Effects of Ramadan and Non-Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Gut Microbiome.

In recent years, intermittent fasting has gained popularity in the health and wellness world. There are numerous types of intermittent fasting (IF), all of which involve fasting periods that last longer than an overnight fast and involve limited meal time-windows, with or without calorie restriction. The objective of this review is to summarize the current evidence for the effects of Ramadan and non-Ramadan intermittent fasting on gut microbiome. We explored Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar according to the PRISMA criteria (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis). Most of the studies we have for the effect of intermittent fasting on the gut microbiome come from mice. These studies show several potential benefits, including increased microbial diversity, reduced inflammation, and increased production of beneficial microbial compounds known as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Intermittent fasting also improved cognitive function and increased levels of tryptophan (a precursor for important hormones and neurotransmitters) in the blood, suggesting the gut-brain axis may be involved in mediating the effects of fasting. Another area of interest is the influence of the microbiome on our circadian rhythm - the internal clock that helps regulate your natural sleep and feeding cycles. Also, some studies have found that after Ramadan, individuals had increased levels of beneficial gut bacteria such as Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. In general, most studies have seen favorable results following fasting on the intestinal microbiome. However, because more studies have been done on animal models, more human studies are needed to prove the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]