In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh is joined by world-renowned circadian medicine researcher Dr. Satchin Panda to explore how our daily routines—when we eat, sleep, move, and get light—can deeply impact our health. Drawing from his latest book, The Circadian Diabetes Code, Dr. Panda shares the science behind time-restricted eating and how aligning our habits with our internal clocks can help prevent and reverse chronic conditions like diabetes, support mental health, and improve sleep quality.

They break down what “biological fasting” really means (hint: it’s not just the hours you're not eating) and why maintaining stable blood glucose levels overnight is essential for metabolic repair. Dr. Panda explains why 14 hours of overnight fasting can be a game changer, how sugar overload stresses the pancreas, and why our ability to handle glucose changes throughout the day.

You’ll also hear about the fascinating link between circadian rhythms and GLP-1 medications, how light acts as a natural antidepressant, and why consistent sleep and meal timing can improve everything from anxiety to weight loss. Whether you're struggling with pre-diabetes, insomnia, or just want to feel more energized, this conversation offers simple, actionable steps rooted in cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• (04:53) How time restricted eating can help reverse diabetes
• (06:44) The concept of biological fasting and how it supports blood sugar balance
• (12:23) Why your pancreas works best in the morning—and worse at night
• (17:34) How time-restricted eating can improve sleep and mental health
• (18:26) Dr. Panda’s assertion that your day actually starts the night before
• (19:15) Why it is so important to stop eating three hours before bed
• (22:19) The importance of a consistent sleep schedule for overall health
• (23:21) The ideal daily schedule to support your circadian rhythm
• (24:12) How getting daily sunlight can be the best antidepressant
• (26:39) Why exercising in late afternoon can be better for athletic performance and health
• (30:58) How time-restricted eating can protect your health even if you are a shift worker
• (34:28) How traditional Ayurvedic practices align with circadian biology
• (43:17) How to assess your coffee habit and if it’s really necessary
• (50:05) Dr. Panda’s take on GLP-1 medications
• (59:43) How time restricted eating or fasting can be your greatest cure

This episode is your guide to improving your sleep hygiene, understanding the impact of food and sugar intake on your circadian rhythms, and simple ways you can change habits to improve your wellbeing.

About Dr. Satchin Panda:

Dr. Satchin Panda is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and one of the world’s leading experts on circadian biology. His discoveries—including the blue light sensor in our eyes that sets our internal clock—have changed the way we understand sleep, metabolism, and overall health. He pioneered the concept of time-restricted eating (TRE), and his lab continues to explore how daily rhythms impact everything from diabetes to depression. His research has earned him accolades such as the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research and a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences. He is the author of The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code.

Connect with Dr. Satchin Panda:

• Instagram: @satchin.panda
• Website
• YouTube:

Hi, I’m Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh.

And if you’re tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or stuck when it comes to your health, you're in the right place. Because healing isn’t just possible — it’s in your power. And it's time to take it back.

I’m a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience and I’m also a lifelong practitioner of Ayurveda, the medicine of my ancestors. And I’ve spent my career in medicine living at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom, integrating both to help people heal. I believe that real healing comes from aligning with nature and the full picture of who you are — body, mind, and spirit.

As a South Asian woman and physician, I bring a perspective that’s not often represented in the world of integrative medicine — one that values intuition as much as evidence, and honors the complexity of who you are, not just the symptoms you carry.

I created The Healing Catalyst Podcast because we all deserve a different kind of conversation about health — one that’s honest, holistic, and rooted in both science and soul.

On this podcast, I’m joined by the world’s leading experts, researchers, and thought leaders in integrative medicine and mind-body healing, to simplify the science and share meaningful insights around topics like the gut microbiome, nervous system regulation, hormonal balance and menopause. On this show, I’ll give you science-backed tools and practices that you can use starting today — not just theories to think about. Because my goal is to help you build daily habits to support your health…, so you can stop chasing symptoms and start living with more vitality.

Make sure you hit follow right now to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I'm so glad you’re here. Now let’s get to it.

Connect with Dr. Avanti:

• Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
• Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
• Watch clips and past episodes on YouTube
• Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh
• Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter
• Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti
• Explore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.com

Resources:

• Order Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health Catalyst
• Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz
• Explore more at

Today on The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti explores the transformative practice of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with Gabby Bernstein. Gabby, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, shares how IFS has helped her reconnect with her inner self, navigate emotional challenges, and heal generational trauma.

You’ll hear about the powerful four-step process she uses to foster clarity, connection, and compassion for her inner parts—and how you can use it too. Whether you’re feeling stuck in old patterns or looking to step into the new year with more balance and ease, this conversation offers practical tools to help you unlock emotional healing and improve your overall well-being.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What Internal Family Systems therapy is and how it works.
• How protector and exiled parts influence your emotions and behaviors.
• Gabby’s four-step process for self-leadership and healing.
• The impact of generational trauma on emotional and physical health.
• Practical ways to create clarity, connection, and compassion in daily life.

This episode is your guide to getting unstuck, finding inner calm, and transforming your life from the inside out.

Connect with Gabrielle Bernstein:

• Instagram: @gabbybernstein
• Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GabrielleBernstein

Connect with Dr. Avanti:

• Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
• Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
• Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram
• Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
• Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti

Resources:

• Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: The Longevity Formula
• Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz
• Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”
• Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter

Connect with Dr. Avanti:

• Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcast
• Website: avantikumarsingh.com
• Avanti’s Book: The Health Catalyst
• Instagram: @avantikumarsingh
• Podcast: The Healing Catalyst



The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This show is produced by Synchro Social