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Happiness is influenced by a complex interplay of various chemicals in our brain, particularly four key neurotransmitters, D.O.S.E or Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. These chemicals, often referred to as "happiness chemicals," are responsible for creating feelings of joy, motivation, connection, and calm.
However, when there's a deficiency in any of these, it can significantly affect our mood, energy, and overall well-being. Let’s dive into what these four neurotransmitters are, how their deficiency impacts us, and how we can boost their levels naturally.
Dopamine is often called the "motivation molecule." It plays a major role in enabling motivation, learning, and the pleasure-reward system in the brain. When we accomplish something — whether it’s finishing a project, completing a workout, or achieving a goal — dopamine gives us that sense of satisfaction and determination to continue.
When dopamine levels are low, it can lead to procrastination, low self-esteem, lack of focus, and general fatigue. A person might feel anxious, hopeless, or experience mood swings because the brain isn’t getting the reward signals it needs.
You can increase dopamine levels by setting and achieving small goals, exercising regularly, eating foods rich in L-Tyrosine (such as almonds, avocados, and eggs), and practicing mindfulness or meditation. Engaging in creative activities like writing or drawing also helps boost dopamine levels.
Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" because it plays a major role in social bonding and trust. It’s released when we hug, touch, or engage in other forms of physical affection. Oxytocin fosters feelings of connection and emotional intimacy, making it essential for relationships, family bonding, and even team cooperation.
A lack of oxytocin can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and difficulties in forming or maintaining relationships. Low oxytocin levels are associated with feelings of isolation and disconnection from others.
You can raise your oxytocin levels through physical touch, socialising, spending quality time with loved ones, and even engaging in activities like massage or listening to soothing music. Acts of kindness, such as helping others or volunteering, also help release oxytocin.
Serotonin is responsible for feelings of well-being and contentment. It helps regulate mood, sleep, digestion, and even social behavior. People who have balanced serotonin levels often feel calm, confident, and emotionally stable. Serotonin is crucial in helping people feel valued and significant among their peers.
Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, low self-esteem, irritability, and mood swings. Individuals may feel overly sensitive to criticism, experience panic attacks, or struggle with social phobias when serotonin is deficient.
You can boost serotonin by getting regular exercise, exposing yourself to sunlight, engaging in cold showers or massages, and practicing mindfulness. Simple activities like walking in nature, meditating, or doing yoga are also effective serotonin enhancers.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Released in response to stress, pain, or intense physical activity, they help alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of euphoria. Endorphins are what make you feel good after a workout or a hearty laugh, often referred to as the "runner's high."
Without enough endorphins, people may experience anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia. A deficiency in endorphins can make daily life feel overwhelming and physically draining.
To boost endorphins, engage in laughter, exercise, and stretching activities. Eating spicy foods or dark chocolate can also stimulate endorphin production. Regular massage therapy and meditation are other ways to naturally elevate endorphin levels.
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Chai and pakoras are practically non-negotiable once the rains set in. For a large number of Indians, though, monsoon comes with something less welcome: a blocked nose, itchy eyes, and a "cold" that just won't quit.
Most people write this off as a seasonal cold. It's often not. A large share of the patients I see in July aren't fighting a fresh infection. They're dealing with allergic rhinitis that's been present for months at a manageable level, and monsoon has simply pushed it past a threshold they can no longer ignore.
The scale of this is easy to underestimate. A national study under the Global Asthma Network, which surveyed more than 1.27 lakh children, adolescents, and adults across India, found that close to a quarter of Indian adolescents aged 13 to 14 live with allergic rhinitis. Roughly one in ten adults does too.
Other Indian research puts the overall incidence of allergic rhinitis anywhere between 20 and 30 percent of the population. This isn't a niche complaint. It's one of the more common chronic conditions walking through general practice doors, most of which are simply unnamed.
The same national study found something more concerning: nearly three out of four people who met the clinical criteria for allergic rhinitis had never actually been diagnosed with it. Many had lived with recurring congestion, sneezing, and disturbed sleep for years without anyone connecting the dots.
A separate survey of over 1,600 physicians across India found that while a large share see allergic rhinitis routinely in practice, more than half had never used immunotherapy, one of the few treatments that changes the course of the disease rather than just quieting it temporarily.
Indian allergen-testing data show a clear rotation of triggers through the year: dust mites dominate winter, pollens dominate summer, and fungal and insect allergens rise sharply once the rains set in.
The reason is straightforward. Once relative humidity in a city climbs past 70 percent, which happens routinely through the monsoon, fungal spores and dust mites both multiply fast. Waterlogging pushes fungal spore counts up further. A damp curtain or a mattress that never quite dries between showers becomes a long-term allergen source that outlasts any single rainy day.
Allergic skin and eye conditions tend to flare with the same seasonal humidity and allergen load as allergic rhinitis, and in practice, they rarely show up in isolation. A patient with monsoon-triggered nasal symptoms is worth a closer look for coexisting asthma, eczema, or conjunctivitis, simply because in the Indian patient population, these conditions travel together more often than not.
For anyone with a known allergic condition, a few habits make a real difference once the rains arrive:
Monsoon doesn't create new allergy patients. It reveals how well the existing ones are actually being looked after.
“Let knowledge be your shield against the changing seasons."
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Even a mild case of COVID-19 may trigger long-lasting eye problems, with new research revealing that persistent inflammation and nerve damage could be responsible for symptoms that standard eye tests often fail to detect.
The study, led by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden and published in Nature Communications, sheds light on why some COVID-19 survivors continue to experience debilitating vision issues months or even years after infection.
The research began after people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 sought medical help for persistent eye complaints. Many reported:
Many participants said the condition significantly disrupted their daily lives, preventing them from working or continuing their education.
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Researchers evaluated 100 people who developed eye problems after mild COVID-19 but had never been hospitalized. Their symptoms had persisted anywhere from three months to three years.
The findings were compared with those of 32 people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 without developing eye symptoms.
Using advanced imaging and laboratory techniques, researchers identified several abnormalities that conventional eye exams failed to detect.
The study found evidence of:
Lead author Petros Moustardas, senior research associate at Linköping University, said the findings indicate that COVID-19 may trigger a severe immune reaction in the eyes, resulting in chronic inflammation and nerve dysfunction.
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One of the most common complaints among participants was extreme sensitivity to light. Researchers found that their pupils were allowing too much light into the eyes because of impaired nerve control.
This abnormal pupil function was also associated with:
The study also identified impaired coordination between the two eyes.
Some participants developed adult-onset strabismus—commonly known as crossed eyes—a condition that is rare in adults.
Researchers believe this occurred because COVID-19 affected the nerves responsible for controlling eye muscles.
Because routine eye tests often miss these abnormalities, the research team developed two diagnostic models.
The first relies on specialized ophthalmic tests available at advanced eye clinics, while the second combines these examinations with tear fluid protein analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers hope these models will help doctors recognize COVID-related eye syndrome earlier and pave the way for future treatments.
"We found that the problems experienced by those affected were not detectable by standard tests. We had to perform specialised examinations to detect deviations. The puzzle pieces then fell into place, and we found explanations for the symptoms," said Neil Lagali, professor of experimental ophthalmology at Linköping University.
He added that while the findings provide important clues about how COVID-19 affects the eyes, more research is needed to develop effective treatments for those living with persistent vision problems.
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Plant-based Vitamin D3 is often marketed as a healthier or superior alternative to traditional supplements, but doctors say that's not necessarily the case.
According to Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, existing research shows that plant-based Vitamin D3 is just as effective as conventional Vitamin D3 in increasing the body's vitamin D levels.
"Current evidence suggests that plant-based Vitamin D3 performs similarly to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For people who prefer vegan or plant-based products, it is a suitable alternative," he told HealthandMe.
Echoing this view, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, said that plant-derived Vitamin D3—usually obtained from lichen, algae, or modern fermentation methods—provides an animal-free option without sacrificing effectiveness.
In a post on X, he noted that while plant-based Vitamin D3 is welcome news for vegans and those seeking cruelty-free supplements, both forms work equally well. He added that there is no medical need for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3 supplements.
India has approved its first plant-based Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread Vitamin D deficiency.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cleared VITADEE Green, developed by Fermenta Biotech, for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products.
The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of Vitamin D3.
The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements.
It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool.
The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap.
Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and falls.
Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation.
The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived.
"The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said.
Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications.
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