Effect of Ramadan Fasting On Oxidative Stress and Thyroid Functions. - Effect of Ramadan Fasting On Oxidative Stress and Thyroid Functions. - Open Access Pub

Ramadan fasting might be beneficial for digestive health, if appetite control and balanced diet is achieved. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid glands and some biochemical parameters in Turkish people living in Yozgat region. A total of 40 healthy subjects (20 men and 20 women) aged between 21-50 years were randomly recruited. Thyroid nodule volumes, thyroid hormones, body weights, glucose, total Cholesterol (TC), and oxidant stress index (OSI) were measured before Ramadan and at the end of Ramadan. There were beneficial changes in blood parameters and thyroid volumes, after one month of fasting during Ramadan compared with baseline. The Ramadan fasting might affect the radiological and biochemical parameters in healthy Turkish subjects. To improve the favorable digestive health in Ramadan fasting, diet and lifestyle modifications such as, increased intake of healthy foods and physical exercises might be recommended. DOI10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-19-2683 Fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. This practice involves abstinence from all fluid and food intake during the period from first sunrise to sunset, as well as rituals involved with breaking of the fast and various prayers and feasts throughout the night 1. The duration of restricted food and beverage intake is approximately 12 h/day for 1 month, which makes Ramadan a model of prolonged intermittent fasting 2. Ramadan can improve a person's health, but if the correct diet is not followed, one may possibly get some ailments related to the digestive health. Past studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of fasting in Ramadan on the endocrine system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Nonetheless, the findings have been heterogeneous, and therefore, no consensus exists regarding how fasting in Ramadan might affect some serum parameters. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether or not fasting during Ramadan has any significant effect on thyroid functions, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress in healthy men and women Study Design The present study included prospective observational analysis of 40 healthy subjects between August 1 and August 30 in 2011 (during the month of Ramadan). The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of the School of Medicine, University of Yozgat Bozok. Before the study started all participants were required to provide written informed consent after explaining the study group the nature and type of study. Study Population The study was