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Are generics available in cough syrups, pain relief balm and gel?

Yes, generic versions of cough syrups, pain relief balms, and gels are generally available in many countries, including India.

Generic medications are copies of brand-name drugs that have the same active ingredients, dosage form, and strength as the original drug, but are sold under a different name. Generic drugs must meet the same strict regulatory standards as brand-name drugs in order to be approved for sale, and they are often just as effective as their brand-name counterparts.

In many cases, generic medications are a more affordable alternative to brand-name drugs, and they can be an important option for people who need access to affordable medications.

Want to know about Generics and are looking for quality generics then what are you waiting for visit www.medkart.in/blog and explore quality generics.

To know more watch – https://youtube.com/shorts/3fPk3iYF7Bw

August 18, 2023
Why should I not choose branded medicines?

It is important to consider the cost of branded medicines, as they may be more expensive than generic alternatives.

Generic medicines are copies of branded medicines that contain the same active ingredient and are used to treat the same conditions. They are typically less expensive than branded medicines and are just as safe and effective. If you are concerned about the cost of your medication, you may want to discuss the option of using a generic medicine with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine whether a generic medicine is a suitable option for you based on your specific needs and medical history.

Want to know about Generics and are looking for quality generics then what are you waiting for visit www.medkart.in/blog and explore quality generics.

To know more watch – https://youtube.com/shorts/TKFv5Ls3CEA

August 18, 2023
Importance of vitamin D beyond bone or the skeletal function

Like other vitamins, vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients that the body needs the most. However, the interesting point is that unlike other vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin K can be produced by the body. In fact, vitamin D is a hormone and not a vitamin; It is needed to absorb calcium from the intestines into the bloodstream. In response to the light, vitamin D is usually made in the skin and absorbed from food consumed. Then, this Vitamin D is converted into the active hormone called calcitriol in the liver and kidneys. This active vitamin D helps prevent calcium loss from the kidney, increases calcium absorption from food, and sends it into the bloodstream. Vitamin D affects bone cell function and is necessary for children and adults to grow new bones.

However, vitamin D, which is known to maintain bones and homeostasis of calcium/phosphate, also has some extra-skeletal implications. Yes, vitamin D has a role beyond the bone. So, what other functions vitamin d performs in the human body? Why is it so essential to maintain adequate vitamin D in the body? Here are the different important roles of vitamin D.

1. Hormonal balance

Vitamin D plays an essential role in some hormone development or biological activity and may play a role in some form of hormone imbalance. A lack of vitamin D can affect the pituitary gland, a small hormone of your brain that generates a variety of hormones. As vitamin d regulates pituitary cell growth, it is beneficial to treat some pituitary tumors. Vitamin d also influences the secretion of hormones of parathyroid glands. Other than this, vitamin D also complements some female hormones, and such association plays a positive role in the prevention of hormonal imbalance. The essential female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone do not only interact with female reproductive organs but also help a woman’s wellbeing in other tissues around the body. Thus, vitamin d deficiency can create a significant amount of hormonal imbalance and havoc in the body.

2. Immunity booster

Vitamin D is essential to immunity, as vitamin D receptors are located in the body, including the immune cells. Many types of research have clearly demonstrated that the deficiency of vitamin D is part of the seasonal essence of cold and flu outbreaks – less sunshine means less vitamin D, resulting in lower immunity and more disease. But why vitamin D is the immunity booster? Why does it help to fight against infections? Because one of vitamin D’s essential functions is to help stimulate T cells, called the “killer cells” in the body. These T-cells recognize and kill foreign pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and so on. This makes vitamin D particularly essential for maintaining a healthy immune system capable of combating foreign pathogens. Vitamin D can modulate the immune responses, which are innate and adaptive. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with greater autoimmunity and increased vulnerability to infection. Thus, to live a disease-free life, vitamin D is essential as it boosts immunity and fights against diseases.

3. Manage mental health

Vitamin D plays a significant role in good mental health. Low levels of vitamin D or hypovitaminosis D is linked with neuropsychiatric disorders. Low level of vitamin D is not only limited to a high amount of stress or depression but also responsible for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. This happens because vitamin D is found in all parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and hippocampus. Vitamin D is also associated with the regulation of the synthesis of the nerve growth factor. Therefore, low vitamin D affects mood, gives stress, or dull feelings. You must have encountered gloomy feelings or frustrations on rainy days or in winter when there is less daylight. It is not just by chance; it is vitamin D which affects wellbeing and happiness regularly.

As mentioned above, vitamin D receptors are in many parts of the brain, including regions of the brain that are responsible for mood and behaviour, including depression. Thus, enough vitamin D is necessary to regulate brain functions properly and provide proper mental health.

4. For muscle growth and function

Vitamin D is also responsible for healthy muscle function and growth. Here, vitamin D receptors (VDR) and metabolites of vitamin D play a role. VDR is present in the skeletal muscles of the body. These receptors help in calcium binding to muscle cells and cause differentiation and proliferation of cells, leading to muscle growth.

The second function is of the metabolites of vitamin D that enter muscle cells and affect the nucleus. When there, the metabolite of vitamin D increases the ability of the cell to contract. Since muscles function by contraction and relaxation, the ability of a muscle to contract is vital for its strength and response to external forces. This is how vitamin D participates in muscle function and growth.

5. Gives good sleep

Vitamin D is directly linked to the amount and quality of sleep you get because the vitamin D receptors are present in the sleep-regulating areas of the brain. Researchers suggest that vitamin D can affect your shut-eye by interacting with brain areas where sleep is regulated. These factors are responsible for good sleep, and if someone has vitamin D deficiency, then chances are high of sleep deprivation.

On the other hand, vitamin D plays a key role in improving your immune system, and improved sleep quality can be supported by inflammation control.

Wrapping up…

Currently, more than half of the world’s population have vitamin D deficiency. This is a concern because your body uses vitamin D for every function in your body, from bone and teeth protection to immunity help.

Also, vitamin D potentially protecting you from many conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and carcinoma. So, vitamin d is not limited to skeletal function but has many other roles to perform to keep us healthy.

August 18, 2023
Winning the Complex World of Perception and Assumptions About Generic Medicines

We all have different notions and perceptions that we can’t let go of. They live in our minds rent-free and influence every decision we make. The worst part is that we don’t even realize it. Because these perceptions are not formed overnight, they are a summation of things we learn as we grow up, life experiences, and opinions of those we emulate or respect.

At Medkart, we battle preconceived notions every day. In India, high-quality medications are available and affordable for everyone. But the customer perception is poised against generic medicines. The ‘branded is better’ presumption makes people pay dearly.

That is not to say that all human beings are presumptuous or that pre-set notions can never change. It’s all about educating the customer. Building awareness brings available options to light, and experiences based on informed decisions slowly break pre-set notions. That’s when we accept new perceptions in our minds.
And that’s our job in the Indian pharma market – Awareness, Availability, and Acceptance
We founded Medkart in 2014 with a vision to redefine the positioning of medicines. No one has tried to focus on generic medicines in pharmaceutical retail. Doctors prescribe branded medicines because they perceive them to be better, patients purchase branded medicines because they trust their doctors, and pharmacies supply medicines that sell. In the entire ecosystem, no one raises awareness about generics, educates patients about them, or makes any effort to reduce the sizes of medical bills in India.
We are here with the mission to become a one-stop solution for generic medicines and a trusted name for Indian patients. A place where they can compare the prescribed medicine with other names in the market and buy what they can best afford.
When medicine is created for the first time, the original manufacturer is awarded a patent. It could be three years or more. Only the original manufacturer may make and sell the medication during this time. They create a brand name and popularize the packaging, connect with doctors who treat the ailment in question and price the medication high enough to recover their costs. This product will forever be known as the ‘patented/research version’ of the medicine.
When this patent expires, all other pharma manufacturers are free to produce this medication. These new versions are called ‘Generic.’ Generic medications can be priced significantly lower than branded medicines – as the manufacturer did not incur any research, manufacturing, or marketing expenses. But otherwise, these medicines are equally effective, WHO-GMP approved, and completely safe to use.
For the patient who pops the pill – there is no difference.
Doctors advocate branded medicines based on their perception, what their peers usually prescribe, and what they think patients find most acceptable. There is also a lack of conversation about generic medicines, so doctors rarely support their use. On the other side of the table, patients are unwilling to accept or even find out more about the options of medications available. Most patients are reluctant to educate themselves unless there’s an absolute crisis or need.
And, of course, pharmaceutical manufacturers earn better by pushing branded medicines rather than generic ones. Their vested interests encourage misinformation and thrive in the lack of awareness.
Changing these perceptions and assumptions against generic medication is an uphill battle. But we have just begun. When you step into a Medkart store, you meet qualified pharmacists and informed staff members trained to help customers understand the medicines they buy. Our protocol is to always discuss the patient’s different medication options compared to the prescribed brand. And most important, we give patients a chance to ask questions, touch and feel generic medicines, and dispel myths before they buy anything.
Perhaps these efforts result that Medkart having 103+ stores spread across Gujarat and in Jaipur. More than seven lakh families keep buying generic medicines from Medkart stores. Almost five thousand doctors now buy generic medication for themselves from Medkart. Collectively, we have helped Indian pharma customers save more than 350 crore rupees in medical bills. And this is only the beginning.
In developed nations, 85% of pharma customers prefer generic medicines. The adoption rate of generic medicines in India is around 4%. We cannot expect this to rise overnight, but through our groundwork, we aim to bring it to 50% or more. When the entire medical ecosystem initiates a conversation about generic medicines and their benefits, Medkart will lead the way as a pole bearer for generics in India.

– Ankur Agarwal
The author is an IIM alumnus and founder of Medkart Pharmacy. He strongly believes in sharing knowledge to help people choose better especially when it comes to medicine consumption. He talks passionately about generic medicines and entrepreneurship. You can follow him on (his LinkedIn profile)

August 18, 2023
How many medicines are there in Generic Category in India?

It is difficult to accurately quantify the number of generic medicines that are available in India, as the number of generic drugs on the market can vary significantly depending on the therapeutic area. However, there are likely to be a large number of generic medications available in India, as generic drugs are a major source of affordable treatment options for patients.

In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for regulating the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs, including generic medications. The CDSCO maintains a list of all drugs that have been approved for sale in India, which includes both brand-name and generic drugs. This list can be accessed online at the CDSCO website.

Overall, the availability of generic medications can be an important source of affordable treatment options for patients in India and can help to improve access to essential medications.

Want to know about Generics and are looking for quality generics then what are you waiting for visit www.medkart.in/blog and explore quality generics.

Looking for quality generics??? Find effective and cost-effective medicines at www.medkart.in/blog

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August 18, 2023
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? 5 Ways to manage the IBS
Contents
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS- Irritated Bowel Syndrome is a common condition affecting the large intestine. IBS’s typical symptoms include cramps, stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Symptoms like bloating and gas typically disappear after bowel movements. IBS is a debilitating illness; you will have to treat for long periods.

Irritated Bowel Syndrome can be classified into four categories. They are IBS with constipation or with diarrhea or with both known as IBS-C, IBS-D, and IBS-M, respectively. Forth is IBS-U, which is a subtype, and usually, symptoms are not frequent in it. Disorders such as anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome are common in people with Irritated Bowel Syndrome.

The causes are not clear; however certain factors for IBS include combinations of gut-brain axis issues, intestinal motility disorders, over stress, gut infections, bacterial overgrowth, neurotransmitters, genetic factors, and food sensitivity. Symptoms may be trigger due to over stress or intestinal disease.

Irritated Bowel Syndrome has no cure, and it can be challenging, painful, and embarrassing to live with irritable bowel syndrome. Also, it may impact your living quality. Here are the five ways to cope up with the situation.

Read in Hindi – इर्रिटेड बाउल सिंड्रोम (IBS) क्या है? स्थिति को बेहतर ढंग से प्रबंधित करने के 5 तरीके

Read in Gujarati – ઇરીટેબલ બોવેલ સિન્ડ્રોમ (IBS) શું છે? પરિસ્થિતિને વધુ સારી રીતે સંચાલિત કરવાની 5 રીતો

Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

There are three main types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
1. IBS with constipation (IBS-C): This type of IBS is characterized by hard, lumpy stools that are difficult to pass and infrequent bowel movements.
2. IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): This type of IBS is characterized by loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements.
3. IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): This type of IBS involves both constipation and diarrhea, with alternating bouts of both.
It’s worth noting that some people with IBS don’t fit into any of these categories and may experience symptoms that don’t fit the traditional definitions of IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M. In such cases, doctors may refer to it as “unclassified IBS” or “IBS-U.”

Ways to manage the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

1. Change your diet and lifestyle:

A few basic lifestyle and dietary changes will relieve your IBS symptoms. No specific Irritated Bowel Syndrome diet is available because what works for one person cannot work for another. The right nutritional modifications for you are based on your symptoms and reaction to other foods. Some food can trigger IBS; it may vary from person to person. However, some

common food and drinks trigger IBS: high-fat foods, caffeine(tea, coffee, sodas/ soft drinks), excessive fibrous food, and some gas-causing foods like beans, cabbage, green onions, wine, and so on, milk products, alcohol, artificial sweeteners. However, many of these cannot be harmful to you.

The way out is to keep a food diary and note which foods or drinks trigger IBS. According to research, a low FODMAP diet can improve Irritated Bowel Syndrome. A low FODMAP means having a meal with low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, monosaccharides, and Polyols. These all are carbohydrates that have poor absorption in the small intestine, so they pass into the large intestine, where fermentation occurs by billions of bacteria, resulting in gas and bloating.

The same way change in lifestyle is needed to improve gut health. A sedentary lifestyle is inevitable, but we can change for our betterment.

Here is the list of changes that can help to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

• Take 5 to 6 small meals instead of 2-3 large meals.
• Stay hydrated always.
• Take fibers but make sure not in the excessive amount; otherwise, IBS may worsen.
• Keep a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of gap between meal and sleep.
• Reduce the consumption of processed foods or packet foods.
• Increase intake of probiotics such as yogurt

2. Be physically active:

IBS symptoms are frequently prevented from worsening by physical activity. Increasing the level of your workout can provide IBS relief. Training helps to boost regular bowel contractions and reduce stress, which alleviates specific Irritated Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Research-based studies have proved that moderate to vigorous exercise, e to 5 times a week, significantly improves abdominal pain, stools regarding problems.
• Daily or minimum of 5 days per week exercise should be done.
• Everyday 30 minutes of walking, cycling, swimming or jogging should be there.
• Try to take stairs instead of a lift whenever you skip exercise.

3. Reduce stress:

Stress-induced thoughts and emotions can influence your belly and intestines. Stress-induced IBS leads to an imbalance between your brain and gut. The result is that sometimes stress and anxiety trigger intestinal activity. This causes diarrhea and churning of the stomach in some individuals. In other cases, the brain signals are inactive, and their intestines can slow, resulting in constipation, gas, and abdominal malaise. Chronic stress can lead to the imbalance and worsening of your intestinal bacteria. Thus, it is essential to manage stress to manage IBS which can eventually lead to intestinal infection, bleeding, or any colon issues.

Here are some quick ways to manage the stress;

• Do stress-relieving exercises such as meditation and yoga.
• Do the physical activity as it can reduce stress by releasing endorphins responsible for giving a sense of calm and well being.
• Sleep for 6 to 8 hours.
• Take relaxation techniques such as acupressure, body massage, or head massage.

4. Take medication:

When changes in your diet, lifestyle, and stress do not relieve your symptoms, your health care provider may recommend you try medication. Also, certain trigger factors like hormones, infections, genetic factors, menstruation, or menopause cannot be altered or avoided. At that time, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Mostly fiber supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant, stress relievers, and so on are given as there is no any particular medicine for Irritated Bowel Syndrome. One medication may help some person but not to others. Therefore, talk with your doctor, discuss symptoms, trigger factors, and other problems to get medication if needed.

5. Psychological intervention:

Psychological therapy helps improve your symptoms if you still have problems with IBS after exploring all the above methods. Psychological intervention includes cognitive behavior therapy, gut hypnotherapy, and mindfulness training. All these methods are useful to improve your responses towards your gut. Mindful practice helps to build a consciousness of the mind and body and relax through concentration, which can lead to reducing IBS symptoms and through mental and physical feelings. Professionals in healthcare use CBT and psychodynamic treatment to treat IBS.

CBT focuses on your ideas and actions, while psychodynamic therapy focuses on how you feel about your IBS symptoms. A therapist uses hypnosis during gut-related hypnotherapy to help you learn how to calm your colon and to regain control of your physiological response.

Wrapping Up

Irritated Bowel Syndrome is an incurable disorder, and no particular solution for everyone to deal with IBS is available. But you should be on your way to decreasing discomfort from Irritated Bowel Syndrome symptoms by combining diet, exercise, stress management, medicine, and psychological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

1) How to cure ibs permanently?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed through diet modifications, stress management, medications, probiotics, and exercise. Keeping track of trigger foods and avoiding them, practicing stress-reducing activities, and regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized treatment options.

2) What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be caused by a combination of factors including abnormalities in the nervous system, abnormal muscle contractions, inflammation in the gut, changes in gut bacteria, food intolerances, and psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The exact cause of IBS can vary from person to person, and it is important to work with a healthcare provider to identify triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan.

3) Irritable bowel syndrome foods to avoid?

There is no one-size-fits-all list of foods to avoid with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but some common trigger foods include: high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, garlic, wheat, and dairy products. Keeping a food diary can help identify personal trigger foods.

14 Healthy foods to add in your diet to make healthy diet | Types of Diets

4) Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) vary from person to person but may include: abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Some people with IBS may also experience nausea, fatigue, backache, and sleep disturbances.
August 18, 2023
Monsoon season diet guide: 7 Foods to avoid in Monsoons

Avoid These 7 Foods in Monsoon

The rainy season is beautifully fun, but it is also the time that you will be sick easily. The environment in monsoon makes us more vulnerable to cold or influenza. Our digestive system works relatively slow during monsoon, and the irony is – food craving is at peak around this time. If you want to stop seeing a doctor every other week, try avoiding these seven food items at all cost. so here we have listed 7 foods to avoid during rainy monsson season.

1. Chaat

Chaat sounds very tempting, especially in the rainy season. Pleasant weather and delicious food craving attract everyone to chaat or Panipuri or Bhelpuri stores. But wait! Don’t eat all that from the outside stall as there are high chances of water contamination. In this rainy weather, water contamination is all too normal. Monsoon makes water the breeding ground of germs and bacteria, and you don’t want to get a stomach infection during rain that can lead to jaundice or diarrhoea or typhoid. Surrendering to few moments of happiness and tempt may carry you to the hospital. Thus, a big no to street Chaat or Panipuri. Chaat, Panipuri, and Bhelpuri from outside stalls are some of the foods to avoid in monsoon season due to high chances of water contamination.

2. Fried Foods

Yeah, you read it right. Fried food is one of the food things to be avoided during this rainy season, and science supports this too. The intensely humid monsoon weather slows down our digestion. However, that pakoras, samosas, and kachori may appear tempting; they can cause gastronomic problems such as stomach distress, acidity, and bloating. Even extra salty food is harmful as it causes water retention.

3. Leafy Vegetables

It may seem illogical because we have been taught the value of consuming leafy vegetables throughout our lives. During the monsoon, however, they are better avoided.Leafy vegetables are a food to avoid in the monsoon season due to their vulnerability to germs and bacteria caused by grime and humidity. Those germs are not apparent to the naked eye and cause stomach or other infections. So, say no to spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and other green leafy vegetables this season. The intake of these vegetables makes you more likely to get sick with your stomach. Instead, go for vegetables such as bottle/bitter or little gourd, tori, Indian squash, or tinda, and so on. Make sure all vegetables are washed and cooked thoroughly.

4. Carbonated drinks

Since fizzy beverages are one of the foods to avoid in monsoon season that lower our body’s minerals, and this eventually slows down enzyme activity. In monsoon, when the digestive system is already weak, such drinks can create havoc in the stomach. Instead of drinking carbonated beverages, keep hot water or Nimbu-Pani with you. If you want to have something outside, opt for green teas, ginger tea, or other hot beverages. It will help to boost the digestive system and keep you healthy.

5. Dairy Products

Yes, dairy products, especially milk and curd. You will say, how could milk, ever refreshing and one of the richest and easiest energy sources be harmful? Unfortunately, blame it on our sub-continent monsoon, it definitely can. Damp weather could suck the whole nutrients and make dairy die faster than usual. Milk can soon go bad and maybe dangerous rather than useful. If milk is too irresistible to you then make sure to drink it warm with the pinch of turmeric.It is one of the best “food to avoid in monsoon season” to prevent stomach infections.

The same way, the curd is harmful, probably more than milk. Curd may increase the risk of cough and cold. Persons with asthma and sinuses should not eat curd during the monsoon season. Therefore, it is best to some dairy products in monsoon.

6. Outside fresh food products

Fresh fruits and fruit juice from outside should be avoided during the monsoon season as they may have been contaminated due to prolonged exposure to the air and the environment. Roadside vendors usually cut fruits well in advance, and this leads to contamination. Hence, it is advisable to avoid any fresh fruits or fruit juice from outside during the monsoon season. Instead, try to consume homemade fresh fruit products immediately after cutting. It is important not to leave cut fruits for too long at home as any prolonged air exposure can also cause contamination. Therefore, it is recommended to cut and consume fresh fruits immediately to avoid any infections during the monsoon season.

7. Sea foods

Monsoon is the season in which sea creatures and fish breed. This increases the chances of waterborne diseases and food poisoning, and ethically, it is better not to consume animals during their breeding time. Therefore, in monsoon, it is advisable to avoid infection-carrying seafood and meat products. It is also a good idea to avoid meat from street vendors, as the meat may not have been stored or cooked properly, leading to food poisoning. So, if you must eat non-vegetarian food during the monsoon, it is better to prepare it at home with proper hygiene and safety measures.

14 foods to add in your diet to make healthy diet

Wrapping up
The most tempting food, particularly in the rainy season, is often the worst. Craving for different foods is at the peak, but one should not forget that along with food cravings, monsoon brings infections too. So, to keep oneself healthy, should not eat heavy meals, too much dairy products, leafy vegetables, fried and outside foods. Instead, opt for hot beverages, lukewarm water, homemade food, and food with spices.

Frequently Asked Questions related to foods to avoid during monsoons

1) what type of food should we take in monsoon?

During monsoon, it is advisable to consume hot and freshly cooked food that is easy to digest. Avoid raw and street foods. Opt for foods with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables for their immune-boosting properties. Stay hydrated with warm beverages like herbal teas and soups. Ensure that you thoroughly wash and cook all your food items to prevent contamination.

2) best healthy food to eat in rainy season

In the rainy season, it’s essential to consume healthy and nutritious food that boosts immunity and digestion. Include warm and nourishing foods like soups, stews, and herbal teas in your diet. Incorporate fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli, to strengthen your immune system. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented foods to maintain gut health. Stay hydrated with warm water, herbal teas, and coconut water. Avoid oily and fried foods and opt for light and easy-to-digest meals.

3) what vegetables we can eat in rainy season?

In India, there are several vegetables that are ideal to consume during the rainy season. These include bitter gourd (karela), bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (tori), okra (bhindi), pumpkin (kaddu), spinach (palak), cauliflower (gobi), carrots (gajar), and green beans (fansi). Other vegetables like mushrooms (khumbh) and corn (makai) are also great options. Make sure to clean and cook them thoroughly to prevent any bacterial or fungal infections.

August 18, 2023
What is the future of Generics? The evolution and road ahead
Future of generic pharmaceutical industry

The idea behind manufacturing, procuring, and distributing the generic drug is to ensure equal access to health care and the future sustainable production of drugs. People seek generic drugs as policymakers and other health groups promote the use of generic medicines to minimize health costs while ensuring that funds are made available for new waves of breakthrough medications.

In the 1920s, people fought against the Spanish Flu pandemic, and Aspirin became one of the most sought-after drugs. And to keep its products out of stock, the German pharmaceutical company lost its American rights of Aspirin that made its use open to the public. That was just the beginning and now the generics are readily available in the market.

If we consider the history of generics, then it is fair to note that around 40 years back, the drug manufacturers could only perform fewer tests than what is needed now to get the drug approval. The real testing was done once the product was out in the market. The therapeutic drug can be withdrawn if too many patients complain of adverse reactions. The consequence of this method was painfully evident if the Thalidomide was sedative in Europe, Canada, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, causing thousands of catastrophic congenital disabilities.

The approval of a generic drug is almost the same at the international level while slightly different in developing nations like India. The reason is that the bioequivalence trials (B.E.) are not required in this part of the globe to obtain general approval and the gold standard in the area as in the U.S.

Unlike India’s other industries like chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas and mining industries, the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most competitive with more than 10,000 firms. It testifies the importance of the market and nations and the robust cooperation of a pharmaceutical ecosystem for many years. The evolution of generics in India is nothing less the coming of the age story as the pharmaceutical sector now boasts some major domestic companies. There are already over 3,000 WHO-GMP licensed plants in India. Also, it is estimated that above 1,500 SMEs will be compliant with WHO-GMP over the next 3 to 4 years, which will help the industry grow. A couple of years back, Indian companies accounted for 35 to 40 % of the total USFDA 971 approvals.

Such progress in producing the generics means having a 100% competition rate, and that has many other small companies flourish. Now, we see more businesses entering this space and ultimately enabling cheaper medical options for buyers. The floodgates were opened in 1984 when the Competition for the Drug Price and the Patent Term Restoration Act (Hatch-Waxman Law) was adopted.

After this act, the pharmaceutical industry’s face changed forever as now the prescription of generic medications becomes mandatory for civil hospital doctors. The customers can save crores of rupees 8 to 10 billion per year. From the time when generic Aspirin first reached the stores, we have come a long way. And this is a great relief for customers concerned about the high cost of medicines.

At Medkart, we are ardent about generic drugs with a vision to make affordable medicines accessible to everyone. On the other hand, we educate people to question the system – hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical stores, and everyone in the ecosystem. The idea is to create awareness about the generics and knowledge about how branded medicines are made expensive though bearing the same content and manufactured in the same facility. Even at the transaction level, the pharmacists would typically dispense their preferred branded generic. The road ahead is all about awareness and education, where the buyer needs to be sure of the quality that generics offer.

Future of generic medicines in india

India is known as the “pharmacy of the world” due to its large production and export of generic drugs. The future of generics in India looks promising, as the demand for affordable medicines continues to rise globally. The Indian government has implemented various policies to support the growth of the generic drug industry, such as the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) which regulates the prices of essential medicines, and initiatives to promote the use of generic drugs.

However, challenges such as increasing competition, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property rights protection may impact the growth of the industry in the future. Nevertheless, India’s strong expertise in generic drug manufacturing and its large pool of skilled professionals give it a competitive advantage in the global market.

Reasons Why Generic Medicines are Not Prescribed to the Patients

Generic drug market share in india

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August 18, 2023
Want to improve your metabolism? Here’s what you need to do
Before jumping on how to improve metabolism, you need to understand what metabolism is and how it is essential for the body. Metabolism is a necessary chemical process of converting what we eat and drink into energy to maintain life in our bodies. Our bodies take up this energy to synthesize hormones, sugars, tissue and cell repair, reproduction, and cell growth. During rest also our bodies need the energy to do work such as blood circulation, breathing, digestion, cell repair, and so on.

The minimum energy required by the body for these chemical processes is called the BMR, which varies from person to person. You may have encountered one or two people in your life who eat anything at any time and still not gain weight; this happens because their metabolic rate is high, and a person who has slow metabolism has a tendency to weight gain.

Keeping a proper metabolic rate is essential so that we don’t invite metabolic disorders in our bodies and stay healthy. However, factors such as age, gender, and genetics cannot be changed, but there are some other ways to improve metabolism:

1. Never skip a meal or breakfast:

Breakfasts are considered nutritious and much more necessary than other meals. Skipping breakfast can be detrimental as it slows your metabolism down. When you don’t feed, the brain sends an energy-preserving message to the rest of the body to preserve the accumulated fat you want to remove. Eating within an hour of waking shines the metabolic thermogenesis, which covert the food into energy. Instead of eating two meals, eat 5 to 6 small meals will enhance metabolism and keep one energetic all day.

In other words, when one eats meals at specified intervals, blood sugar levels will be maintained by the body; any decrease in your metabolism will cause your muscle to become fuel for energy, which leads to fatigue. Also, try to include protein in breakfast to kick start a day. If you are busy and going to skip the meal, then keep some nuts or healthy food with you to maintain metabolism as it is rather than sending the body to starvation mode.

2. Protein consumption:

Protein is one of the great sources to get energy. When you consume protein more than other nutrients, you will feel fuller and prevent yourself from overeating. High intakes of protein increase metabolism, decrease appetite, and alter many hormones that regulate weight. Our body consumes more calories to digest protein than fat or carbohydrates.

The cycle of insulin secretion into our bloodstream, which can improve metabolism, is also aided by protein. Thus, include protein sources such as fish, white chicken, tofu, nuts, boasts, eggs, and milk products with low-fat content in daily diet. However, the excessive protein could be harmful to the kidney, so one should not exceed the body’s protein level. Also, before taking any protein supplement, consult your doctor.

3. Stay hydrated:

All chemical reactions in your body depend on water, including metabolism. Water not only takes away toxins from the body but also increases the metabolic rate of the body while providing cells with nutrients and allowing them to eliminate toxins and metabolic waste. As hydration reduces, the body’s capacity for generating and absorbing energy is decreased.

Dehydration leads to shrinkage of cells, which signals to the body to slow down the metabolic process, and eventually, few calories will burn. So, to improve metabolic rate, hydration is necessary. For that,
- Drink a minimum of 2 to 2.5 L of water per day
- Increase fluid intake
- Never go out without water
4. Include metabolism boosting food in diet:

Food plays an important role in improving metabolism- it raises the level of energy and helps to enhance metabolism. Certain foods that boost metabolism:
- Green vegetables: Go green to enhance the metabolic rate of body. Spinach, broccoli, bell pepper, beans improve the body’s metabolic rate and burn fat.
- Dark chocolates: Dark chocolates are considered metabolic boosters as they contain monounsaturated fats. Chocolates, with more than 70% of cocoa, will keep the body active and healthy while a small chunk of dark chocolate per day considered beneficial for one’s well-being.
- Fruits: Fruits like berries, orange, grapes, lemon metabolize fat faster and provide energy with weight loss.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnut, and flaxseeds, are a great source of protein, and their daily consumption improves metabolism and provides energy.
5. Sip some green tea:

According to research, green tea can boost metabolism by 4 to 5% as green tea can convert stored fat into free fatty acids and induce fat burning. One should incorporate green tea in breakfast to improve metabolic rate. Also, green tea has antioxidants that prevent cell damage and improves the immune system.

6. Be active:

Exercise helps to increase metabolism. Perform the acute cardiac task for 30 minutes or more per day, and the metabolism can be spiked up to 2 hours after that. Perform resistant exercise 2-3 days a week to increase muscle weight and therefore boost the remaining metabolic rate to consume more calories 24/7!

7. Take less stress and good sleep:

Our bodies need sleep to maintain proper function and well-being. Sleep loss has a significant impact on metabolism. If one doesn’t get adequate sleep, hormones that regulate metabolism disturbs and slower the metabolism. As a result, weight gain occurs.

Also, less sleep leads to stress, which again lowers the metabolism. Excessive stress causes accumulation of stress hormones, which slows the digestion process. According to research, in stress body feels hungry as it needs the energy to fight against stress. This leads to sugar craving and, eventually, unhealthy weight gain. So, to improve metabolism, stress management, and sound sleep is required. For that, one should practice some meditation, yoga, relaxation exercise, and so on.

Conclusion:

The metabolic rate always works according to age, gender, and genes. However, making small changes in lifestyle and combining the tips mentioned above into your daily routine can improve your metabolism and keep your body healthy. Having a higher metabolism can help with weight loss while giving you more energy.
August 18, 2023
Patient awareness – what should a customer do? Where to go?

In India, the pharmaceutical market turnover reached US$19.14 billion in FY19, with the top 5 pharma companies in India claiming the majority of the share. This means there are pharma giants who rule the market and command the prices which leads to medicinal poverty. Some people cannot afford costly medicines, and they don’t know that there are cheaper alternatives available. And here’s where awareness plays a crucial role.

Medkart promotes the AAA philosophy<link to AAA philosophy blog> wherein the first A in the acronym is for the awareness. Why awareness? Let’s dig in further.

Majority of the medicine buying is transactional in India, meaning buyers buy what the doctors prescribe. Unfortunately, most buyers are not aware of what doctors prescribe them and they are handed the expensive branded medicines in the prescription. It is their utter ignorance that leads them to not even question about the alternatives to doctors or pharma storekeepers. That’s when the exploitation starts, taking the buyers’ ignorance for granted and leveraging their lack of knowledge.

At Medkart, we drive sales through awareness by educating people. Our sole goal is to create awareness amongst the buyer, even if they are not looking to buy generic. By doing so, we negate the transactional nature of medicine buying and make it more interesting for buyers similar to purchasing a pair of shoes or jeans. We promote healthy discussions on medicines on any of our stores and welcome them to gain knowledge. Being in the industry of over half a decade, we have all the information on pharmaceutical networks and how the doctors/hospitals lobby works at a higher level. In the end, customers end up paying more for the share that goes to doctors and hospitals. Remember, branded or generic, all these medicines are WHO-GMP standard ones, with most of them manufactured in the same facility. Still, the branded ones would cost you 10X of the generic. Meaning, you pay for the brand name, doctors, and pharma stores, and the manufacturers.

As a solution to the medicine buying exploitation by the lobbies, we welcome people to come to Medkart with their prescriptions. No, we won’t sell you the medicines. We will show you the range of generic options boasting the same contents as your branded ones at much cheaper rates. We have helped over 3Lakhs of patients to save more than Rs.1100Cr. It is fascinating for us to have a conversation with the core buyers, understand their issues, and find better ways to address them. What is best is that we are also expanding our business line intending to spread our vision far and wide. This will enable us to tap into the right patients who are looking to save more on medicines.

There is a section of society that puts a significant part of their hard-earned money into buying medicines. The least they want is the prescription from doctors suggesting them to buy branded ones. These people are also scared of trying anything else than doctors recommend, mainly out of fear of not experiencing its right effect or side effects. We are here to cater to that fear by providing them with the correct information without misguiding them.

We are here, acknowledging the fact that a lot has gone wrong in the pharmaceutical ecosystem. With all-out might, we are just trying to correct whatever possible from our end. Everything begins with curiosity and awareness, and that’s when the greater transformation is possible. And we have just started.

August 18, 2023

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