Long COVID

What is long COVID?

According to the British Heart Foundation long COVID is a term used to describe the effects of COVID 19 that continue for weeks or months beyond the initial illness. The UK Health Watchdog, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines long COVID to be a person experiencing COVID 19 symptoms for 4-14 weeks after the initial infection.

Long COVID affects approximately one in ten adults aged 18-49 and approximately one in five of the over 70’s. Asthmatics are particularly susceptible to developing long COVID.

Common Symptoms of Long COVID

According to the NHS common symptoms are: extreme fatigue, Chest pain, Shortness of Breath, Brain Fog, poor memory, Heart Palpitations, Dizziness, Pins and Needles, Joint Pains, Anxiety, Tinnitus, Diarrhoea, Persistent Cough, Rashes, Changes to Sense of Smell, Immune Dysregulation and Insomnia.

What causes Long COVID?

There are many contributing factors to the cause of long COVID. These factors include age, sex, medical comorbidities such as diabetes systematic inflammation, raised cytokines, Epstein Barr virus, hypertension, a compromised immune system and obesity. Researchers from University Hospital in Zurich found that people with low IGM and IGg3 antibodies in their blood were more likely to develop long COVID than others.

How can we treat Patients suffering with Long COVID?

Naturopathically, there are several options. Firstly, the diet would need an evaluation and a complete overhaul and the vitamins such as A, C, D and Zinc would need to be incorporated into the diet. And the removal for processed junk food and high sugar foods from the diet. Then we can look at incorporating medical mushrooms such as Ganoderma Lucidum (Ling Zhi), Trametes versicolor (Coriolus Versicolor) and Cordyceps sinensis (Tochukas). Studies have shown that the Beta Glucans, proteoglycans and related compounds have a positive effect in regulating the immune system, NK Cells, Macrophages and T Cells. Studies have also shown a decreasing of proinflammatory Cytokines after the use of the Medical Mushrooms mentioned.

We can also use certain Adaptogenic Herbs such as Rhodiola or Siberian Ginseng (not to be confused with Panax Ginseng). These herbs are very useful when treating chronic fatigue syndrome or to aid with recuperation after chronic viral infections or fatigue and brain fog associated with long term illnesses such as long COVID. Other Herbs which may be useful for Patients with Long COVID are Lemon Balm, Echinacea, Astragalus, Han Fang Ji and Andrographis. Curcumin has also been shown in various studies to help with inflammation and autoimmune conditions and may be of use in cases of long COVID.

We Can also use Green Tea, Co Q10, PQQ, Quercetin, Selenium, L-Carnitine, NAC and Probiotics. These all have their uses to help with the symptoms and underlying causes of Long COVID.

But before you undertake using anything mentioned here you must first consult your doctor. Never start a new diet regime or start taking any supplements without speaking to your doctor first. Some of the above mentioned may be contraindicated with your current medication and may cause harm. For example, Curcumin is contraindicated with blood thinning drugs and Medical Mushrooms are contraindicated with chemotherapy.