The Possible Solutions
Last week I laid the groundwork for long hauler or Long Covid syndrome. Patients with Long Covid have recovered after having Covid infection, yet they continue to have random symptoms. Studies show that 10-50% of patients may suffer from ongoing effects after contracting the virus. More severe symptoms can include heart failure, blood clots, neurological signs, psychiatric symptoms, and auto-immune diseases.
Patients are considered long haulers if they are still experiencing side effects from the virus four weeks after the initial recovery. Some of the more common, less serious side effects of Long Covid include fatigue, brain fog, headache, restlessness, cough, pain, loss of taste or smell, and ongoing gut issues.
In last week's article, we discussed some potential reasons for a patient having ongoing symptoms post COVID and this article will address these with proposed solutions. If we look at each of these and address them individually, we hope to move the patient toward improved health.
Persistent and ongoing infections that may linger after recovering from Covid. The first area of concern is respiratory symptoms may be related to unresolved organizing pneumonia. Patients with ongoing respiratory issues should be evaluated for pneumonia and, if positive, treated with an appropriate antibiotic. If this symptom is left untreated, permanent lung damage can occur. Keep in mind the need for a probiotic, preferably a spore probiotic, while on antibiotic treatment.
Other areas of infection include the sinus, gut, and lungs. Conditions can be both bacterial and fungal. Infections in the gut, as noted above, can linger for many weeks, and addressing them with antibiotics, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory supplements can fix the ongoing problems.
Ongoing neurological symptoms may be related to micro- or macrovascular thrombotic disease. If we look at the progression of COVID, it starts with the virus spreading in our systems, transitions into the inflammation or cytokine storm phase, and finishes with the clotting phase. Taking aspirin daily while COVID positive and for several weeks after can help prevent clotting issues and may be needed for those with continued neurological symptoms. In some patients, aspirin is contraindicated, and patients should check with their providers.
Persistence of viral debris in monocytes and microglia results in an ongoing inflammatory response in an attempt by the immune system to clear the offending protein and viral RNA fragments. Taming the response from persistent viral debris can be achieved by resveratrol and intermittent fasting, which produce autophagy. Autophagy is like a spring cleaning of the cells in your body, and intermittent fasting is a way to produce autophagy. Low Dose Naltrexone can block microglial cell activation, which can be a source of brain fog and fatigue.
Immune suppression with reactivation of dormant viruses or reactivation of chronic bacterial infections. What are the solutions to this reactivation? A practical option for treatment has been a course of Ivermectin. Ivermectin is prescribed based on the patient's weight and has been an effective tool for treating both covid and long covid.
Due to molecular mimicry, the spike protein results in a vast spectrum of autoantibodies, many of which are associated with neurological complications. Taking supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), pro-resolving mediators, curcumin, and vitamin D can help lower the inflammatory burden that can linger post-COVID. Here is a multi-ingredient product- Omega Complete.
The unmasking or triggering of mast cell activation syndrome. Mast cells release mediators into our systems, creating allergic or inflammatory reactions. Histamine, leukotrienes, and interleukins are just a few of these mediators. Stabilizing the mast cells with a dietary supplement like quercetin or prescription products ketotifen and cromolyn can be helpful.
The virus enters the cell via the ACE2 enzyme system, which is eventually destroyed by the virus. Fixing the ACE2 system that has been destroyed is another part of the process of regaining health. Some more common dietary supplements used to restore ACE2 are resveratrol, Omega 3 fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, and curcumin. Looking at that group of products makes me think of inflammation reduction and anti-aging protocols.
Mitochondrial enhancement may be necessary to help with the complete recovery of Long Covid. Mitochondria are the energy-producing modules in every cell of your body. Suppose these are not working optimally, fatigue along with sub-par muscle function. The necessary nutrients look a lot like those you recommend for a patient suffering from a heart condition and include CoQ10, , B vitamins, NAC, D3, Resveratrol, and Curcumin.
Lifestyle options revolve around sleep, exercise, and diet. Getting optimal sleep is a necessary component of any healing process. Reducing stress, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and exercising are all beneficial in recovering your health. The overall focus is on reducing inflammation and increasing cellular energy.
As you can see, the road to recovery has multiple avenues of treatment and may take some time for you to recover fully. Long covid is an actual condition, not something "just in your head." Treatment needs to be individualized to the patient, and if you are not getting the necessary treatments to help turn you around, you may need to align with a provider who is on the same page and can help you find solutions.
If you want more information on long covid and to schedule a consultation, call the pharmacy @ 701-483-4858 or stop in and have my staff help you. Please visit my website at www.irsfeldpharmacy.com to find this and other archived articles in the blog section. Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!!
Share On: