post-viral recovery

With the persistence of COVID-19, we are hearing more about post-COVID recovery and what is called “long COVID,” a condition that affects nearly 1 in 5 American adults who have had the virus. No universal definition exists, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or years.” Symptoms can include anything from fatigue and headache to chest pain, joint pain, stomach pain, and more. Symptoms and duration vary from person to person, so it is difficult to clearly define and treat. What can a person do to increase their chances of better recovery? Because it is still new, there is little research on the topic, but there is a lot of interest. Here are some general suggestions that may be helpful.

Diet

While there are no specific dietary guidelines, it makes sense to take an approach of nourishing the body with nutrient-rich foods. Colorful fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, and fermented foods can all be part of a nourishing diet for recovery. A Mediterranean diet may

Eidon Ionic Minerals Superbiome

For optimal gut health and balance.* A blend of mushrooms and probiotics. Includes reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, maitake, turkey tail, shiitake, phellinus, and cordyceps. be helpful for those experiencing brain fog. This diet, with olive oil, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, has been shown to help with brain health, thinking, and memory. Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, maitake, and shiitake, are of great interest because they work to enhance a deep immunity, and also to support the gut microbiome. If appetite is low, consider a protein shake with whey protein. Whey supplies essential protein to help with repair and recovery, and it is also rich in immunity-enhancing peptides.

Gut Health

A growing body of evidence is finding that supporting gut health may help with post-COVID recovery. It is possible that unbalanced intestinal flora and the gut’s response to opportunistic infections can result in increased inflammation. Medicinal mushrooms can help reduce inflammation and support balance in the gut. One study found that utilizing lactobacillus probiotics and inulin prebiotic fiber could help with long-term COVID-19 symptoms, so probiotics and medicinal mushrooms may be helpful approaches.

While this area of nutrition is new and evolving, some common sense nutritional approaches may play a role in supporting overall wellness and recovery in the body. ●

North Coast Naturals Boosted Immuno Whey+

Immune support enhanced whey protein. Whey protein with probiotics, vitamins, minerals, organic medicinal mushrooms, and superfoods. With antimicrobial and antiinflammatory support from turmeric, cinnamon, and more.

Bio-K+ DailyCARE Probiotics

Promotes digestive and immune health.* Helps support balanced intestinal flora to support overall health and well-being.* With proprietary, clinically studied probiotic strains. 30 billion or 50 billion potencies.

American Health Ester-C Powder

Unique vitamin C formulation for 24 hour immune support.* Vitamin C powder with citrus bioflavonoids. Gentle and non-acidic.

Emergen-C Elderberry Immune+ Gummies

Immune support gummies.* Crafted with 50mg elderberry juice concentrate. Antioxidant support.* With high potency vitamin C and vitamin D for immune support.*

Newton Homeopathics Detoxifier

Formulated for symptoms associated with toxicity such as fatigue, headaches, and sluggish elimination.* Formula based on traditional homeopathic practice. Manufactured in the USA. Pranarōm Stress Recovery Essential Oil Blend

Balanced well-being blend. With lavender, bergamot, clary sage, and other synergistic essential oils. Use as an inhalation to help calm and soothe the nervous system.

Rhelief Tame Your Pain Quick Action Powder

Helps support discomfort of minor aches and pains.* With tart cherry, turmeric, butterbur, DLPA, vitamin D, and more. Safe for everyday use. Original and PM formulas.

Solaray Magnesium Asporotate

Bone strength.* Muscle support.* Supplies 400 mg highly absorbable magnesium complexed as aspartate, citrate, and orotate.

Bare Organics Astragalus Root Powder

Adaptogenic herb to support the body during stress.* Natural immunity support.* Used in Chinese folk medicine.* Perfect smoothie boost.*