Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Posted on March 8th, 2024

This syndrome is defined as “the persistence of signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19 which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.” (1) There is evidence that COVID infection in the right individual can cause:

• Lung damage

• Metabolic shifts 

• Blood pressure shifts

• Protein wasting

• Gut dysbiosis

• Chronic fatigue

• Depression and/ or anxiety

• Sleeping disorders.

Someone’s nutritional status pre-COVID can significantly influence the development of these concerns, as can environmental and genetic programming. Mindset, social connection, as well as previous experiences.

If you are suffering from long COVID or think you may be, consider these nutritional recommendations:

• Protein of 15-30g per meal – any hospitalization results in the catabolism of proteins and increases risk for muscle wasting.

• Omega-3 fatty acid intake of 1.5-3g/day - 3.5oz of wild sockeye salmon will provide 2.7g.

• Low-glycemic carbohydrates – metabolic disturbances are common post COVID, so focusing on carbohydrates that modulate the blood sugar response is key.

• Fiber like that found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes – recommendations for fiber are 25-38g per day.

• Vitamin D sufficiency – measured via bloodwork.

• Foods high in selenium such as fish, turkey, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, beans, sunflower seeds, oatmeal and spinach.

• Extra virgin olive oil as a source of monounsaturated fat,

• Water intake of at least 2.5gallons daily.

• Mineral adequacy via consuming the rainbow of vegetables and fruits, as well as lean protein.

Supplements can also help to support pathways that were taxed by the virus and a multivitamin/ multimineral supplement may be worth incorporating. 

If you think you may be suffering from long-COVID, please make an appointment with our in-house nutritionist today.

(1) PMID: 35334962