According to Newswise, the body has a biological clock that helps regulate many functions throughout the day.
However, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence that different cells in the gut also have their own internal clocks.
The researchers wanted to investigate how these clocks respond when meals are shifted to times when the body would normally be at rest.
The rhythm of intestinal cells
In the study, published in PNAS, mice were exposed to regular periods of light and darkness.
Also read: Are you the oldest, middle, or youngest? Researchers find differences in siblings' intelligence
Under normal conditions, they consumed most of their food at night, when they are naturally most active.
When the researchers shifted feeding times to the daytime, most intestinal cells adjusted their rhythms accordingly.
One specific type of cell, however, continued to follow its original schedule and became out of sync with the other cells in the intestine.
May affect digestion
The cells that failed to adapt play an important role in regulating intestinal movement. According to the researchers, this imbalance may affect digestion.
Also read: New research: Five minutes of prayer may reduce pain and anxiety
The findings may help explain why people who work shifts, experience jet lag, or have other disruptions to their circadian rhythm are more likely to experience conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
The researchers believe that future treatments or dietary changes may help synchronize the gut’s biological clocks and thereby improve digestion.
Also read: Scientists raise questions over nitrate in drinking water after dementia link found
Also read: Defibrillator may have saved Christian Eriksen's life – here is how it works