The effect of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in type 2 diabetic adults: randomized double blinded trials

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of okra consumption on serum levels of lipid profiles and glycemic indices in Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. The present study was a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, carried out in Kerman, Iran. Sixty T2D patients were randomized into intervention and control groups and received 10 g okra powder blended in 150 g conventional yogurt or conventional yogurt alone, along with dinner and lunch, for 8 weeks. Glycemic markers and lipid profile were assessed, as well as anthropometric measures, at the beginning and end of study. The findings showed that 8 weeks okra consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (−15.61 ± 19.44 vs. −3.40 ± 24.78; p =.02), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−1.17 ± 1.61 vs. −0.14 ± 1.64; p =.01), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.007 vs. 0.00 ± 0.01; p =.004), triacylglycerol (−22.30 ± 32.46 vs. −3.86 ± 30.57; p =.001), total cholesterol (−10.23 ± 10.36 vs. −2.03 ± 13.94; p =.004), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; −8.15 ± 10.01 vs. −2.31 ± 9.37; p =.02), and LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (−0.28 ± 0.37 vs. −0.08 ± 0.24; p =.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in HDL-C, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin levels, and anthropometric measures. The present study suggests that okra consumption can elicit improvements in lipid profile, as well as glycemic markers, among T2D patients.</p

Prevalence of Primary Dysmenorrhea and Factors Associated with Its Intensity Among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

AbstractPrimary dysmenorrhea is a womanhood problem around the world and negatively affects quality of life. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and to determine the factors associated with its intensity. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 311 undergraduate female students aged 18 to 27 years in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Socio-demographic characteristics and menstrual factors were obtained through interviews with the help of a pretested questionnaire. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 89.1%. Residing at home, younger age, lower number of years of formal education for the mother, positive family history of dysmenorrhea, higher severity of bleeding, and shorter menstrual period intervals were significantly associated with the higher intensity of primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common health concern among young women. Being aware of the factors that are associated with its intensity makes it possible for health professionals to organize better focused programs to reduce the adverse effects of dysmenorrhea

Relationship of sodium intake with obesity among Iranian children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between sodium (Na) intake and obesity risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between 24-hour (24-h) urinary Na excretion and adiposity measures in a sample of Iranian children and adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 374 healthy individuals aged 11-18 years old. Random cluster sampling method was used to select the participants from 4 districts in Isfahan, Iran. Na excretion was estimated using a 24-h urinary sample. Creatinine (Cr) level was used to confirm the completeness of samples. Anthropometric measures including weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were obtained based on standard protocols. RESULTS: The odds ratio (OR) for overweight/obesity in subjects with the highest tertile of Na excretion compared with the lowest tertile was 8.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20-15.3] in crude model and 8.33 (95% CI 4.14-16.8) after adjusting for potential confounders. The association was independent of intake of energy and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The OR for abdominal obesity in the highest tertile of Na excretion compared with the lowest tertile was 9.12 (95% CI 4.78- 17.4) in crude model and 9.75 (95% CI 4.88-19.5) after controlling for potential confounders. The association was independent of energy intake or SSBs consumption. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a positive association between Na excretion and obesity among children and adolescents. Further investigation through longitudinal studies using a more representative sample of children and adolescents is suggested to determine whether this is a causal relationship.&nbsp;</div

Dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet and obesity: A cross-sectional study of Iranian children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effects of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on obesity in children. The present study was conducted to examine adherence to the DASH diet in relation to obesity in children and adolescents, Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 456 children aged 11-18 years who were selected by random cluster sampling method. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The DASH score was constructed based on food items emphasized or minimized in the DASH diet. Anthropometric measurements were conducted based on standard protocols. General and abdominal obesity were defined based on body mass index &ge; 95th percentiles and waist: height ratio of more than 0.5, respectively. RESULTS: Higher adherence to DASH diet was inversely associated with general obesity (odds ratioT1 vs. T3 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.28-8.75); however, after controlling for confounding factors, this association disappeared. Furthermore, higher adherence to DASH diet was negatively associated with central obesity in children, but the relation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We concluded that there was an inverse nonsignificant association between adherence to DASH diet and general obesity indices after adjustment for potential confounders. Further, well-designed randomized clinical trial studies are suggested to find out the effect of DASH diet on obesity obviously. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p

The Effect of A Health Belief Model ( HBM)- based Educational Program on the Nutritional Behavior of Menopausal Women in Isfahan

Introduction :Menopausal women are at risk of chronic diseases due to estrogen deficiency.One of the most effective ways for prevention and control of chronic diseases in menopausal women is changing their nutritional behavior. Methods :A randomized interventional study was conducted on154 menopausal women in Isfahan. In the intervention group , the training was based on HBM and certain behavior goals and continued for about two 120- minute sessions. Data were collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed before and after the educational program( two times- one immediately after it for assessing knowedge and HBM components ,and the other, two months after it to assess nutritional behavior change ) by menopausal women .The collected data were analyzed by SPSS. Results:The result of this study showed a significant increase in the mean scores of the knowledge (pretest=8.03 ± 1.24 to post test= 9/92 ± 0.25, P<0.001) and HBM components after intervention (P<0.001)and also those of nutritional behavior before receiving education and 2 months after it (pretest=28.91 ± 5.13 to post test= 43.51 ± 2.36 , P<0.001) significantly increased the in experimental group Conclusion:The findings of this study confirmed the effectiveness of the HBM – based educational program on improving the nutritional behavior in menopausal women.It is suggested that the HBM-based educational model used in this study be employed in medical health centers