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Related Concept Videos

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

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During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
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Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State01:18

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The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
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Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State01:25

Metabolic States of the Body: The Absorptive State

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During the absorptive state, which lasts approximately four hours after a meal, the body absorbs nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. The carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids we consume are broken down into monosaccharides, amino acids, and free fatty acids for absorption. While carbohydrates and proteins are absorbed as-is, lipids are absorbed in their broken-down forms and then re-esterified into triglycerides within enterocytes before being packaged into chylomicrons. These absorbed...
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Sympathetic Activation01:16

Sympathetic Activation

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The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
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Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose01:02

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Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
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Physiological Barriers01:25

Physiological Barriers

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Physiological barriers are semi-permeable cellular structures restricting drug diffusion into intracellular compartments and tissues. There are six types of physiological barriers: blood endothelial, cell membrane, blood-brain, blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood-placenta, and blood-testis barriers.
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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
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Physiological changes during fasting in Ramadan.

Sultan Ayoub Meo1, Asim Hassan2

  • 1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|May 28, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Ramadan fasting offers significant health benefits for healthy adults, improving cardiovascular health and reducing body weight. It is a safe, non-pharmacological approach to minimize health risks and enhance overall well-being.

Keywords:
Fasting, Ramadan, Physiological Changes.

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Area of Science:

  • Islamic Studies
  • Human Physiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ramadan fasting is a mandatory religious observance for Muslims, involving abstention from food, drink, and other specific activities from sunrise to sunset for one month.
  • This practice induces significant physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and spiritual alterations in the body.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological and metabolic effects of Ramadan fasting on healthy adults.
  • To assess the impact of Ramadan fasting on various health parameters, including blood counts, lipid profiles, body composition, and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study analyzing physiological and biochemical data from healthy adult Muslims during Ramadan.
  • Monitoring changes in Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), platelet (PLT) count, lipid profiles (HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, triglycerides), body weight, BMI, body fat, blood glucose, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • Ramadan fasting led to an increase in RBCs, WBCs, and PLT count, alongside elevated HDL-c.
  • Significant reductions were observed in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, body weight, waist circumference, BMI, body fat, blood glucose, blood pressure, and anxiety levels.
  • Decreased inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a) were noted, with no adverse effects on major organs or cognitive functions in healthy individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Ramadan fasting is a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving health and reducing risk factors in healthy adults.
  • While generally safe, individuals with pre-existing conditions should seek medical advice before fasting.