‘Sip one drink’ all day when clocks change and it’s not coffee

A doctor has outlined how the clocks advancing this Sunday morning can affect the body and detailed multiple methods to help ease it into British Summer Time. GP Dr Nisa Aslam, adviser to PrecisionBiotics, highlighted that while the adjustment might appear insignificant, it could disrupt the body’s rhythm more substantially than some may anticipate.

Dr Aslam said: « When the clocks spring forward on March 29, the lost hour of sleep can leave you feeling groggy and tired. But your gut can also feel the impact as the clock change impacts your gut’s internal clock, aka the circadian rhythm, causing it to temporarily fall out of sync.

« Your gut microbiome- the collection of trillions of bacteria in your gut, which play an important role in digestion and general health can be impacted, potentially leading to an increase in bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Research by PrecisionBiotics has found that 24% of Brits blame poor sleep for their stomach issues, so when you throw in the upcoming clock change, it’s no surprise that stomach issues may rear their ugly head more frequently.

« Your gut and brain are actually more connected than you might think, with the relationship often referred to as the gut-brain axis. There is constant chatter and biofeedback between the gut and brain, meaning sleep disruption can impact digestion, mood and even anxiety levels. Plus, poor sleep is generally linked with poor gut health, so it’s a two-way relationship.

« With 96% of adult Brits agreeing that gut health can impact overall quality of life and 54% saying that stomach issues cause them to have less energy, it might be wise to show your gut some TLC this clock change weekend. »

How to help your body adjust to clocks changing on Sunday, March 29

Go to bed and wake up at your usual time

Dr Aslam said: « The clock change happens on a weekend, which may be when you’re most likely to go to bed later or sleep longer in the morning. However, for you gut’s sake, try to go to bed at your usual time and get up at your usual time too, even if you are a little dozy from the lost hour. This helps to reset your gut’s rhythm a little quicker. »

Take the right probiotic strains

Dr Aslam said: « Only 22% of Brits currently take a probiotic supplement,1 but this simple daily supplement could help support your gut during the clock change transition. Specific clinically studied strains of probiotics, aka good gut bacteria, can help as not all probiotics deliver the same benefits.

« For example, Bifidobacterium longum 1714, has been proven to help reduce stress and cortisol levels in placebo-controlled clinical trials, and in a recent study reduced tiredness in 80% of participants and increased sleep duration in 92%.

« This is ideal when the clock change affects our sleep schedule and the great news is that this strain is found in PrecisionBiotics Daily Calm Emotional Balance, which combines it with nutrients including saffron extract to contribute to emotional balance and relaxation as well as vitamin B6, which supports normal psychological function.

« Another probiotic strain vital for our gut health is Bifidobacterium longum 35624, which has been shown to reduce abdominal pain, bloating and markers for inflammation and is in Alflorex Dual Action, which contains around one billion from the probiotic strain 35624 and strain 1714. »

Dr Aslam said: « Even if you’re tired, try not to skip breakfast as this can potentially slow your digestion and throw your gut off track even more, especially if you usually eat breakfast every morning. The aim is to keep your gut in a steady rhythm, so eating at obscure times, or skipping meals full stop, doesn’t help. »

Dr Aslam said: « Movement and hydration are great ways to keep your digestion running smoothly. When you’re sleepy, exercise might be the last thing you want to do, however, even a gentle walk or Pilates can help. Keep water on hand and sip throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. »