The current period of isolation is great for paying more attention to your body and mind and strengthening your immune system. Here are some simple and effective ways to get the most out of quarantine and to feel that your body and mind are full of energy while spring is approaching.

Functional foods

Functional foods optimize the immune system capacity to prevent and control pathogenic viral infections. Functional foods contain immune-boosting nutraceuticals, polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, pigments, unsaturated fatty-acids, micronutrient vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate, and trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper. Foods with antiviral properties include fruits, berries, vegetables, fermented foods and probiotics, olive oil, fish, nuts and seeds, herbs, roots, fungi, eggs, meat.

The use of synthetic drugs has increased over the recent years, but plant-based drugs are more suitable in terms of least side effects. Since ancient times mankind has been dependent on plants for the treatment of various ailments.

Pau d’Arco

Pau d’arco is an evergreen tree that has rose-colored flowers. There are nearly 100 species of Pau D’Arco. For thousands of years, Pau D’Arco has been used as an antiviral herb. The range of viruses stunted by Pau D’Arco is wide. Herbal compounds in Pau D’Arco inhibits the enzymes in virus cells, which directly affects the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The virus is then no longer able to take control over the reproductive processes of the cell, so it can neither replicate itself nor infect other cells.

Turmeric

Curcumin is the primary curcuminoid derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa plant and is typically used both as a strong food dye and consumed as a spice in the form of turmeric. In addition, curcumin has seen wide use in traditional medicine throughout Asia, due to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

Modern research has also demonstrated that curcumin has diverse biological functions. Curcumin can act not only as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound, but also as an anti-viral compound, inhibiting replication in a wide-range of viruses.

Compound found in turmeric, has antiviral effects and may be able to eliminate certain viruses. The researchers thus suggest that curcumin affects viruses in numerous ways: by killing the virus before it infects the cell, by integrating with the viral envelope to deactivate the virus, and by modulating cells’ metabolism to prevent the virus from entering them.

Turmeric and black pepper each have health benefits, due to the compounds curcumin and piperine. As piperine enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%, combining the spices magnifies their effects.

Exercise and immune-boosting massage

There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the human body that extend from the scalp to the knees. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands that produce lymphocytes, filter harmful substances from tissues, and contain macrophages, which are cells that digest cell debris, pathogens, and other waste. These nodes are connected by a network of lymphatic vessels that run like our blood vessels across our body. Lymph flows in these vessels. It contains many lymphocytes that fight infection.

The lymphatic system does not have a “pump” that pumps it like a heart. The lymph moves in part due to impulses from the blood vessels, but the greatest driving force is in the muscles, or physical activity. Walking in the woods and physical activity are the driving force behind the lymph.

Roller massage is specially designed to activate the lymphatic system and expel waste products and viruses from the body. It was created as early as 1920, but has been overlooked in Estonia until the Beautiful Me body salon made it popular. Thanks to the support of doctors and hospitals, Beautiful Me body salon roller massage is a recognized way to increase the body’s resilience and ability to be healthy.

Lifestyle and appropriate nutrition with functional compounds may offer further antiviral approaches. Regular moderate exercise and massage may contribute to reduce viral risk in combination with appropriate dietary habits and functional foods.