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Abbey EL, Rigg Q. A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Food and Religious Identity. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 56:380-391. [PMID: 38583161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify common themes of the meaning of food among people who identify with a specific religious tradition, particularly focusing on potential applications for nutrition education and professional practice at multiple levels of the Social-Ecological Model. DESIGN Virtual and in-person focus groups were used to collect qualitative data. SETTING A midsized city in eastern Washington State. PARTICIPANTS Nine focus groups (n = 35), each representing a distinct religious congregation. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Meaning of food in the context of religion. ANALYSIS Qualitative, reflexive thematic analysis using web-based software to organize data. RESULTS Four key themes were identified that applied to both of the overarching focus group topic areas (general and religious): (1) food fosters connection, (2) food influences health, (3) relationships with food are complicated, and (4) food choices reflect values. Subthemes were specific to topic areas. In religious contexts, the meaning of food was more likely understood at a community level in addition to individual and relational levels of the Social-Ecological Model. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Acknowledgment and consideration of the religious identities of patients and clients may provide greater opportunities for community connection, which may have potential implications for community-level nutrition interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quincy Rigg
- Department of Health Sciences, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA
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Gholampoor N, Sharif AH, Mellor D. The effect of observing religious or faith-based fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:1097-1109. [PMID: 38508992 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Fasting is common in many religions and is associated with health benefits. This systematic review to compares the impact of different religious fasting practices, on risk of cardiometabolic diseases. DATA SYNTHESIS The search covered five databases following PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published in English from inception to March 2023 (updated January 2024). Inclusion criteria were healthy adults in observational studies, who engaged in religious fasting practices, studies were included where data on matched non-fasting individuals was available. Outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and fasting plasma glucose levels. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the review was registered (CRD42022352197). Fourteen studies were met the inclusion criteria with ten studies data being suitable for meta-analysis, reporting on 755 adults participating in fasting practices and 661 non-fasting controls. Religious fasting was associated with a reduction in BMI (-0.40 kg/m2, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.10], p < 0.01). Observance of Ramadan fasting was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (-3.83 mmHg, 95% CI [-7.44, -0.23], p = 0.04). The observance of Orthodox Christian fasting was associated with a reduction in TC (-0.52 mmoL/l, 95%CI [-0.64, -0.39], p < 0.01). No difference was found for the other outcomes. CONCLUSION This review found religious fasting practices which were associated with a reduction in some biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases risk. Further research on other fasting practices is needed due to limited data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Gholampoor
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Duane Mellor
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Rodopaios NE, Poulios E, Papadopoulou SK, Alexatou O, Koulouri AA, Kafatos AG, Papaliagkas V, Psara E, Giannakoula A, Tsourouflis G, Antasouras G, Giaginis C. Association of Christian Orthodox Fasting with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Serum Biochemical Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study on Patients with Metabolic Diseases. Metabolites 2024; 14:67. [PMID: 38276302 PMCID: PMC10821505 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Christian Orthodox fasting, a type of time-restricted diet, which presents some similarities to the Mediterranean Diet, also including certain similarities with periodic vegetarianism or other time-restricted diets (e.g., intermittent diet and Ramadan fasting), may cumulatively be related to the same or even better beneficial healthy effects as these well-recognized dietary patterns. The present study aimed to explore the potential beneficial impact of Christian Orthodox fasting in patients with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, excessive obesity, hypothyroidism and osteoporosis. This was a cross-sectional study, including 135 patients with metabolic disorders (67 fasters and 68 non-fasters). The enrolled fasters had adapted Christian Orthodox fasting recommendations for at least twelve consecutive years or even from childhood. Relevant questionnaires were used to record sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle data of the study population through face-to-face interviews between the enrolled individuals and qualified personnel during a non-fasting period. Christian Orthodox fasting patients showed a significantly and independently lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, which is highly associated with cardiometabolic disease risks, as well as a significantly and independently lower incidence of hypertension, including separately lower systolic and diastolic pressure, than non-fasting patients. Fasters also had a significantly and independently increased prevalence of an advanced educational level and no smoking history, as well as a lower incidence of sedentary behavior, and a trend of a correlation with reduced c-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, compared to non-fasters. Fasters also exhibited higher serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, as well as lower glucose levels, than non-fasters. This is one of the few cross-sectional studies demonstrating that Christian Orthodox fasting may promote metabolic health by improving several aspects of metabolic disorders, being associated with specific sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Further studies conducted on larger sample sizes from different countries and different ethnicities that include Christian Orthodox fasters are recommended to evaluate the impact of long-term religious fasting effects on human health, either as a preventative factor reducing the risk of chronic diseases and especially cardiometabolic disorders or as a nutritional intervention to ameliorate symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos E. Rodopaios
- Department of Social Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (N.E.R.); (A.-A.K.); (A.G.K.)
| | - Efthymios Poulios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (E.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Olga Alexatou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (E.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Alexandra-Aikaterini Koulouri
- Department of Social Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (N.E.R.); (A.-A.K.); (A.G.K.)
| | - Anthony G. Kafatos
- Department of Social Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (N.E.R.); (A.-A.K.); (A.G.K.)
| | - Vasileios Papaliagkas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Evmorfia Psara
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (E.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Anastasia Giannakoula
- Department of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, Sindos, 54700 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (E.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Lemnos, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (E.P.); (G.A.)
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Kokkinopoulou A, Katsiki N, Pagkalos I, Rodopaios NE, Koulouri AA, Vasara E, Papadopoulou SK, Skepastianos P, Hassapidou M, Kafatos AG. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products in a Greek Christian Orthodox Church Fasting Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:4907. [PMID: 38068765 PMCID: PMC10708049 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on healthy living are widely known, while the health effects of religious fasting have received increased attention during the last decade. However, no study has focused on the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in such populations. Therefore, our aim was to investigate UPF intake and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Christian Orthodox church (COC) religious fasting population in Greece. In this cross-sectional study, 400 individuals who follow the Mediterranean diet were included, stratified as COC fasters and non-fasters. Dietary intake data were collected via three 24 h diet recalls and a monthly food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The NOVA food classification system was used to identify the level of processing and categorize all food items. Fasters consumed significantly less chicken, turkey, and beef and significantly more seafood, fish, snails, soy products, and fresh fruits, in terms of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, as well as significantly more fried potatoes and olives in terms of processed foods when compared with non-fasters. Regarding UPFs, a significantly lower intake of pork sausages, ketchup, and mustard as well as a significantly higher consumption of margarine and tarama dip were recorded in fasters compared with non-fasters. Fasters with MetS more frequently consumed UPFs (such as cheese pastries, biscuits, and cakes) than fasters without MetS (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Similarly, non-fasters with MetS had an increased intake of UPFs (such as Cypriot bread and Coco Pops breakfast cereals) than non-fasters without MetS. Future research should focus on UPF consumption and its associations with clinical outcomes in such populations, thus providing further data for the potential health effects of COC fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Crete, Greece (A.G.K.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Niki Katsiki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Pagkalos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Nikolaos E. Rodopaios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Crete, Greece (A.G.K.)
| | - Alexandra-Aikaterini Koulouri
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Eleni Vasara
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Petros Skepastianos
- Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece (I.P.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Anthony G. Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Crete, Greece (A.G.K.)
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Kokkinopoulou A, Pagkalos I, Rodopaios NE, Koulouri AA, Vasara E, Papadopoulou SK, Skepastianos P, Hassapidou M, Kafatos AG. Does Religious Fasting Have a Protective Role against Metabolic Syndrome in Individuals Aged >50 Years? Nutrients 2023; 15:3215. [PMID: 37513633 PMCID: PMC10385780 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting is a periodic vegetarian-type diet lasting 180-200 days annually in which seafood and snails are allowed on all fasting days. Our aim was to investigate the effects of COC fasting on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults >50 years. METHODS One hundred seventy-six individuals participated in the study (mean age 59.7 ± 6.0 years). Eighty-nine had been following the COC fasting regime since their childhood and eighty-seven were non-fasters. Anthropometric measurements, blood samples, and nutrient intake data were collected at a scheduled appointment, during a non-fasting period. RESULTS Fasters had significantly higher hip circumference (102 ± 8.5 vs. 98.8 ± 7.5 cm, p = 0.009), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (136 ± 73 vs. 115 ± 51 mg/dL, p = 0.033), and folic acid levels (6.0 ± 4.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.018), as well as lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (131 ± 13 vs. 136 ± 14 mmHg, p = 0.045), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (80 ± 8 vs. 83 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.007), glucose (87 ± 16 vs. 93 ± 25 mg/dL, p = 0.039), and triglycerides (143 ± 94 vs. 175 ± 84 mg/dL, p = 0.040). Fasters had significantly less intake of calories (1493.65 ± 363.74 vs. 1614.65 ± 426.28 kcal, p = 0.044) and fat (81.17 ± 25.47 vs. 90.74 ± 24.75 g, p = 0.012), whereas they also consumed significantly less vitamin A-retinol, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and significantly more vitamin C (p < 0.005 for all comparisons). BP was significantly higher in non-fasters (44.8 vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002), whereas MetS was more frequently present in non-fasters vs. fasters, with a marginal level of significance (35.6 vs. 22.5%, p = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS COC fasting may affect beneficially MetS prevalence in individuals >50 years, although future research is needed before reaching definite conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pagkalos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos E Rodopaios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Vasara
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sousana K Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Petros Skepastianos
- Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anthony G Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
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Kokkinopoulou A, Katsiki N, Pagkalos I, Rodopaios NE, Koulouri AA, Vasara E, Papadopoulou SK, Skepastianos P, Dermitzakis E, Hassapidou M, Kafatos AG. The Interplay between Metabolic Syndrome and Religious Fasting in Postmenopausal Women. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112478. [PMID: 37299441 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Religious fasting that involves abstinence from specific food(s) is part of many religions worldwide and has been gaining attention by the research community during the last years. The study aimed to investigate whether the periodic Christian Orthodox fasting mitigates the changes in body composition, dietary intake, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. One hundred and thirty-four postmenopausal women aged 57.3 ± 6.7 years participated in this study. The Christian Orthodox fasting was followed by 68 postmenopausal women since their childhood, whereas 66 postmenopausal women were non-fasters. Data collection involved anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary information. Postmenopausal women who fasted according to Christian Orthodox Church recommendations had significantly higher mean fat free mass (45 vs. 44 kg, p = 0.002), hip circumference (104 vs. 99 cm, p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (79 vs. 82 mmHg, p = 0.024). No other differences were found with regards to anthropometric data. Fasters also consumed significantly less fat (78 vs. 91 g, p = 0.006), as well as saturated (19 vs. 23 g, p = 0.015), monounsaturated (41 vs. 47 g, p = 0.018), and polyunsaturated fat (8.5 vs. 10 g, p = 0.023), trans fatty acids (0.5 vs. 2.3 g, p = 0.035), and cholesterol (132 vs. 176 g, p = 0.011). In terms of MetS features, non-fasters had more frequently elevated fasting blood glucose (11.8 vs. 24.2%, p = 0.039) and elevated blood pressure (13.2 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.041) compared with fasters. MetS was more common in non-fasters versus fasters with a marginal level of significance (30.3 vs. 23.5%, p = 0.052). Postmenopausal women who follow the Christian Orthodox fasting regime had lower fat intake, and no other difference in nutrient intake, compared with non-fasters. The latter were more likely to have MetS and some of its components. Overall, periodic abstinence from meat, dairy products, and eggs might play a protective role in postmenopausal women with regard to MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niki Katsiki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Pagkalos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos E Rodopaios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Vasara
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sousana K Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Petros Skepastianos
- Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anthony G Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Crete, Greece
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Kokkinopoulou A, Rodopaios NE, Koulouri AA, Vasara E, Papadopoulou SK, Skepastianos P, Dermitzakis E, Hassapidou M, Kafatos AG. Impact of Christian Orthodox Church Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Adults Aged 18-49 Years. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071755. [PMID: 37049597 PMCID: PMC10096952 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies regarding health effects of religious fasting have been increased during the last decade. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting on metabolic syndrome in young adults. METHODS Participants were 224 men and women, of whom 111 had been following the COC fasting regime and 113 were non-fasters, all aged 18 to 49 years (mean age 29.23 ± 8.78 years). Anthropometric measurements, including the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, were performed on individuals, and they also completed food intake questionnaires, and provided blood samples for biochemical analysis. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III and all variables were checked. RESULTS Fasters did not statistically differ in anthropometric measurements when comparing to non-fasters. Differences were found in terms of biochemical variables, and more specific in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol, and in systemic and diastolic blood pressure, although non statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were only noticed in heart pulses and insulin levels, with fasters having lower heart pulses (69.44 ± 9.84 versus 72.63 ± 10.74) and greater mean values of insulin levels (4.16 ± 4.66 versus 3.12 ± 2.35). When analysis was carried to identify which variables were met for metabolic syndrome, it was found that fasters had statistically significant lower values of blood pressure when compared to non-fasters. In more details mean systolic blood pressure was 121.67 ± 12.21 versus 123.41 ± 11.73 for fasters and non-fasters respectively, and mean diastolic blood pressure was 75.77 ± 8.82 versus 78.27 ± 10.07 for fasters and non-fasters. Furthermore, the mean energy intake was higher in non-fasters (1698.25 ± 515.99 kcals) when compared to fasters (1590.24 ± 404.19 kcals) but not statistically significant different. CONCLUSIONS Young adults aged 18 to 49 years who fast according to the COC fasting regimes do not have different metabolic syndrome prevalence when comparing to non-fasters, but there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure with fasters having lower values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos E Rodopaios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Vasara
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sousana K Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Petros Skepastianos
- Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anthony G Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Tang D, Tang Q, Huang W, Zhang Y, Tian Y, Fu X. Fasting: From Physiology to Pathology. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204487. [PMID: 36737846 PMCID: PMC10037992 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Overnutrition is a risk factor for various human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Therefore, targeting overnutrition represents a simple but attractive strategy for the treatment of these increasing public health threats. Fasting as a dietary intervention for combating overnutrition has been extensively studied. Fasting has been practiced for millennia, but only recently have its roles in the molecular clock, gut microbiome, and tissue homeostasis and function emerged. Fasting can slow aging in most species and protect against various human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. These centuried and unfading adventures and explorations suggest that fasting has the potential to delay aging and help prevent and treat diseases while minimizing side effects caused by chronic dietary interventions. In this review, recent animal and human studies concerning the role and underlying mechanism of fasting in physiology and pathology are summarized, the therapeutic potential of fasting is highlighted, and the combination of pharmacological intervention and fasting is discussed as a new treatment regimen for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Tang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Qiuyan Tang
- Neurology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Clinical MedicineChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuan610075China
| | - Wei Huang
- West China Centre of Excellence for PancreatitisInstitute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineWest China‐Liverpool Biomedical Research CentreWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and MetabolismWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Yan Tian
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapyChengduSichuan610041China
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9
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Giaginis C, Mantzorou M, Papadopoulou SK, Gialeli M, Troumbis AY, Vasios GK. Christian Orthodox Fasting as a Traditional Diet with Low Content of Refined Carbohydrates That Promotes Human Health: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051225. [PMID: 36904225 PMCID: PMC10004762 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Christian Orthodox fasting is a pattern high in complex carbohydrates and low in refined carbohydrates. It has been explored in association with its potential health benefits. The present review aims to comprehensively explore the existing available clinical data concerning the potential favorable impact of the dietary pattern of Christian Orthodox fasting on human health. METHODS PubMed database, Web of Science and Google Scholar were extensively searched in order to identify the more appropriate clinical studies that explore the effect of Christian Orthodox fasting on health-related outcomes in humans utilizing relative keywords. We initially retrieved 121 records through database searching. After applying several exclusion criteria, 17 clinical studies were finally included in this review study. DISCUSSION Christian Orthodox fasting showed beneficial effects concerning glucose and lipid control, whereas the data for blood pressure remain inconclusive. Concerning weight control, fasters were characterized by lower body mass and lower caloric intake in the course of the fasting periods. During fasting, this pattern is higher in fruits and vegetables, showing the absence of dietary deficiencies for iron and folate. Nevertheless, dietary deficiencies were recorded for calcium and vitamin B2, and also hypovitaminosis D has been noticed in monks. Interestingly, the vast majority of monks do present with both good quality of life and mental health. CONCLUSIONS Overall, Christian Orthodox fasting is a dietary pattern low in refined carbohydrates and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber that may be beneficial for human health promotion and chronic disease prevention. However, further studies are strongly recommended on the impact of long-term religious fasting on HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Maria Mantzorou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Maria Gialeli
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece
| | - Andreas Y. Troumbis
- Department of Environment, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Georgios K. Vasios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece
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Deeb A, Babiker A, Sedaghat S, El Awwa A, Gupta K, Pulungan AB, Isa Umar U, Akanov Z, Kalra S, Zangen D, Al Adhami S, Karipidou M, Marcovecchio ML. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Ramadan and other religious fasting by young people with diabetes. Pediatr Diabetes 2022; 23:1512-1528. [PMID: 36537522 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.13447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Deeb
- Paediatric Endocrinology Division, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,College of Health & Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amir Babiker
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Sedaghat
- Department of Diabetes Education, Research and Development, Gabric Diabetes Education Association, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmed El Awwa
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Kowshik Gupta
- Paediatric Endocrinology Division, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aman Bhakti Pulungan
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Umar Isa Umar
- Department of Paediatrics, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Zhanay Akanov
- Centre of Diabetes, Kazakh Society for Study of Diabetes, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India
| | - David Zangen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Al Adhami
- Endocrinology department, Mediclinic City hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Melina Karipidou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - M Loredana Marcovecchio
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Trabelsi K, Ammar A, Boujelbane MA, Puce L, Garbarino S, Scoditti E, Boukhris O, Khanfir S, Clark CCT, Glenn JM, Alhaj OA, Jahrami H, Chtourou H, Bragazzi NL. Religious fasting and its impacts on individual, public, and planetary health: Fasting as a "religious health asset" for a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable society. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1036496. [PMID: 36505246 PMCID: PMC9729557 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1036496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Religious fasting is practiced by people of all faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, as well as Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism. Individual/clinical, public, global, and planetary health has traditionally been studied as separate entities. Nevertheless, religious fasting, in conjunction with other religious health assets, can provide several opportunities, ranging from the individual to the population, environmental, and planetary levels, by facilitating and supporting societal transformations and changes, such as the adoption of healthier, more equitable, and sustainable lifestyles, therein preserving the Earth's systems and addressing major interconnected, cascading, and compound challenges. In this review, we will summarize the most recent evidence on the effects of religious fasting, particularly Orthodox and Ramadan Islamic fasting, on human and public health. Further, we will explore the potential effects of religious fasting on tackling current environmental issues, with a special focus on nutrition/food restriction and planetary health. Finally, specific recommendations, particularly around dietary intake during the fasting rituals, will be provided to ensure a sustainable healthy planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, Sfax, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- UFR SESS-STAPS, Paris-East Créteil University, LIRTES (EA 7313), Créteil, France
| | - Mohamed Ali Boujelbane
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Luca Puce
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy
| | - Omar Boukhris
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Saber Khanfir
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Cain C. T. Clark
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan M. Glenn
- Department of Health, Exercise Science Research Center Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Omar A. Alhaj
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Department of Psychiatry, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hamdi Chtourou
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kokkinopoulou A, McGowan R, Brogan Y, Armstrong J, Pagkalos I, Hassapidou M, Kafatos A. Associations between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund's Cancer Prevention Recommendations. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071383. [PMID: 35405996 PMCID: PMC9002790 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Studies regarding the health effects of religious fasting have increased in the last decade. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting recommendations and cancer risk, with a specific focus on fibre, fruit, vegetables, and red and processed meat consumption. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants included 361 individuals from Northern Greece. One hundred and seventy-six participants followed the COC fasting regime for more than 10 years, and 185 participants did not follow any restrictive dietary patterns. Diet was assessed using a 114-item food frequency questionnaire. Results: Fasters had a more favourable dietary intake compared to non-fasters, with fasters having a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables (p = 0.009) and a significantly lower consumption of total processed meat (p < 0.001) compared to non-fasters. No significant differences were observed in the consumption of fibre and red meat consumption between the two groups. Conclusions: Following the World Cancer Research Fund Cancer Recommendations, fasters are at a potentially lowering risk of developing colorectal cancer than non-fasters due to their more favourable dietary intake. Furthermore, higher consumption of fruit and vegetables with a lower consumption of total processed meat contributes to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome. Public health strategies based on following the structured COC fasting recommendations might hopefully contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Herakleion, Greece;
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Rachel McGowan
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (R.M.); (Y.B.); (J.A.)
| | - Yvonne Brogan
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (R.M.); (Y.B.); (J.A.)
| | - Julie Armstrong
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (R.M.); (Y.B.); (J.A.)
| | - Ioannis Pagkalos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Anthony Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Herakleion, Greece;
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Kokkinopoulou A, Pagkalos I, Hassapidou M, Kafatos A. Dietary Patterns in Adults Following the Christian Orthodox Fasting Regime in Greece. Front Nutr 2022; 9:803913. [PMID: 35321286 PMCID: PMC8936505 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.803913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to identify and describe the dietary patterns seen in a carefully selected sample that follows the Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting regime in Greece. Methods A number of 361 individuals from Northern Greece participated in this cross-sectional study. A number of 176 subjects have been fasting according to the COC recommendations since childhood and 185 non-fasters acted as the control group. Dietary data from a validated food frequency questionnaire were used to derive dietary patterns by principal component analysis (PCA). Results Three distinct dietary patterns were identified in the fasting population, the “COC Fasting,” the “Western,” and the “Traditional” dietary pattern, whereas in the non-fasting population, two dietary patterns were found the “Western” and the “Traditional.” The dietary patterns in the fasting population were associated with healthier lifestyle choices, such as abstaining from alcohol and smoke and reduced red and processed meats consumption. Conclusion Findings from the study revealed that people who adhere to the COC fasting recommendations since childhood tend to follow this dietary pattern throughout the year. By gaining insights into the energy and nutrient intake of this unique dietary pattern, public health stakeholders could promote healthier eating behaviors to prevent non-communicable chronic diseases, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokkinopoulou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Herakleion, Greece
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
- *Correspondence: Anna Kokkinopoulou
| | - Ioannis Pagkalos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Hassapidou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anthony Kafatos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Unit, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Herakleion, Greece
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