Journal of Nutrition, Fasting and Health
Volume:10 Issue: 2, Spring 2022

Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases that can be prevented and controlled by following a healthy lifestyle. This study aimed to apply the theory of planned behavior in determining the predictors of nutritional behavior in women with prediabetes referred to the comprehensive health service centers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2020. A total of 196 pre-diabetic women referred to Mashhad Comprehensive Health Service Center (Iran) were selected by multi-stage random sampling. To collect the data, a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information based on the theoretical structures of planned behavior [attitude, mental norms, behavioral control, and intention to follow a healthy diet] was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS-25 software at a significance level of 0.05.  The mean of total scores obtained in Attitude constructs 4.1 ± 0.50, mental norms 3.67 ± 1.06, behavioral control 4.13 ± 0.55 and behavioral intention 4.00 ± 0.39 and healthy eating behavior 3.00 ± 0.65 was reported. The construct of the mental norm (β = 0.254) was a strong predictor in the structure of intention and intention (β = 0.419) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.240) was a strong predictor of nutritional behavior (p <0.001). Planned behavior theory was able to predict 40.5% of eating behavior in women with prediabetes.  It seems that by applying the planned theory in the design of educational programs, it is possible to improve the observance of a healthy diet in women with prediabetes.

Staphylococcus aureus is among the major causes of foodborne outbreaks globally. To limit its potential risks and predict its growth behaviors, it is crucial to define the growth boundaries of Staphylococcus aureus. So, this experiment was designed to estimate the growth behavior of Staphylococcus aureus in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth while affected by various concentrations of Carum copticum EO (0, 0.015, 0.030, 0.045%), pH (5, 6, 7), temperature (25, 35 ˚C), and inoculum levels (103, 105 CFU ml-1). The assay was performed with 48 treatment conditions in triplicate. Visible turbidity represents growth onset was checked daily during 30 days of trial. According to the accelerated failure time (AFT) approach, a parametric survival model was chosen to predict the impact of selected variables on Staphylococcus aureus growth. GC-MS assay had quantified sixteen (16) compounds constituting 98.88% of pure oil. Based on our findings, the major components of essential oil were identified as thymol (57.18%), ρ-cymene (22.55%), γ-terpinene (13.07%), and trans-anethole (1.7%). The MIC value of the EO was 0.625 μl ml-1. The median time to detection of bacterial growth was six days. All the predictor variables showed a significant effect on time to initiate the bacterial growth (p < 0.05). The ultimate model could precisely estimate the growth responses of Staphylococcus aureus.

Royal jelly contains large amounts of phenolic compounds from the flavonoid family, which can improve the lipid profile with exercise. This study seeks to study the impact of highly intensive interval training (HIIT) using royal jelly consumption on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in overweight and obese middle-aged men. 

In this study, 60 middle-aged men were randomly put into 4 groups as foolow: 1) control + Placbo, 2) training, 3) royal jelly supplementation, and 4) training + royal jelly supplementation. Subjects in the experimental groups of training and training + royal jelly supplementation groups performed the training protocol. The HIIT protocol was implemented for 8 weeks with high intensity of 85-95% of the maximum heart rate, and active rest periods included 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. Participants in the royal jelly supplementation groups received 1000 mg capsule once per day. SPSS software version 22, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were all used to perform intergroup data analysis and dependent sample t-test was used to perform intra-group data analysis. The significance level was considered at P≤0.05. 

HIIT training, consumption of royal jelly and training + royal jelly supplementation showed a reduction in serum levels of LDL, TC, TG and an increase in HDL in overweight and obese middle-aged men (p ≥ 0.05). 

HIIT combined with royal jelly supplementation can improve lipid profile in obese or overweight people who are prone to cardiovascular disease and various types of diabetes.

Fasting is a state of negative energy balance and, as such, different fasting regimens have been used to achieve weight loss as well as other health benefits. To evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting on body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and percentage of fat mass in people with overweight or obesity.

an experimental study that included 22 adults of both sexes between 18 and 60 years of age who were overweight or obese. A gradual intermittent fasting intervention was performed starting with 10 hours of fasting the first week and ending with 16 hours of fasting in the last week (4 weeks). Variables such as body weight, BMI, waist circumference and percentage of fat mass were evaluated before and after the intervention in two groups, one with dietary recommendations and the other without recommendations (ad libitum).

63.6% were female, the average age was 38.8 years, 68.1% had a university education level, 50% were single, and 36.3% were dedicated to their profession as a job occupation. At the end of the intervention, in both groups, body weight, BMI and waist circumference were significantly reduced, except for % fat mass.  On the contrary, when the results between groups were compared, no statistically significant differences were found for all the parameters (p>0.05) in all cases.

Overall in the two groups, body weight, BMI and waist circumference decreased significantly after four weeks of intermittent fasting.

Diseases caused by the consumption of bacteria-contaminated foods have been of great importance in public health. Therefore, control of dairy product contamination with coliforms is a concern for the durability of dairy producers. Control of the contamination by natural products may have dual action; nutritive value and natural antibiotics. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil against Escherichia coli O157: H7 in doogh (Iranian fermented dairy drink) was examined and the MIC and MBC were determined.  Antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil was examined using different concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μl/ml) against bacteria with a density of 105CFU/ml during the 60-day at 4 °C. Moreover, the effect of different concentrations of essential oils on the taste of doogh was also studied. Taste evaluation was performed based on 5 points hedonic test to evaluate the effect of Thyme oil on the sense of taste. Duncan software was used to determine the difference between test and control groups at a confidence level of 5%. The SPSS software was also used for statistical analysis.  All concentrations of thyme essential oil could stop the growth of bacteria (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect of oil increased with increasing concentration and time. Based on the results of sensory (taste) evaluation, treatment 2 (containing 60 μl/ml of essential oil of thyme) was selected as the best treatment.  Thyme essential oil can be used as a natural preservative with a positive impact on taste and nutritive value.

Iron metabolism is essential for maintaining body homeostasis and aerobic exercise may improve this process. The purpose of this research is to the effects of iron Ion solution consumption on some hematologic factors and aerobic performance among iron deficiency anemia female patients.  This is experimental research, by a control group in pre and post-test with primary care. The sample was 30 women 20-30 years old with iron deficiency anemia who referring to the medical center Kerman. The subjects were divided into three equal groups randomly. The ISAE=10 received Iron Supplement and Aerobic Exercise; AE=10 group Aerobic Exercise, and Control C=10. The aerobic exercises program included 8 weeks and 3 sessions/week. Aerobic power measured by Astrand aerobic bike test; Complete Blood Count (CBC) measurement include HCT, MCH, MCV, MCHC, RBC, HB; chemiluminescence and Ferritin in pre-test and post-test. The statistical method includes the Kolmogorov-Smirnov for normal distribution, Levin for homogeneity of variances, one-way analysis of variance, and Scheffe post hoc tests.  Eight weeks of aerobic training and supplementing significantly increased serum ferritin (F= 3.160; p<0.05 and aerobic power F= 6.23; p<0.01) between ISAE and AE compared to the control group.  The results showed aerobic power and iron ion solution consumption increased significantly between the two groups compared to the control. There was no significant difference between the three groups in other variables. Aerobic training and iron ion solution consumption may have an effective role in serum ferritin index in female patients with iron deficiency anemia.

The thymus is a specialized lymphatic organ in the immune system and plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the immune system. Observed 24 and 48 hours after dexamethasone, thymocytes are reduced by 55% and 84%, respectively, which can be associated with a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL4 and IFN-γ. The aim of present study was to evaluate the The effect of nanoselenium consumption during high intensity interval training on IL-4 and IFN-γ gene expression in thymus organ of dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressive rats. 

The study samples in the present study consisted of 40 male Wistar rats that were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control group (CON), immunosuppression group (DEX), immunosuppression + exercise group (DEX + TRA), immunosuppression group + nanosillenium (DEX + SEL), immunosuppression group + nanoselnium + training (DEX + TRA + SEL) were divided. Suppression of the immune system of the samples was performed by injecting of 0.4 mg / kg per day dexamethasone for three days. The training program included 4 weeks of intense intermittent training (HIIT) in the DEX + TRA and DEX + TRA + SEL groups, and supplementation with 100 mg / kg selenium nanoparticles in the DEX + SEL and DEX + TRA + SEL groups. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA in SPSS 26 software at significance level of α <0.05. 

The data showed that IFN-γ gene expression decreased in all groups compared to the control group (p = 0.0001). The difference between DEX + SEL and DEX + SEL + TRA groups was less than other groups. Also, IL4 gene expression in thymus tissue was significantly reduced in DEX and DEX + TRA groups compared to healthy controls (p = 0.048 and p = 0.013, respectively). 

In the present study, it was found that intense exercise activity in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may inhibit immune reactions and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the thymus tissue of rats whose immune system was suppressed by DEX. Therefore, exercise for strengthening the immune system in these people should be done with more caution.

Food habits and wake-sleep cycle influence circadian rhythms. Ramadan fasting (RF) changes food habits and wake-sleep cycle and causes a metabolic imbalance. Melatonin increases sleep quality and daily awareness. The purpose of this study examined the effect of four weeks Ramadan fasting and melatonin supplementation (MS) on sleep quality, melatonin levels and growth hormone (GH) to cortisol ratio in male athletes.  Thirty active men (20-25 years) were randomly divided into supplement (n=15) and placebo (n=15) groups. Body fat percentage and hormones (melatonin, growth hormone, cortisol and growth hormone-cortisol ratio) were evaluated in three times: before the month, mid fasting and post fasting. Blood samples collected at three times; before sleep, wake up time for Sahur and morning wake up time. To evaluate the intervention effect of supplement and sleep conditions on the dependent variable Repeated Measure (factorial 3*3*2) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used.  Melatonin (P=0.001), GH (P=0.001), GH-cortisol ratio (P=0.001) significantly increased in supplement group compare to placebo group. Also, Cortisol (P=0.003) and body fat percentage (P=0.001) decreased in the supplement group compare to placebo group. Sleep quality significantly improved in the supplement group (P=0.025).  Supplementing melatonin with improved anabolic conditions and regulated wake-sleep cycle can help the Ramadan fasting condition and prevent the decreased performance during Ramadan fasting.

 Fasting during Ramadan is associated with modifications in athletes' metabolic, physiological, and psychological responses that may affect physical performance. The current study aimed to assess the changes in some risk factors of thrombosis in trained men following one soccer session in non-fasting and fasting conditions. 

The 11 amateur soccer players (age: 42 ± 16 years) and (body mass index:26.49 ± 2.86) played soccer matched (~100 min: 10 min warm-up, 90 min soccer match) on two occasions: 1 week before and on the fourth day of Ramadan. The blood samples were taken before and after the soccer game. Fibrinogen and D-dimer were analyzed by the Clauss clotting method and the turbid metric assay, respectively; plasminogen and alpha 2 anti-plasmin were analyzed by spectrophotometry, and Homocysteine was analyzed by the ELISA method. The Shapiro-Wilk, independent t-test, and dependent t-test were used to analyze the findings. (P ≤0.05). 

 The results demonstrated that one session soccer match increased homocysteine in both fasting (p = 0.006) and non-fasting (p = 0.042), Alpha 2-antiplasmin decreased in fasting (p = 0.031 and non-fasting (p = 0.001) and plasminogen decreased in non-fasting (p = 0.012). one session soccer match had not a Significant Impact on Fibrinogen and D-dimer in both condition and plasminogen in fasting(p≥0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between fasting and non-fasting conditions in Homocysteine, Alpha 2-antiplasmin, Fibrinogen, Plasminogen, and D-dimer in response to one session soccer match (p≥0.05).  

 Amazingly, one session soccer match throughout the fasting condition is parallel with the non-fasting state, and fasting did not produce adverse consequences in the coagulation system.

Diabetes is a type of metabolic disorders that are associated with long-term hyperglycemia nevertheless nutrition and exercise are two factors that can improve blood glucose levels. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of combined exercise and Propolis supplement on glycemic indices in women with type2 diabetes. 

In this applied research, 60 women with type 2 diabetes referred to Shiraz Medical Center were selected as a statistical sample and divided into 4 groups of 15 including: 1) placebo, 2) Exercise with placebo, 3) Exercise with propolis and 4) Propolis. During eight weeks, groups 3 and 4 received propolis in the form of 500 mg capsules three times a day (morning, noon and night) after each meal. Groups 2 and 3 also performed three to four sessions combined training (resistance-aerobic) per week. Resistance training performed with an intensity of 60 to 70% of a maximum repetition and aerobic training performed with an intensity of 65 to 80% of maximum heart rate. Blood samples were taken to specify glycemic index and insulin resistance, in two stages of pre-test and post-test. 

Exercise, propolis consumption and exercise simultaneously with propolis consumption led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and glycosylated hemoglobin (P≥0.05);Also, exercise with propolis consumption compared to exercise and propolis had a greater effect on lowering fasting blood glucose, insulin, IR and glycosylated hemoglobin (P≥0.05).

It seems that exercise and propolis alone can have positive effects on glycemic indices of diabetic patients; nevertheless combination of exercise and propolis has More favorable effects on improving glycemic indices than each one alone in Non insulin dependent diabetes.