Functional Approach to Long-term COVID-19 Symptoms

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, more and more people are beginning to experience its long-term symptoms. While there is no cure for COVID-19, there are a number of treatments that can help lessen the severity of its effects. In this article, we will discuss some of the common symptoms that people suffer from after contracting COVID, and share the most effective functional approaches to treating long-term COVID symptoms. By following these recommendations, you can improve your overall quality of life during this difficult time.

While the symptoms of COVID-19 are well known, there is less information available on the long-term effects of the virus. However, a growing number of people are reporting a wide range of symptoms that can linger for weeks and even months after infection. These so-called “long COVID” symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss. In some cases, people have also reported problems with their heart, lungs, and kidneys. While the exact mechanisms of these long-term effects are still unknown, it is clear that they can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. As more information becomes available, it is hoped that researchers will be able to better understand the long-term effects of COVID. Some of the more common symptoms that persist after COVID infection are:

• Extreme fatigue
• Brain fog (1)
• Memory loss (2)
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Change in taste and sense of smell
• Joint pains
• Hormonal changes, irregular periods

Functional approach to managing long-term COVID symptoms

While the long-term effects of COVID-19 are still being studied, many people are struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms that can last for months after contracting the virus. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for long COVID symptoms, there are some functional treatments that can help:

• Immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C and zinc can help to support a healthy immune system
• NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) can improve energy levels and mental clarity(3)
• Antioxidants can help reduce the inflammation associated with COVID infection
• Lifestyle support including regular exercise, ample sleep, and stress reduction strategies like meditation

While there is no cure for long-term COVID symptoms, there are treatments that can support your body in clearing lingering infection, modulating immune-related inflammation, and getting your health back to optimal levels. You may want to speak to our functional practitioners to find out what personalized treatments may be helpful for your specific symptoms.

References:

1. Douaud, G., Lee, S., Alfaro-Almagro, F. et al. SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank. Nature (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04569-5
2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-47—post-COVID-19-condition?gclid=CjwKCAjw6dmSBhBkEiwA_W-EoGtvVNwNCeyyUgbKEAgDunzLmULnMmbW7h3qPjV4Rx8Ba83945RoIBoC9kAQAvD_BwE
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in general or for any specific condition and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No doctor-patient relationship is established as a result of the provision of this information and disclaims any obligation, responsibility or liability of whatever nature for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising from or in respect of this content.

Dr See Yunn Ho 

Dr Ho See Yunn is a Physician with more than 15 years experience. She is board certified in both Singapore and Hong Kong and received her specialization in Family Medicine from Singapore. She also received her Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Nutritional Medicine and Peptide certification from the American Academy of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Ho is trained and certified under Dr. Walsh’s advanced nutrient therapy protocols that use personalized nutrient treatment strategies to treat patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.