Impact of Ramadan fasting on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Ramadan Fasting in Individuals with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Liver Transplant, and Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a growing worldwide pandemic. A limited number of studies have investigated the potential effect of Ramadan fasting on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). There is no single medication for the treatment of MASLD. There is a growing interest in dietary intervention as potential treatment for metabolic diseases including MASLD. The aim of this study was to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors of MASLD and the potential effects of Ramadan fasting on MASLD, liver transplant, and bariatric surgery. We searched PubMed and SCOPUS databases using different search terms. The literature search was based on research studies published in English from the year 2000 to the 2024. Thirty-two studies were included in this review. Ramadan fasting reduced body weight and improved lipid profile, anthropometric indices, fasting plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and inflammatory cytokines. Ramadan fasting improved risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and might improve MASLD through weight reduction. However, further studies are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Ramadan fasting in liver transplant recipients and bariatric surgery.

Investigation of the effect of Ramadan fasting on serum levels of melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin: the case of Turkey

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin levels.

METHODS

In this study, the blood of 19 healthy male individuals between the ages of 26 and 51, registered in Agri (Turkey) Family Health Center and fasting during Ramadan, was studied. The study was carried out in 2021-2022. The SPSS-22 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Wilcoxon analysis was used in the study.

RESULTS

It was determined that the pre-test-post-test melatonin and cortisol levels of the individuals were not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was determined that the pre-test-post-test serotonin difference of the individuals was statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It has been determined that Ramadan fasting increases the serotonin level of individuals but does not change the levels of melatonin and cortisol. It was determined that the level of happiness of individuals increased after Ramadan fasting. Longitudinal studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting are recommended.

Consensus recommendations on fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney disease: review of available evidence and a call for action (RaK Initiative)

Ramadan fasting (RF) involves abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours; it is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Although sick individuals are exempt from fasting, many will fast anyway. This article explores the impact of RF on individuals with kidney diseases through a comprehensive review of existing literature and consensus recommendations. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.The recommendations aim to provide a structured approach to assess and manage fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney diseases, empowering both healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions while considering their unique circumstances.

Patient Care During Ramadan: A Narrative Review

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset. This 30-day pattern of intermittent diurnal fasting can have a significant physiologic impact on the body. Importantly, oral intake is forbidden during this time, and many patients do not wish to take medications. From a clinical perspective, this potentially impacts healthcare delivery and chronic disease states. Despite these important changes, awareness of individual patient practices remains limited among healthcare providers in North America, which may worsen health disparities in Muslim patients. A fundamental understanding of the cultural and physiological implications of fasting during Ramadan can improve cultural competence and patient outcomes. In this paper, we review the physiologic changes during fasting, medical exemptions to fasting, and special considerations for the care of Muslim patients with chronic conditions who may fast during Ramadan.

Unlocking the Benefits of Fasting: A Review of its Impact on Various Biological Systems and Human Health

Fasting has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits in various body systems. This review aims to comprehensively examine the effects of fasting on human health, specifically focusing on its impact on different body's physiological systems. The cardiovascular system plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, and fasting has shown promising effects in improving cardiovascular health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, fasting has been suggested to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, and improve metabolic health, thus offering potential benefits to individuals with diabetes and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, fasting can boost immune function, reduce inflammation, enhance autophagy, and support the body's defense against infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Fasting has also demonstrated a positive effect on the brain and nervous system. It has been associated with neuroprotective properties, improving cognitive function, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, besides the ability of increasing the lifespan. Hence, understanding the potential advantages of fasting can provide valuable insights for individuals and healthcare professionals alike in promoting health and wellbeing. The data presented here may have significant implications for the development of therapeutic approaches and interventions using fasting as a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy.

Ramadan Fasting in Health and Disease in 2021: A Narrative Review

Introduction: The literature on the health aspects of Ramadan fasting (RF) is widely spread in many journals.

Materials and Methods: This is a narrative review of data obtained from the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States). We used the search term “Ramadan fasting,” and relevant records were examined. The publications are narrated thematically.

Results: The publications spanned fundamental, clinical, professional, cultural, and advocacy facets. The publications crossed conventional disciplinary lines and geographical locations and appeared in journals with different access systems. The contents are presented under the themes that emerged depending on the retrieved literature. This year basic coverage included changes in physiology and nutrition during Ramadan. However, the clinical issues included a wide range of topics. These included the impact of RF on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and adjustments needed in endocrine replacement therapy for hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Coverage also included chronic kidney disease. The impact on maternal health, fetal well-being, and long-term effects of RF exposures were addressed in several studies. Studies in cardiovascular medicine focused on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. Sports medicine and athletes' well-being received somewhat prominent coverage. The impact on renal function, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease, was investigated by a few authors. Several groups addressed the eyes' structure and function, neurological conditions, especially headache disorders, and hematological and oncological conditions. Finally, the impact of RF on several aspects of mental health and well-being was addressed by various groups.

Conclusions: Health aspects of RF received a sustained academic interest with a broad spectrum in 2021. This narration provides an overview of the year's scholarly health-related literature on various aspects of health and disease. It should help researchers and clinicians catch up quickly with the health concerns during Ramadan.

The effect of Ramadan fasting on nasal mucociliary activity and peak nasal inspiratory flow

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).

METHODS

Sixty-two (41 male and 21 female) healthy subjects who stated that they would fast continuously during the month of Ramadan were included in this prospective study. Day 0 (baseline), 1st day (after one day of RF), and 29th (after 29 days of RF) nasal mucociliary clearance time (MCT) with saccharine test and PNIF values were determined. Subject weights (SW) were measured on Day 0 and Day 29. The obtained data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

The mean of SW on day 0 was 78.53 ± 10.95 kg, and the mean of SW on Day 29 was 78.69 ± 10.87 kg. There was no significant difference in terms of SW (p = 0.251, p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the MCT and PNIF values measured on different study days (p < 0.05). The MCT values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the MCT values on the first day and the baseline (p = 0.891, p > 0.05). The PNIF values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). The PNIF values on the first day were significantly higher than the baseline (p = 0.008, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that RF leads to MCT prolongation and PNIF increase. Ramadan fasting causes deterioration in nasal airway defense and improvement in nasal respiration.