Journal of Nutrition, Fasting and Health
Volume:9 Issue: 3, Summer 2021

A 19-year-old girl with documented nickel-induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) 5 weeks after a sudden onset of bolus, erythematous skin rash presented to traditional Persian medicine (TPM) department, looking for treatment based on complementary and alternative medicine. A detailed history of jewelry exposures, life style, food intakes, and dietary habits as well as other physicians’ visits and administered treatments during passed 8 weeks was taken. Despite receiving current treatments such as corticosteroids, anti-histamines and antibiotic drugs, no satisfactory remission was achieved and the patient had stopped the aforementioned treatments. As the alternative medicine approach, patient treatment started based on avoiding contact with nickel, administration of Manna of Alhagi persarum and Portulaca oleracea seed and prohibition from eating tomato sauce, cocoa, coffee and bitter chocolate. Complete remission of the skin lesions and symptoms within 6 weeks was occurred. Moreover, normal clinical follow-up after 12 months was observed. Notably, the CARE guideline was used in the writing of this case report.

Concerns about nutrition and foods are amongst those problems that the affected communities always were encountered with, because of the natural disasters. This study purpose was to investigate the nutritional problems and sequences after the East Azerbaijan earthquake.

This systematic study searched for the relevant surveys using the main databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, the web of knowledge (for English studies), Google, Yahoo, and also other Persian information and library resources (for Persian studies) with some associated keywords. The collected data were analyzed, summarized, and reported manually by the use of content analysis method.

Amongst 975 studies found in the scientific databases, 21 studies were reviewed in order to find some answers for these research complications, and the earthquake problems were categorized into three contexts including food safety, food security, and nutritional consequences.

Despite of the fulfilled efforts after the East Azerbaijan earthquake in 2012, diverse nutritional problems and consequences had been formed in the community, especially amongst children and women.

Obesity is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Several approaches are used for the treatment of obesity, and acupuncture has attracted attention globally in this regard. However, the therapeutic effects of acupuncture at a molecular level remain unclear. The glutathione system is a major antioxidant defense mechanism. Obesity is reported to cause oxidative stress through various mechanisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the glutathione system as the most significant intracellular antioxidant mechanism in overweight and obese individuals.  

This study was conducted on 40 obese and overweight individuals with the BMI of ≥24.9 kg/m2 who were selected randomly. The participants received authentic acupuncture (case) or sham acupuncture (control) for six weeks combined with a low-calorie diet. Before and after the intervention, the activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and reduced/oxidized glutathione levels were measured.  

Higher glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in both groups after the treatment, while the increase was more significant in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.005). In addition, reduced glutathione levels were observed to increase in both groups after the treatment. Similarly, the rate of increase in the case group was more significant than the control group (P=0.02). A significant increase was also denoted in the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.02).  

According to the results, the combination of acupuncture with a standard obesity diet could increase antioxidant activity in the overweight individuals. Furthermore, the approach could further prevent oxidative damage through increasing reduced glutathione and improving the GSH/GSSG ratio.

Today, due to the prevalence and spread of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and negative impact on life and health, effective methods have been considered for treating the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks for resistance training (RT) with royal jelly (RJ) on anxiety and depression in rats with AD.  In the experimental study, 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats with AD (induced by 8 mg/kg Trimethyltin chloride) divided into seven groups of eight rats including (1) Alzheimer’s control (AD), (2) sham (Sh), (3) RT, (4) RT+ 100 mg/kg RJ (RT+RJ100), (5) RT+ 200 mg/RJ (RT+RJ200), (6) RJ100, and (7) RJ200. Eight rats were assigned into the healthy control (HC) group to investigate the effect of AD induction on research variables. The groups of 3, 4 and 5, performed RT with an intensity of 30 to 100% of body weight three sessions per week for eight weeks, and the  groups of 4-7 received the selected doses of RJ peritoneally daily. Anxiety-like behaviors and depression were measured by the elevated plus-maze test and forced swim test respectively. To analyze the findings, one-way ANOVA was used with Tukey’s post- hoc test, and two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s post- hoc test (p≤0.05).  Eight weeks of RT (p≤0.05) and RJ (p≤0.05) could significantly reduce anxiety and depression in rats with AD. 200 mg/kg RJ had a more favorable effect on reducing anxiety (p≤0.05) and depression (p≤0.05) than 100 mg/kg RJ. In addition, RT and RJ had an interactive effect on reducing depression in rats with AD (p≤0.05).  Apparently, the RT and RJ consumption have interactive effects on reducing anxiety; Besides, the anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects of RJ can be dependent on dosage.

Psychological hardiness and resilience are new psychological factors that have attracted the attention of psychologists in various fields. These factors are speculated to moderate stressors and their adverse effects on life. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the resilience and psychological hardiness of students.  This study was conducted on 300 students of the Islamic Azad University, Khoy Branch in Khoy, Iran in 2019. The sample population included 150 female and 150 male students who were selected via convenience sampling. One week before the holy month of Ramadan (pretest), data were collected using Connor-Davidson resilience questionnaire and Ahvaz psychological hardiness questionnaire, and posttest was performed one week after Ramadan. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of covariance.  Significant differences were observed in the posttest scores of resilience and psychological hardiness. The effect size of fasting on the posttest scores of resilience and psychological hardiness was 0.73 and 0.78, respectively (P=0.001).  Practicing religious beliefs largely influences psychological issues and enhances mental health. The individuals who are more inclined to spirituality are less prone to mental disorders and abnormalities. According to the results, religious rituals (especially Ramadan fasting) could improve resilience and psychological hardiness.

Dyslipidemia is a key modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and a major clinical feature in the patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the current era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Peanuts could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases as an abundant source of fiber, α-tocopherol, copper, arginine, magnesium, folate, and resveratrol. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementing peanut and counseling in the form of a healthy diet on the fasting lipid profile of HIV-infected adults.  This randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted on the eligible participants who were randomly assigned to a two-arm study. In treatment I, the participants consumed 80 grams of peanuts plus their regular diet. In treatment II, the participants were provided with nutrition counseling on a healthy diet and consumed 80 grams of peanuts. Each treatment continued for eight weeks with a six-week washout interval.  A 3.07% reduction was observed in the total cholesterol of the subjects receiving treatment I, while the reduction rate was 5.39% in treatment II. In addition, a 12.8% decrease was observed in the triglycerides of the subjects receiving treatment 1I, as well as a 17% reduction in treatment II. A significant increase was reported in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in treatments I and II, with the rate estimated at 7.38% and 5.1%, respectively. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 5.56% in treatment I and 4.32% in treatment II. The estimated 10-year risk of contracting coronary heart disease reduced significantly between the baseline and end of the study (P=0.03).  According to the results, regular consumption of peanuts could improve the fasting lipid profile of HIV-infected patients and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Ramadan fasting, especially in the summer months, provides an important opportunity to evaluate the effects of variances in eating and drinking habits on the body metabolism. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on liver steatosis and volume measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) in overweight and obese people and to reveal the effect of this period on liver function tests and blood-lipid profile.  Study was conducted with 34 individuals(28 male/6 female) who did not have chronic liver or systemic disease, did not use alcohol, had a BMI≥25, and committed to keep Ramadan fast. Abdominal MRI and blood analysis were performed twice; one week before and after the Ramadan. Liver fat fractions and volumes were calculated from MRI. All data were then statistically analyzed and compared. The mean age of the individuals was 44,5(19-68). Before Ramadan the weight average and the mean BMI were 86,76 kg and 30,29 respectively.Although an increase in liver fat fraction (%2.92±7.99 vs %3.44±8.11;p>0.05) and a decrease in liver volume (1555.37±316.92 vs 1546.63±339.82;p>0.05) were detected after Ramadan, it was not statistically significant. There were statistically significant positive changes in blood-lipid profile and liver function tests. The excess consumption of food during the evening and at night and a sedentary lifestyle may have affected the results of the present study; however, avoiding a predetermined amount of food and drinks regularly for a long time would also result in statistical changes.As such, larger, long-term studies that include participants with a BMI <25 are needed.

The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Sports Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors questionnaire (SNKABQ) in adolescent athletes.  SNKABQ was designed by Walsh et al. The questionnaire was translated and re-translated using the WHO standard method and in line with the Iranian culture and nutrition habits. The qualitative content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by five experts, time reliability was assessed using the test-retest method, and the correlation coefficient and differential validity were determined by comparing novice and skilled athletes using the Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, the internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed based on Cronbach's alpha, and the questionnaire was completed by 191 male and female students aged 15-18 years.  The total time reliability of the questionnaire was estimated at 0.86, while it was 0.92 for eating and drinking habits, 0.75 for nutrition attitudes, 0.88 for nutrition knowledge, and 0.89 for nutrition information sources. Moreover, the Mann-Whitney U test indicated that the questionnaire has significant differential validity (P=0.00). The total internal reliability of the questionnaire was determined to be 0.74. The internal reliability of the subscales was also measured and estimated at 0.71 for eating and drinking habits, 0.80 for nutrition attitudes, and 0.70 for nutrition knowledge and nutrition information sources.  SNKABQ had acceptable validity and reliability in the adolescent athletes and could be used as a tool for the assessment of Iranian adolescent athletes.

Immunoglobulins are humoral elements, which indicate the function of the immune system. Studies have shown that exercise and vitamin C supplementation could increase immunoglobulin levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of regular exercise with vitamin C supplementation on the salivary IgA of male high school students.  This clinical trial was conducted on 40 male high school students who were randomly assigned to four groups of 10, including exercise with vitamin C supplementation, exercise, vitamin C supplementation, and control group. Groups one and two performed the selected exercises for three sessions, and groups one and three consumed three vitamin C tablets (250 mg) per week. Saliva samples were collected 24 hours before the first training session (pretest) and 48 hours after the last training session (posttest). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post-hoc test at the significance level of P≤0.05.  Salivary IgA was significantly affected by 12 weeks of regular exercise and vitamin C supplementation. The differences between the groups indicated that the IgA levels in the exercise with vitamin C group (P=0.001) and exercise group (P=0.001) were significantly higher compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between the control and vitamin C groups in this regard (P=0.49).  According to the results, regular exercise and vitamin C supplementation could increase the salivary IgA levels of the male high school students.

Diabetes is a widespread disease, and various techniques are used for its prevention, control, and treatment, including physical exercises and medicinal herbs. Natural medicines and exercise are comparatively inexpensive and cause fewer complications compared to chemical drugs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a swimming course and cinnamon extract consumption on the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase and CGI-58 in the visceral adipose tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.  This experimental study was conducted on 28 diabetic rats, which were randomly divided into four groups of seven, including 1) control (C),2) cinnamon use (Ci),3) swimming course(S), and 4) cinnamon extract with swimming (S+Ci). The animals received the intended treatment for six weeks in packs of three and four and five classes per week, while the rats in groups two and four received 200mg/kg of cinnamon orally every day for six weeks. Data analysis was performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test at the significance level of P≤0.050.  The results of ANOVA indicated that ATGL gene expression in the S (P=0.04) and S+Ci groups (P=0.0001) was significantly higher than the control group. In addition, ATGL gene expression in the S group (P=0.0006) was higher compared to the Ci group, while it was significantly higher in the S+Ci group (P=0.0001) compared to the Ci and S groups. CGI-58 gene expression in the S+Ci group (P=0.0001) was also significantly higher than the control, S, and Ci groups, while it was significantly higher in the S group (P=0.036) compared to the Ci group.  According to the results, swimming exercise and cinnamon extract consumption increased the expression of CGI-58 and ATGL protein in the diabetic rats. Therefore, it seems that CGI-58 plays a key role in the activation of lipolysis by ATGL, and higher CGI-58 could increase ATGL, which ultimately accelerates the lipolysis process, reduces fat, and improves insulin resistance in the visceral adipose tissue.

Ramadan fasting (RF) is a model of calorie restriction similar to intermittent fasting, which is extensively practiced by a large population of Muslims. Limited and controversial studies have investigated the physiological changes induced by 30 days of RF. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the resting metabolic rate and body composition of overweight and obese individuals.  This study was conducted on 21 men and women aged 18-40 years. The subjects avoided eating and drinking for one month during the holy month of Ramadan (at least 20 days) and received a routine diet without an intervention between Iftar and dawn (Sahur). Before and after the study, the energy of the basal metabolic rate was measured via indirect calorimetry, and body composition was measured by bioimpedance (InBody s10). In addition, the physical activity of each participant was evaluated using a pedometer during one week. During the study, each participant received a 24-hour recall once a week.  Compared to the pre-study period and after four weeks of RF, body weight (77.91±11.83 vs. 77.01 ±11.75 kg; P<0.05) decreased, while the body fat percentage (34.84±7.07 vs. 38.48±5.93%; P<0.001) increased. However, the resting metabolic rate had no significant changes (P=0.641), while the total fat-free mass and visceral fat mass significantly deceased after the study (P<0.001). The mean daily energy intake increased after the study compared to before RF (3,290±785.82 vs. 2,458±535.32 kcal; P<0.05). Moreover, the total carbohydrate and sugar intake increased significantly after RF (437.04±101.02 and 194.04±56.87 g per day vs. 310.09±87.12 and 60.42±31.57 g per day).  According to the results, RF may effectively improve metabolic parameters and prevent the decline of the basal metabolic rate if accompanied by nutritional support and healthy dietary recommendations.

. As one of the most life-threatening illnesses, cardiovascular diseases are often discerned with a high apoptosis rate because of exposure to the high level of oxidative stresses. The present study has investigated the interaction of the Linum Usitatissimum (Lu) and aerobic exercise (Ae) on apoptosis of aortic endothelial and heart tissue in rats intoxicated by H2O2.  56 male Albino Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups, included HC (Healthy Control), TC (Toxic-Control), Toxic-Lu1 (Received Lu, 5 mg/kg), Toxic-Lu2 (Received Lu, 10 mg/kg), Toxic-Ae (Received Aerobic Exercise), Toxic-Ae+Lu1, and Toxic-Ae+Lu2. Finally, the rats were sacrificed ethically, and the apoptotic biomarkers were measured in isolated aortic endothelial and heart tissues.  The interactive comparisons showed that the Ae and Lu and aerobic exercise had a significant interactive change on pro-apoptosis biomarkers. The BAX in aortic endothelial (P=0.0011) and heart (P=0.0007), caspase-3 in aortic endothelial (P=0.0006) and heart (P=0.0016), and Bcl-2 in aortic endothelial (P=0.0018) and heart (P=0.0016) have significant interactive changes. No significant independent effect was observed. Post hoc test showed that group Toxic-Ae+Lu2 have the most significant improvement compared to the TC group (P≤0.05).  The simultaneous effect of Ae and Lu supplementation most effectively improved the apoptosis biomarkers and displayed potent cardioprotective effects compared to the singular administration of each intervention. Probably, the short rehabilitation period has caused non- significant independent changes. However, the interaction of Ae and Lu has shortened the treatment period.