Biological clock (Circadian clock) to boost the immune system

Dr M Punyakishore Singh and Dr Ng Joykumar Singh
All life on earth has evolved to cope with a rotating planet which results in the transition between day and night. In animals, the central clock keeps track of night and day in the brain where it receives light from the retina to keep synchronised with the light or dark but all cells in the body have their own clocks. These biological clocks have a cycle that is close to 24 hours and are termed as circadian.
The circadian timing system or circadian clock orchestrates daily rhythms in many physiological, behavioural and molecular processes and also plays a specific role to coordinate functions of the immune system both at steady-state and in response to infectious threats. The disruption of our circadian cycles results in a number of health issues, including obesity and diabetes, defective immune response and cancer. Here, we focus specifically on the role of immune system and its relationship to the internal circadian clock system. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection. The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection (microbes). The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells (B and T-lymphocytes), antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow.
According to Ayurveda one of the keys to good health is living in tune with nature’s cycles. Everything in nature works in a rhythm and we the human beings are also the part of this nature.
(To be contd)