Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901The Effects of Fasting on Physiological Status and Gene Expression; An Overview111114473710.22038/jfh.2015.4737ENFahimeh Afzal JavanDepartment of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Alireza PasdarDepartment of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Journal Article20150822Calorie restriction through ingesting no or minimal amounts of food and caloric beverages for periods of time is called fasting. Fasting can affect body through changing in physical and metabolic adaptations, as well as mineral and hormonal status. However, psychological effects and sometimes medical complications are likely in case of inappropriate fasting. Fasting is associated with changes in expression of different genes and signaling pathways. In this brief review, physiological effects of fasting, affected pathways during fasting and potential applications of fasting are discussed.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901Fasting and Rheumatic Diseases115117503310.22038/jfh.2015.5033ENMohammad Hassan JokarDepartment of Internal Medicine, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Journal Article20150822Fasting is one of the important religious practices of Muslims, in which the individuals abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. Fasting is not obligatory or even not allowed, in case it causes health problems to the fasting individual. Rheumatic diseases are a major group of chronic diseases which can bring about numerous problems while fasting. The aim of this article is to review the impact of Islamic fasting on rheumatic patients, based on the scientific evidences.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901A Brief Look at the Role of Fasting in Mental Health and Its Correspondence with Advances in Psychology132137548010.22038/jfh.2015.5480ENMaryam Hosseini AlmosaviDepartment of Aolom Guran va Hadis, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, IranJournal Article20151102The robust increase in mental disorders, elevated use of sedatives and increased number of psychiatric hospitals, even in developed countries, indicate the need for preparing the human mind against tribulations. Although industrial advances have provided mankind with comfort, they have also increased the level of stress and psychological traumas. Here, the question arises as how we can free individuals from mental damages and stress in order to sustain mental health and pave the way for growth and excellence. In this article, we aimed to investigate the influence of fasting on mental health, according to “Shabaniyah Sermon” by Prophet Muhammad and new psychological findings. It should be mentioned that such comparison requires comprehensive research and further studies. In this article, we evaluated various cognitive measures such as “faith in God” and “worship”, as well as behavioral strategies, e.g., “repentance” and “honoring kinship”. These practices are based on humans’ spiritual needs and psychologists’ ideas and have great impacts on human health and prevention of psychological traumas. The main purpose of this study was to identify factors which harm the human spirit and deprive an individual of mental health. By identifying these factors, we can provide the grounds for growth and prosperity.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901Factors Influencing Smoking Behaviour Changes during Ramadan Among Malay Male Students97102473810.22038/jfh.2015.4738ENSuriani IsmailCommunity Health Department
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
Universiti Putra MalaysiaNor Afiah Mohd ZulkefliDepartment of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaCheong Sau ChungMedical Student, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaMohamad Sulaiman ZainalMedical Student, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaJournal Article20150811<strong>Introduction:</strong> Fasting during Ramadan provides an opportunistic setting for smoking cessation intervention. Smokers find it easy to cease smoking during Ramadan due to the religion, cultural and environmental influences. This study aims to determine the changes in smoking behaviour during Ramadan among Malay Muslim male students who were current smokers. <strong>Methods:</strong> This is cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the socio demographic characteristics and two main relevant religious perceptions on smoking (i.e. ‘Is smoking ‘haram’ and ‘Does smoking invalidate your fasting’). Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) questionnaire was used to evaluate smoking behaviour before and during Ramadan. The total FTND scores and the percentages according to FTDN items, before Ramadan and during Ramadan were compared to determine good or poor smoking behaviour changes. <strong>Results:</strong> The overall FTND scores and the percentage according to its items were significantly reduced. There were significant association between smoking behaviour changes during Ramadan and household income, nicotine dependence and perception that smoking is <em>‘haram’</em>. The percentage of good smoking behaviour changes was higher among those with higher income, high nicotine dependence and those who are not aware that smoking is <em>‘haram’</em>. <br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is a great potential in taking advantage of the Ramadan environment to encourage smoking cessation among Muslim smokers.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901Effect of Ramadan Fasting and Triangular Exercise Progressive on the Vigilance, Mood and Blood Glucose in Trained Athletes103110544910.22038/jfh.2015.5449ENLotfi SaidSuperior Normal School (ENS), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Zerdani IlhamDepartment of Biology. Laboratory of Ecology and Environment (LEE). Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Ahmed AggourResearch and Assessment Unit in Physical Activity and Sport (CREAPS), Superior Normal School (ENS), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Ahmed FethddineResearch and Assessment Unit in Physical Activity and Sport (CREAPS), Superior Normal School (ENS), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Abdelouaheb TaziThe Hassan II Foundation for Scientific and Medical Research on Ramadan (FRSMR), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Mohammed TalbiAnalytical chemistry laboratory and physical chemistry of materials, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.Journal Article20151003<strong>Introduction:</strong> This study has for objective the assessment of the vigilance, mood states variations and the blood glucose levels, during a triangular effort progressive in trained athletes during Ramadan fasting (RF). <strong>Methods:</strong> Ten trained male athletes aged 21.8 ± 1.1 years are evaluated before (B.RF), during (1st, 2nd and 3th week) and after Ramadan fasting, in the blood-glucose, vigilance, and mood states at rest and after (A. Ex. ) a triangular exercise test (TUB II).<strong>Results:</strong> Comparing to the reference period (B.RF), the RF induces a decrease in the maximal aerobic power (TUB II) approximately 2-Cleanup Messy Code 5% and a hypoglycaemia. The objective vigilance is doubly influenced by the RF (F= 14.58, p<0.002) and the exercise (F = 13.04, p<0.02), and decreasing significantly during the 1st and 2nd week of RF. However the subjective vigilance and moods states are not varied neither by the RF nor by the exercise. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results should guide the work of physical education teachers and coaches to a programming by integrating more of periods of complete recovery, and avoiding risky tasks requiring sustained attention.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901Evaluation of Changes in Blood Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Response to Islamic Fasting and Regular Physical Activity in Male and Female Subjects118125545210.22038/jfh.2015.5452ENSeyyed Reza Attarzadeh HosseiniProfessor in Sport Physiology, Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranKeyvan HejaziPhD student of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-4590-8018Journal Article20150914<strong>Introduction:</strong> Fasting during Ramadan is a religious obligation for healthy adult Muslims. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting and physical activity on blood hematological and biochemical parameters in male and female subjects. <strong>Methods:</strong> In this study, 50 healthy subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: male control fasting (MCF) group (n=13), male training fasting (MTF) group (n=13), female control fasting (FCF) group (n=12), and female training fasting (FTF) group (n=12), and were compared in two stages (before and after the intervention). For inter- and intra-group comparisons, a repeated measure ANOVA was applied. <strong>Results:</strong> The results showed a significant decline in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio after Ramadan fasting, compared to the pre-Ramadan period. Also, significant changes were observed in red blood cell count and hematocrit level (P<0.05). Additionally, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TC/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio significantly decreased after Ramadan, compared to the pre-Ramadan period. The two groups were significantly different in terms of weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio after Ramadan (P<0.05). Moreover, the two groups were significantly different in terms of changes in mean triglyceride level, TC concentration, LDL-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, TG/HDL ratio, and TC/HDL ratio. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Ramadan fasting, accompanied by regular physical activity, can induce positive changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. These variations may be due to dietary changes, biological responses of the body to starvation, or physical activity during Ramadan.Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health2821-27463320150901Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profiles126131547810.22038/jfh.2015.5478ENMaryam Sadat Amirkalali SijavandiNutrition research group, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranFatemeh ShahsavanNutrition research group, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranFarshad AskarizadehPhD student of Optometry, Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Science, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohsen NamatyAssociate Professor of Nutrition, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Cancer Research Centers, Department of Nutrition , School of medicine,, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-3202-2709Javad HeravianProfessor of Optometry Department of Optometry and Professor of Optometry Refractive Errors Research Center , School of Paramedical Science, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranZahra MahmodiMSc student of Optometry, Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Science, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranTahereh RakhshandadiMSc student of Optometry, Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Science, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohamad Reza SedaghatAssociate Professor of Ophthalmology Eye Research Center, Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad-IranJournal Article20150922Introduction: Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims during which avoid from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse for about 13-17 hours. The aim of this study was surveying the effects of Islamic fasting in Ramadan on lipid profile and blood pressure.<br />Materials and Methods: we designed this study in two phases, a week before and a week after Ramadan month. Eighty nine healthy subjects with 20-50 years old were participated in this study. Blood sampling for lipid profile measurement was done in the morning and blood pressure was measured in the afternoon with digital sphygmomanometer. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16.0 software.<br />Results: In a week after Ramadan, body weight and body mass index (BMI) decreased in both sexes, comparing with the week before Ramadan measurements (p