Dr. Jyothi Rao Presents on Circadian Rhythms with Mango Grove Catered Meal!

**PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST PRE-PAY FOR MANGO GROVE MEAL:**

Go to this link and order for yourself and any guests: https://www.ordermangogrove.com/order#/Item/5722450/534939
If prompted to pick an order type, choose Carryout (NOT delivery!!). Pick the latest day/time possible for carryout before 8/21. Then pre-pay the $12/per person and you will be all set. You do NOT need to pick up the food; this is for ordering purposes only. Please RSVP here on the Meetup page as well so we can get the most accurate head count.
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Dr Jyothi Rao, MD received her bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and her MD from New Jersey Medical School. She completed her internship and residency from Tufts New England Medical Center. She achieved her acupuncture training from the Helms Institute of Acupuncture in UCLA in 2000. She completed her Functional Medicine training from the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine in 2013. She has been in clinical practice since 1997 and now is the medical director of Shakthi Health and Wellness Center in Maryland. She is an instructor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, George Washington School of Medicine and a Moderator at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, as well as Medical Director of the Columbia Association. She has published Body on Fire and Body on Fire Cookbook to help guide patients with lifestyle medicine. In addition, Jyothi works with large communities and business organizations to help bring education on lifestyle changes to their communities through lectures, conferences, and podcasts. https://www.raowellness.com/integrative-medicine-specialists/dr-jyothi-rao/

Dr. Jyothi Rao will present the following:

"The Plant-Based Clock – How Circadian Rhythms & Diet Work Together for Gut & Whole-Body Health"

In this talk, we explore how the circadian rhythm—our body’s internal 24-hour clock—interacts powerfully with a plant-based lifestyle to promote gut health, metabolic balance, and overall well-being.

While plant-based eating is often focused on what we eat, research now shows that when we eat, sleep, and move plays a critical role in regulating digestion, hormone balance, and even the gut microbiome. This natural rhythm is tightly linked to light-dark cycles and daily habits—but it can be disrupted by modern routines like late-night eating, artificial lighting, and irregular meal timing.

The good news? A plant-based diet aligns naturally with circadian principles, enhancing the body's ability to heal, digest, and thrive. This lecture covers:

• How circadian rhythms regulate digestion, metabolism, and gut microbiome function
• Why a fiber-rich, plant-based diet supports gut microbial rhythms and reduces inflammation
• Why we should be eating seasonal foods to help our health
• The role of phytonutrients and melatonin-boosting foods in syncing body clocks
• How time-restricted eating and consistent meal timing can amplify plant-based benefits
• Simple, daily lifestyle strategies to align your eating, sleeping, and light exposure with your body’s natural rhythm