Long COVID and post-viral symptoms

This is becoming quite prevalent in society at the moment. Post-viral syndrome is not a new thing; post-viral syndrome is common for all viral diseases and naturopaths have long been helping support those who are experiencing symptoms that continue after the initial viral infections. What is new is the complexity of how COVID affects people differently, how long COVID and post-vaccine syndrome have common symptoms, and how COVID can activate or reactivate other conditions.

Long COVID sufferers complain of symptoms such as headaches, brain fog (difficulty recalling words, going about normal work tasks, feelings of having a “head cold”), general fatigue, weakness, general unwell feeling, hair loss, digestive complaints (nausea, loss of appetite, bloating), ongoing infection symptoms, pain (chest pain, increased period pain, joint pain), difficulty breathing, and skin issues (rashes). Long COVID can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, and symptoms such as anxiety and depression can be a consequence.

Another complexity is the similarity of long COVID symptoms and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Drivers for long COVID can include delayed treatment in the early symptomatic phase leading to high viral load (high spike protein load), molecular mimicry of the spike protein resulting in auto-antibodies/autoimmune conditions, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) dysfunction, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) deficiency (blocked receptors by spike protein), immune dysfunction and reactivation of chronic bacterial and viral infections, mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupted microflora, and increased oxidative damage and inflammation.

Management of long COVID

Lifestyle modifications

Ensure you get plenty of sleep- sleep helps your immune system re-balance and reduces inflammation. Getting out into the sun in the morning (without sunglasses on) can help those that are experiencing insomnia. A diet that is clean and full of whole foods- fruits, vegetables and proteins, organic where possible. Easy-to-prepare and digest foods are recommended to allow you to get the most out of your food.

Commonly used supplements

The most important part of your initial consultation will be to find out what’s your main symptom, and what’s most important to you. This we will work to address first. There is lots of new research on nutrients and herbal supplements for managing COVID and long COVID. There is also a lot of research and traditional knowledge on treating post-viral syndromes that can also be applied to long COVID. These include but are definitely not limited to, quercetin, resveratrol, vitamin D, N-acetyl cysteine, Natto Bacilli culture, zinc, vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, amino acids such as L-arginine and taurine, curcumin, medicinal mushrooms, CoQ10, Nigella sativa, Andrographis paniculata, Vitis vinifera, Cratargus monogyna, Urtica dioica, Taraxacum officinale, Withania somnifera, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Astragulus membranaceous.

As mentioned, this is not a definitive list of treatments, and I do not suggest you take everything. What you need will depend on the symptoms that you have, what brought you to this point and what other conditions, illnesses and medications you are taking. Not all herbs or supplements will suit everyone, and some can be dangerous for certain individuals.

Therapeutic effects of some Long COVID supplements/herbs

• Curcumin – interferes with viral replications, and limits mast cell degranulation. It is an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Long-term treatment is not suggested due to liver injury risk.
• Nigella (Nigella sativa) – regulates immune function, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, while also regulating blood sugar and improving digestion.
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) – is a precursor for glutathione, our body’s number one antioxidant. NAC is immune modulating, anti-inflammatory and a mucolytic (thins mucus secretions).
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – alters the binding of the spike protein to ACE receptors and may increase the clearance of spike proteins.
• CoQ10- facilitates energy production in the mitochondria and protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage.
• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – an immune tonic, adaptogen (helps us manage stress better), and anti-inflammatory. Eleuthero enhances mitochondrial activity, improving energy and endurance.
• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – the heart herb, hawthorn may help to undo the endothelial damage caused by COVID.
• Natto Bacilli culture – Bacillopeptidase F is an anticoagulant, and thrombolytic and improves peripheral blood flow, helping to prevent blood clots.

Long COVID can affect the body in many different ways and sometimes you might find that the road to recovery is long. A holistic treatment is often needed and many people find that consultations with a naturopath allow them time to really discuss how they are feeling and what is going on for them.

Book an appointment with a naturopath for a treatment plan that is designed just for you. Appointments are available online or in-person.

Please note, that while there is clinical evidence for the use of natural medicines in the management of long COVID and supporting immune function in general, this is not intended to replace the care of your medical provider. Seek professional advice if you are taking any medications and never disregard medical advice because of something you have read. Also, it is strongly recommended that you work with a qualified herbalist or naturopath and seek advice before starting or changing any prescribed herbs or supplements.