Medscetera

As the winter comes in full force with a dip in the temperature, we may also notice a dip in our mood and energy.  Winter blues or SAD may be due to decreased sunlight exposure in winter causing reduced serotonin levels, disrupted circadian rhythm, and disrupted melatonin levels. This leads to reduced energy levels, demotivation, lethargy, oversleeping, weight gain, increased cravings for carbs and sugar, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and even depression. Though SAD is observed usually during fall and winter, it may rarely be observed in spring and summer as well.   So how do we manage/avoid Winter blues and SAD? 1) Phototherapy - Taking in the sunlight in winter by spending at least 15-20 mins every day under the sun is important.  2) Physical activity - Make a conscious effort to be physically active every day. Incorporating walking, running, and aerobic exercises into the daily routine help improve energy levels.  3) Maintaining a routine - Yo...

LAXATIVES Laxatives are a class of drugs used in the treatment of Constipation. Laxatives and Purgatives are known as Cathartics as they are known to cause Catharsis. Catharsis is the evacuation of the bowel and is usually done before the diagnostic procedures or surgeries of the bowel. Constipation is the functional impairment in the inherent capacity of the colon to produce normal stools at regular intervals. It is usually associated with difficulty in emptying the bowels and hard faeces.  Causes: Constipation is mainly caused due to decrease in colonic motility due to - ageing, emotions, low bulk diet, low liquid intake, spastic colon, chronic amoebiasis, or due to drugs. The drugs that cause this effect are Diuretics, anti-diarrhoeal, Anticholinergics, MAOI (Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors), Opioids, Tricyclic anti-depressants, Analgesics, and Antacids. Laxatives are further classified into -  Bulk-forming agents -  This includes - Dietary fibre bran, Psyllium (Plantag...