Long Covid is a term to describe the effects of Covid-19 that continue for weeks or months beyond the initial illness. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines someone with ‘long Covid’ to be: experiencing the symptoms of Covid-19, and other symptoms that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis, 12 weeks or more after infection. The commonest symptoms of Long Covid were: fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of smell, and muscle ache.
Like COVID-19, the culprit behind long COVID is a coronavirus (a type of virus) called SARS-CoV-2. Once the virus enters the respiratory system via the nose and mouth, it can multiply and infect many parts of the body. In most people, the immune system clears the virus, and the person fully recovers. However, symptoms continue and/or expand in a subset of people. One theory suggests that lingering virus remains in the body and can trigger inflammation. Researchers found the virus persisting in many parts of the body and the brain long after the person’s initial infection. Other experts have pointed to the immune system, which perhaps mistakenly continues its attack against SARS-CoV-2 even when the virus is gone, damaging normal cells in a reaction called a cytokine storm.
The best way to prevent a post-COVID condition is to avoid getting COVID-19 in the first place. While that may not always be possible, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Intermittent fasting (IF) –a practice that involves restricting eating, and there are several different approaches. One metabolic change of IF is increased linoleic acid-enriched triacylglycerol species in the liver and serum during fasting. Recent studies have revealed how the COVID-19 spike protein tightly binds linoleic acid in three composite pockets, resulting in reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme II interaction. Another advantage to IF has increased levels of galectin-3, which directly bind to pathogens with various effects on the functions of innate immune system cells.
Vitamin D inhibits cytokine storm by switching the pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 to the anti-inflammatory Th2 and Treg response. Vitamin D is therefore expected to play a role in preventing, relieving symptoms, or treating SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. In addition, there are several possible mechanisms by which vitamin D may reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, such as induction of the transcription of cathelicidin and defensin.
Turmeric – Several mechanisms by which turmeric may alleviate anosmia or ageusia induced by COVID-19 are plausible. Curcumin has been shown to bind and block the active site of Moro, the main protease utilized by COVID-19 to produce proteins required for viral replication from viral genomic RNA. Curcumin may also hinder the formation of the COVID-19 spike protein-ACE2 complex, preventing viral entry into cells.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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