Supplements You May Want To Consider Taking During Quarantine

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Exercise. Mental stimulation. Socialization. Sleep. Goal pursuit. These are all things that impact the rhythms of the human mind and body, but they’re also things that people don’t have regular access to during a pandemic. The innovators and creators are finding new ways to socialize, be ambitious, work out, and maintain some “normalcy” during these abnormal times, but it’s admittedly all just a little harder to do.

You had your routine before. Your gym. Your workout class. Your weekly dinner with relatives or drinks with friends. You had a busy schedule filled with work and passion projects – and maybe those are one and the same for you, if you’re fortunate. Without all of that, one might learn that a lot of how they felt in their mind and body, before the pandemic, relied heavily on their pre-pandemic lifestyle. Now there can be sleep issues, depression, and fatigue. While it is, again, important to adapt and reintroduce those “normal” activities into your life in a pandemic-safe way, it’s also important to know about these supplements that may address some of the deficiencies you’re experiencing. (Always consult with your doctor first.)

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Fish oil

With less mental stimulation than many are used to right now, it’s important to keep those brain cells active and healthy. Humans need to be mentally challenged to stay sharp, and quarantine can take away from that.  Fish oil supplements may help in proper brain cell functioning and in preventing deterioration of the brain.

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Vitamin D

Even if you’re taking those walks and going for those jogs, quarantine life naturally lends itself to more time spent inside. And that can quickly mean a decline in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, which are important for healthy teeth, bones, and muscles.

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Iron

An iron deficiency can lead not only to memory and brain functioning issues, but it can also result in mood and behavioral problems. With both mental alertness and moods at risk during a time when we don’t have as much social interaction or opportunity for career growth, an iron deficiency can become especially problematic.

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Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 affects serotonin levels in the body, which are important for our moods. The effects of vitamin B12 on depression have been documented at-length and frequently because it’s just that potent. It’s especially important that those on a vegan diet take this supplement, as it’s nearly impossible to get sufficient amounts through non-animal product foods.

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Magnesium

Magnesium is quite the powerful and multifunctional supplement. It not only acts as a mild and natural muscle relaxant, helping to relieve cramps, but it also plays a role in proper nervous system functioning, aiding in better sleep, and can help fight constipation. If quarantine has brought on any of these issues due to a change in schedule or diet, take magnesium.

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Zinc

Zinc is the body’s best friend when it comes to its defense mechanisms aka immune system function. With a virus on the rise right now, that’s naturally important. It also helps the body break down carbohydrates which some (not pointing any fingers) may be eating a lot more of during quarantine. Pasta is just so comforting.

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Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another important supplement to take right now because of its immunity-boosting properties. It might also help manage high blood pressure, something that the stress of this pandemic may be causing for some. And if you’re following the recommendation of taking iron supplements, vitamin C helps the body better absorb those.

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Probiotics

Stress, disrupted sleep, and new diets can mess up the gut in many ways. The healthy bacteria found in probiotics help keep the gut on track. In addition to worrying about finances, COVID-19, and missing one’s friends, nobody needs to also worry about bloating or constipation. So take those probiotics.

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Curcumin

Curcumin is a superhero of supplements. It helps regular neurotransmitter activity in the brain, prevents the death of brain cells, has tons of antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory benefits. That means it can address both physical, mental, and emotional ailments, particularly at a time when we may not be as active – physically or socially – as we normally would be.

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Oregano oil

Oregano oil is technically an essential oil and should not be taken orally. It’s meant to be applied to the skin. It contains carvacrol, a phenol that can have an anti-depressant effect. There is no standard dosage to take of oregano oil, but try mixing a teaspoon of it with equal parts olive oil and applying it to the skin.

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Ginseng

Ginseng has been shown to boost brain activity and mood, and at a time when many of us are mostly relying on streaming services and social media for “brain activity,” it could be a good thing to take. Supplements are the most potent form, but you can also eat it raw, or have ginseng tea.

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Berberine

Berberine is a chemical found in plants that’s been touted for its powers in diabetes management and cholesterol control. But studies have also found that it can help fortify the nervous system, which can in turn combat anxiety and other mood disorders, without bringing the side effects that pharmaceutical antidepressants can.

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Glycine

Glycine can improve the quality of one’s sleep because it aids in the production of serotonin. For that same reason, it can help control moods. Furthermore, it influences receptors in the brain involved in memory and learning, helping you stay sharp.

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is very popular in Ayurvedic medicine and helps the body’s response to stress, both physical and mental. It’s also been shown to improve the quality and length of one’s sleep, and can help fight anxiety.