Reshma R

ABSTRACTIntermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting, offering a range of benefits that impact the body’s key systems. For the nervous system, IF enhances brain health by promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), improving cognitive function, and offering neuroprotection against diseases like Alzheimer's. It also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, safeguarding neurons from damage. In the cardiovascular system, intermittent fasting helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decrease inflammation, all of which contribute to better heart health and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. From a metabolic perspective, IF improves insulin sensitivity, supports fat burning, and triggers autophagy, a vital process for cellular repair. It also boosts human growth hormone (HGH), which aids in muscle preservation and metabolic function. Regarding weight loss, intermittent fasting promotes fat loss, particularly visceral fat, by reducing overall calorie intake and enhancing fat oxidation. It also helps preserve lean muscle mass, making it a highly effective and sustainable approach for managing weight and improving overall health. In essence, intermittent fasting has a holistic effect, benefiting the nervous system, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and weight management, contributing to enhanced well-being and longevity. Keywords: Intermittent fasting, metabolism, cardiovascular health, neurotransmitters.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common endocrine disorders and one of the causes of congenital mental disability, which can be prevented in the case of early diagnosis and treatment. The only effective way to diagnose CH is screening by laboratory methods, such as thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) or free thyroxine (T4) measurement. The study was carried out in 15 babies who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and their mothers from neonatology department of tertiary care hospital at thiruvananthapurm. Informed consent was obtained. Details were collected using specially designed proforma. Risk factors were assessed through information which were collected from case records and through direct interview with caregivers. Questionnaire for assessing knowledge, attitude and practice were given to post natal mothers. Knowledge ,attitude and practice before and after counselling is obtained. A total of 15 babies with congenital hypothyroidism and their mothers fulfilling the study criteria were included. Risk factors were assessed using ANOVA. Using paired t-test, statistical analysis clearly depicts that there is a significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practice of congenital hypothyroidism in post natal mothers as well as combined with significant p-value <0.001. From this study it is concluded that most of the post natal mothers of babies with congenital hypothyroidism had shown a considerable improvement in  knowledge ,attitude and practice of the disease after counselling. Pharmacist intervention in the form of counselling is hence an integral factor in improving the knowledge, attitude and practice of congenital hypothyroidism in post natal mothers. And the most common  risk factors were mother’s age, preterm delivery, maternal hypothyroidism, multiple pregnancies, medication during pregnancy, gender