{"title":"Physiology of Ramadan Fasting","authors":"S. Bonakdaran","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.7279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.7279","url":null,"abstract":"Considering the emphasis of Islam on the importance of fasting, Muslims attempt to fast from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is associated with several benefits for normal and healthy individuals. However, it could pose high risks to the health of diabetic patients due to certain physiological changes. This study aimed to compare the physiological changes associated with fasting in healthy individuals and diabetic patients during Ramadan. Furthermore, we reviewed the domestic articles published in this regard.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"64-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of fasting on Blood pressure in normotensive males","authors":"Fatima Samad","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.7379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.7379","url":null,"abstract":"Muslims all over the world fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting means abstinence from drinking any liquids, eating, smoking and taking anything parenterally. It is intermittent in nature from the start of dawn to end at dusk. Fasting has various physiological effects on different biological parameters of the human body. Previous studies that look at effect of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure have focused mainly on hypertensive patients and patients with already established heart disease.(1,2)There is very limited data regarding the effect of fasting on the normal population. (3,4) A few previous studies have advocated a hypotensive role of fasting.(5) In our study published in Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad (JAMC) in 2015, “Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Blood pressure in normotensive males”, we investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure of normotensive men. We conducted a repeated measure observational study in Karachi, Pakistan on 70 individuals who were normotensive, non-smokers between the ages of 18–50 years. . Blood pressure, pulse, BMI of each participant was recorded one week before the start of Ramadan and in the first, second and third week of Ramadan. The results of our study show that intermittent fasting has a hypotensive effect in normotensive males as proven in animal models and certain human population. There was an average drop of 8/3 mmHg and while the results are significant, their clinical relevance needs to be analysed. Studies on animal models have suggested atrial natriuretic peptide, catecholamines, opiates and body mass index as possible reasons for the decrease in blood pressure due to fasting.(3, 6) Dewanti et al suggested that the cause of drop in blood pressure was the drop in BMI however in our study we found that a drop in BMI only occurred before Iftar towards the end of the fast. There was no significant drop in post-Iftar BMI although there was a significant drop in blood pressure post-Iftar. At the same time ANP has been investigated and found to have no relationship with the phenomenon. We observed a drop in both pre and post Iftar period blood pressure readings. From the community health perspective these results cast doubt on the results of screening for hypertension in the month of Ramadan. Our study has some limitations. First of all, our results cannot be generalized to women and individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Secondly, one cannot exclude the confounding effect of the type of food taken during the breaking of the fast for example individuals taking stimulants like coffee and tea might have yielded readings that were confounded.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"75-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68366458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A narrative review on fasting of pregnant women in the holy month of Ramadan","authors":"S. Mirsane, Shima Shafagh","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.7032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.7032","url":null,"abstract":"A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article type: Review article One of the basic rituals of Islam is fasting during Ramadan. In this month, all able-bodied Muslims abstain from food, fluids, smoking, and oral medications from sunrise to sunset. According to the Quran, if fasting poses major health risks to individuals, fasting during this holy month is not allowed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fasting on maternal and fetal health. Therefore, we investigated studies in three different areas, including fetal growth and development, intrauterine and early-life conditions, and laboratory findings. According to the results, fasting had no significant effect on pregnant and healthy women. However, further studies should be conducted in this area in order to obtain more comprehensive and accurate results. Furthermore, it is suggested that healthy pregnant women be monitored by physicians during fasting.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"53-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Safety of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors during Ramadan Fasting: Evidence, Perceptions, and Guidelines","authors":"S. Beshyah","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.7099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.7099","url":null,"abstract":"Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new glucose-lowering therapy for T2DM with documented benefits on blood glucose, hypertension, weight reduction and long term cardiovascular benefit. They have an inherent osmotic diuretic effect and lead to some volume loss and possible dehydration. There is some concern about the safety of using SGLT2 inhibitors in Muslim type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients during the fast during Ramadan. Currently, there is a dearth of research data to help guide physicians and reassure patients. One study confirmed good glycemic control with less risk of hypoglycemia and no marked volume depletion. Data in the elderly and in combination with diuretics are reassuring of their safe to use in Ramadan in general. SGLT2 inhibitor-related diabetic ketoacidosis has not been reported during Ramadan and is unlikely to be relevant. Survey of physicians revealed that the majority felt that SGLT2 inhibitors are generally safe in T2DM patients during Ramadan fasting but should be discontinued in certain high risk patients. Some professional groups with interest in diabetes and Ramadan fasting included SGLT2 inhibitors in their guidelines on management of diabetes during Ramadan. They acknowledged the lack of trial data, recommended caution in high risk groups, advised regular monitoring and emphasized pre-Ramadan patients’ education. In conclusion, currently, knowledge, data and experience with SGLT2 inhibitors in Ramadan are limited. Nonetheless, stable patients with normal kidney function and low risk of dehydration may safely use the SGLT2 inhibitors therapy. Higher risk patients should be observed carefully and managed on individual basis.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"82-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management of Thyroid Diseases and Steroid Replacement in Ramadan: A Review Study","authors":"Maliha Hameed, S. Raza","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.7332","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.7332","url":null,"abstract":"Most Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Patients with thyroid diseases do not normally need medication adjustment and are able to fast safely. On the other hand, hypothyroid patients are prescribed with thyroxine tablets, which should be taken on an empty stomach at bedtime or half an hour before Sohur. Hyperthyroid patients receiving treatment with methimazole or carbimazole have to adjust to 1-2 daily doses, while patients using propylthiouracil need to change their drug regimen. Severely symptomatic hyperthyroid patients require immediate treatment and must avoid fasting for a few days. Since adrenal insufficiency might be life-threatening, proper education is essential for these patients if they are willing to fast in Ramadan. In this regard, the educational content should be focused on the disease, proper medication, alarming signs and symptoms, sick day rules, dietary regimen, and physical activity.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"70-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Safieh Ebrahimi, F. Rahmani, A. Avan, M. Nematy, S. Parizadeh, S. Mehr, S. Parizadeh
{"title":"Effects of Ramadan Fasting on the Regulation of Inflammation","authors":"Safieh Ebrahimi, F. Rahmani, A. Avan, M. Nematy, S. Parizadeh, S. Mehr, S. Parizadeh","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.6624","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.6624","url":null,"abstract":"The month of Ramadan, as a model of intermittent fasting, is a valuable opportunity to investigate the effects of dietary modifications on human metabolism. Fasting improves insulin sensitivity, reduces atherogenic risk, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of different disorders including atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Ramadan fasting can positively modulate cardiovascular risks and improves the metabolic syndrome features through suppression of inflammatory responses. In this review we attempt to present recent studies that addressed the regulatory role(s) of this nutritional status on inflammation in patients with inflammatory diseases. These studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of fasting is significant and could be considered as a complementary therapeutic approach in treatment of inflammatory disorders in patients.Keywords: Ramadan fasting, Inflammation, Metabolic syndrome, Cardiovascular diseaseAbstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract Abstract","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"32-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review","authors":"Maryam Alinezhad-Namaghi, M. Salehi","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.6347","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.6347","url":null,"abstract":"A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article type: Review article Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims and fasting in this month is the rule for any healthy matured person. Nutritional and behavioral changes occurred during Ramadan fasting may lead to several physiological change, such as blood pressure Studies evaluated the effects of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure in hypertensive patients, are scarce and reported inadequate results. In this paper a systematic review was performed to accumulate the results of published literature designed to evaluate blood pressure changes in hypertensive patients due to Ramadan fasting. All prospective, English studies which evaluated the effects of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure in hypertensive patients and measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure twice at least (before Ramadan and during last week of Ramadan or after Ramadan fasting) were included in systematic review. Five studies reported the effect of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure in hypertensive patients in full text. Although significant reduction in systolic blood pressure during Ramadan fasting were seen in 3 studies, other 2 studies reported no significant difference between systolic blood pressure before and after Ramadan fasting. Among 5 studies that reviewed in this paper, 3 studies reported no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure. Two other studies reported significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after Ramadan fasting. This systematic review suggested that Ramadan fasting can be safe in treated essential hypertensive patients with continuation of previous medications. Also it can improve systolic and diastolic blood pressures.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"17-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Type 1 diabetes and Ramadan fasting: A narrative review","authors":"R. Vakili, Z. Niazi, P. Rezaie","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.6443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.6443","url":null,"abstract":"Ramadan fasting is an important pillars of Islam .although patients and children expected from fasting during Ramadan, but every diabetic adolescents intends to fast should consult his diabetes management time, and intensive monitoring of blood glucose and urine ketones .close observation by endocrinologist, and weekly follow- up and highly individualized planning for each diabetic person is essential. In this Article we described general role that should be considered by type 1 diabetic people if they want to be fast during Ramadan.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"22-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdoulhossein Davoodabadi, H. Akbari, Mohammd Ghasembandi, Esmail Abdourrahim Kashi
{"title":"DOES RAMADAN FASTING INCREASE DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION","authors":"Abdoulhossein Davoodabadi, H. Akbari, Mohammd Ghasembandi, Esmail Abdourrahim Kashi","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.6623","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.6623","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims are obliged to fast. Prolonged fasting increase gastric acid and pepsin levels, which promote the risk of duodenal ulcer perforation (DUP). Effects of Ramadan fasting on DUP have not been thoroughly studied yet, and the limited number of studies investigating the impact of Ramadan fasting on DUP yielded discrepant results. This study aimed to evaluate DUP frequency during Ramadan 2011-2015 and compare it with other months. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 82 patients undergoing surgery due to DUP during July 2011-September 2015. The demographics, history of addiction, use of nonsteroidal and antiinflammatory drugs, previous history of acid peptic disease, as well as complications and outcomes of treatment were recorded and analyzed, and the obtained results were compared between Ramadan and other lunar months. Results: The majority of patients were male (86.6%, 71 patients), with a mean age of 43.9±16.5 years (age range: 20-75 years). Male to female ratio was 6:1. Cases with less than 30 years of age were less frequent (22%, 18 patients). DUP was more frequent during Rajab with nine cases (11%), while during Ramadan, six cases were reported, the difference between Ramadan and other months regarding the incidence of DUP was not significant (P=0.7). Risk factors such as smoking (60%) and addiction (44%; especially to crystal and crack) were noted. Consumption of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in 20 (24%) patients, and use of antacids in 17 (25%) patients. Distribution of DUP in different blood types was as follows: O+=41%, A+=28%, B+=23%, AB=5%, and O-=3%; moreover, post-operative Helicobacter pylori antibody was present in 67% of the patients. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting did not escalate DUP incidence, and those with DUP risk factors can fast with the use of antacids.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"10 11 1","pages":"25-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Review of Ramadan Fasting and Regular Physical Activity on Metabolic Syndrome Indices","authors":"S. A. Hosseini, K. Hejazi","doi":"10.22038/JFH.2016.6424","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/JFH.2016.6424","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Metabolic syndrome constitutes a cluster of risk factors such as obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. In this review article, we aimed to discuss the possible effects of fasting and regular physical activity on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Online databases including Google Scholar, SID, PubMed, and MagIran were searched, using the following keywords: “training”, “exercise”, “physical activity”, “fasting”, “Ramadan”, “metabolic syndrome”, “fat percentage”, “blood pressure”, “blood sugar”, “cholesterol”, “triglyceride”, and “lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol”. All articles including research studies, review articles, descriptive and analytical studies, and ross-sectional research, published during 2006-2015, were reviewed. In case of any errors in the methodologyof articles, they were removed from our analysis. Results:Based on our literature review, inconsistent findings have been reported on risk factors formetabolic syndrome. However, the majority of conducted studies have suggested the positive effects offasting on reducing the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Although fasting in different seasons of the year has no significant impacts on mental health or physical fitness, it can reduce the risk of various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Also, based on the conducted studies, if individuals adhere to a proper diet, avoid excessive eating, drink sufficient amounts of fluids, and keep a healthy level of physical activity, fasting can improve their physical health.","PeriodicalId":90593,"journal":{"name":"Journal of fasting and health","volume":"4 1","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68365642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}