Proteolysis of the Spike Protein
The unfortunate turn of events that took the world by a frenzy at the end of year 2019 was nothing short of a straight out of a horror movie. The unbelievably contagious virus a.k.a. Covid-19 claimed many lives. This is when the reality hit hard that despite all the advancements in pharmaceutical and medicinal field; our bodies are still not strong enough to combat a contagious disease. We need to learn and educated ourselves about these contagious viruses in order to prevent and recover from them.
What is S-proteins:
The Spike proteins also known as S-proteins are the main tools for the corona virus to induce infection in the host. These proteins are formed of two main sub units S1 and S2. These units primarily act as binding agents (bind the virus to the host cells) and fusion agents (refusion of corona virus after it enters host cells). Both these are crucial steps during a viral invasion. In addition, spike proteins assemble into trimers on the corona cell membrane. They form a characteristic crown like shape.
Therefore, it is essential to break down the S proteins in order for our body to combat the notorious corona virus.
Foods to fight off virus attack:
Food to fight a virus are not always the first approach after an infection has occurred. However, even during the peak stages of a disease, the human body has got to eat. Health professionals recommend eating following foods to help the body in the prevention and treatment of a viral disease:
Turmeric:
Turmeric is the “golden powder for life”. the turmeric roots have long proved their worth esp. as an antiviral. It doesn’t per se kill or weaken the virus. However, curcumin and zingiberene found in turmeric improve the natural anti-inflammatory response against any foreign agent in the body.
Binge on Basil:
Basil a.k.a. Tulsi in some eastern countries (origin countries) have strong antiviral effect against topical skin infection causes by viruses. This is particularly beneficial against Herpes simplex; which is the virus responsible for causing herpes. Both these viruses I.e., Herpes and corona have similar crown like structure. This can help in predicting similar prognostic outcomes.
Stick to your roots:
Ginger roots have shown glorifying outcome against covid virus and its spike protein. And rightly so! Many communities’ worldwide have shown promising and beneficial results after drinking ginger tea; particularly during the infection. The two main constituents of ginger I.e., Zingerone and Gingerols may prevent the virus replication once it has entered the body. Although there is still room for research and study on the antiviral efficacy of ginger. However, the results appear to be trustworthy based on data being collected from different communities.
Vitamin C to the rescue:
We as human are inclined towards looking for quick and short routes to the complete recovery during any ailment. Covid virus has a similar nature. if handled well during its lifecycle; there is a good chance that the virus will spare the body for good.
Vitamin C rich foods include:
- Citrus fruits such as lemon, oranges, limes etc.
- Green vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, fenugreek etc.
- Berries such as strawberries, blueberries etc.
Fill your heart and belly with good fats:
Fats! What! It seems like a weird suggestion to consume fats while dealing with a deadly virus such as corona virus. However, our body also needs sufficient energy to burn during the fight against the disease. unsaturated fats are referred to as good fats. They are a good source for ATP which is the cellular energy packet. In addition; good fats minimize the risk for disease complications.
Food rich in healthy fats are as follows:
- Plant oils such as Olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil etc.
- Nuts and seeds such as linseed, flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, macadamia nuts etc.
- Avocados
- Soybean and its oil
Hydration-Hydration-Hydration:
We can not stress enough on the hydration status of the body. As cliched as that may sound; but a well hydrated body has more chance to combat those nasty germs and viruses. Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods which have high water content are extremely beneficial in improving the body’s defense against foreign invaders. Some of the benefits of hydration are as follows:
- Supply and carry oxygen to cells
- Removal of waste products from the body
- Keeping cells flaccid
- Helps maintain sleep wake cycle
- Helps kidneys in removal of toxic agents via urine
Foods with high water content are as follows:
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Watermelon
- Citrus fruits
- Grapes
- Cantaloupe
- Tomato
Garlic on the go:
Although garlic is notorious for starting the age-old war of “with or without Garlic”. But…Hey! the services rendered by Garlic can not be ignored. The health benefits of garlic are immense and wide spread. Some of the health benefits are as follows:
- Allicin found in garlic is a potent antiviral
- Constituents found in garlic act as protective barrier against harmful bacteria and viruses esp. upon topical skin application
- Garlic extract is recommended by homeopathic specialists to prevent cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Heart and lungs are most effected during covid attack.
Cinnamon is not your average condiment:
Yes! That’s right. Cinnamon is more than a condiment. It is the powerhouse of immunity boosting constituents such as eugenol, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde. Although cinnamon provides the much-needed taste to the French toast. However, numerous researches have frequently proved that cinnamon provides following health benefits:
- It is a strong antibacterial agent
- Antiviral properties are due to surplus content of cinnamaldehyde
- Increases the production of natural antibodies in the blood stream
- Gastroprotective effect helps in removal of ingested toxins
Final Thoughts
Proteolysis of the Spike Protein is an important part of understanding how SARS-CoV-2 can enter human cells and cause infection. Through studying proteolytic cleavage sites, researchers are gaining insight into how this virus behaves and which drugs may be effective in blocking it. With further research and clinical trials, scientists hope to develop treatments that can help reduce the severity of COVID-19 while improving outcomes for those who become infected with the disease. It’s clear that proteolysis plays a key role in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission and pathogenesis, so continued research into its processes will be necessary if we want to effectively combat this pandemic.
In conclusion
The storm of coronavirus has proved that nothing is sure shot. We can take all the preventive measures, get all the shots, have the most relinquished lifestyle and still some airborne disease will find us. In such times having a dietary support system to combat unpredictable diseases is our only hope.
