Effect of Ayambil (A Type of Jain Intermittent Fasting) on Plasma Glucose, Lipid Profile, Anthropometric and Psychological parameters: An Observational Study

Abstract

The practice of voluntary abstinence from food and drink for 16 to 48 hours is known as intermittent fasting (IF). Jain Ayambil is, a type of intermittent fasting, where a special meal of boiled grains without spice, oil, milk, ghee, sugar, curd, fruits, or raw vegetables is taken once during the daytime. The aim of the study was to find out safety and its effect on plasma glucose, lipid profile, anthropometric and psychological parameters. We are reporting first ever scientific study on effect of Aymabil intermittent fasting on health parameters. The present study was carried out on 52 volunteers who did 9 days Ayambil fasting. Physical, and psychological assessment were done on the pre-fasting day (day 0), 4th day, and 9th day whereas biochemical examinations were carried out on pre-fasting (day 0) and 9th day of Ayambil fasting. Out of the total 52 participants (mean age of 52.77 ± 13.51 years), there were 28 (53.85%) females (51.54 ± 12.94) and 24 (46.15%) males (54.21 ± 14.30). A statistically significant reduction was observed for fasting blood glucose (p=0.002), HbA1c (p=0.002), body weight (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.001), diastolic BP (p=0.005), serum creatinine (p= 0.036), and a positive correlation was noted for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) (p=0.001) noted during Ayambil fasting. However, there was no significant change in lipid profile. Our findings suggest that Ayambil fasting is beneficial to metabolic, psychological, and holistic health with no health-related hazards. It is a safe fasting method and exploration of more clinical studies on this can open newer futuristic directions as one of the therapeutic options for a variety of clinical situations.