Published online Aug 27, 2024. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i8.1070
Revised: May 24, 2024
Accepted: July 9, 2024
Published online: August 27, 2024
Processing time: 181 Days and 15.6 Hours
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an intervention that involves not only dietary modifications but also behavioral changes with the main core being a period of fasting alternating with a period of controlled feeding. The duration of fasting differs from one regimen to another. Ramadan fasting (RF) is a religious fasting for Muslims, it lasts for only one month every one lunar year. In this model of fasting, observers abstain from food and water for a period that extends from dawn to sunset. The period of daily fasting is variable (12-18 hours) as Ramadan rotates in all seasons of the year. Consequently, longer duration of daily fasting is observed during the summer. In fact, RF is a peculiar type of IF. It is a dry IF as no water is allowed during the fasting hours, also there are no calorie restrictions during feeding hours, and the mealtime is exclusively nighttime. These three variables of the RF model are believed to have a variable impact on different liver diseases. RF was evaluated by different observational and interventional studies among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and it was associated with improve
Core Tip: Intermittent fasting regimens emerged as effective therapeutic strategies not only to improve general health but also as evidence-based treatment for certain diseases. Ramadan fasting, which is a religious fasting for Muslims, is a dry intermittent fasting and was evaluated among patients with different hepatic diseases. It was a promising intervention for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, however, its deleterious effect on patients with advanced cirrhosis necessitates its prohibition for this category of patients. Liver transplant recipients can observe this type of fasting provided certain modifications and instructions are followed.