control, and digestion, it is critical to comprehend how circadian misalignment impacts gut microbial equilibrium. This review examines research from the last ten years to assess the effects of circadian rhythm disturbances and meal time variations on the composition of the gut microbiota, the integrity of the gut barrier, and metabolic consequences.

Recent findings: Using search terms like "Chrononutrition AND Gut health," "Circadian Rhythm AND Meal timing," and similar combinations, 31 peer-reviewed publications from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were included. There is evidence that circadian misalignment, which can be brought on by shift work, irregular eating habits, or social jet lag, affects lipid metabolism, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis, and gut microbial rhythms. According to research, microbial diversity and function are enhanced by early-time-restricted feeding (eTRF), which synchronizes with circadian cycles. Changes in tight junction proteins have been linked to irregular meal timing, which increases intestinal permeability and inflammation. Additionally, new research indicates a bidirectional relationship in which the gut bacteria might affect the central and peripheral circadian clocks. Chrononutrition is a promising non-pharmacological approach to preventing metabolic dysregulation and promoting gut health. Consistently timing meals, especially early-time-restricted feeding, can help maintain microbial balance, improve gut barrier function, and lower the risk of chronic diseases by bringing food intake into alignment with circadian cycles. The need for integrated approaches to food and lifestyle changes in future research and clinical practice is highlighted by the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and circadian systems.

Keywords: Circadian rhythms; Gut barrier integrity; Meal timing; Metabolic health; Time restricted feeding.