Effects of Ramadan Fasting on GastrointestinalSystem

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan model intermittent fasting (IF) on acute pancre atitis, acute cholecystitis, and acute cholangitis, which is closely related to nutrition. Materials and Methods: This retrospective research study was conducted from 2014 to 2018. Patients over 18 years oldwith acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and acute cholangitis were included in the study. Patients with lipid metabolismdisorders such as hyperlipidemia, pregnant women, malignancies, viral infections, hepatic insufficiency, and cirrhosis wereexcluded from the study. A total of 3940 patients were included in the study. Hospital applications in Ramadan were com pared with the rest of the year. Results: One thousand eight hundred and sixteen male and 2124 female patients were included in the study. 1797 patients(45.6%) with pancreatitis, 1032 patients (26.2%) with cholangitis and 1015 patients (25.8%) with cholecystitis. Pancreatitis(46.4%), cholangitis (29.8%), and cholecystitis (19.3%) were the most frequently diagnosis in Ramadan. The monthly admis sion rates were calculated in a 5-year period. It was found that the admission rates were 26.6% more in Ramadan than othermonths. Ramadan fasting significantly increased acute pancreatitis and acute cholangitis. However, cholecystitis decreased.Both sexes were similarly affected from the Ramadan period. Conclusion: Ramadan model of IF induces an increase in the incidence of acute pancreatitis and acute cholangitis and adecrease in acute cholecystitis. Ramadan model may not be a suitable model for a healthy diet.