Struggling with long Covid? Experts say diet and nutrition could help

Fatigue, brain fog, palpitations, difficulty breathing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, these are just some of the common symptoms of “long-term Covid” that can affect people long-term after they’ve recovered from the infection.

We still have a lot to learn about the long Covid. Eating the right foods is not a long-term Covid cure, but diet and nutrition could play a key role in helping those suffering from it cope, experts say on CNBC tells Make It.

Symptoms are only “half the picture,” according to Dr. Greg Vanichkachhorn, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Covid Activity Rehabilitation Program.

“The other half is how these symptoms affect a person’s ability to live. Unfortunately, long-distance COVID symptoms can be very limiting.”

More than a third of Mayo Clinic patients who have had Covid for a long time report problems with some of the most basic activities of life, such as dressing, showering and eating, Vanichkachorn said. Added.

“It’s just a bad movie and it doesn’t have an ending yet,” said Dr. Joan Sarge-Blake, a clinical professor of nutrition at Boston University.

Long Covid is essentially a post-infectious condition that can persist for weeks, months, or years after you test negative for Covid-19. This is sometimes called a post-Covid condition or chronic Covid.

An expert speaking to CNBC Make It said there is still much to learn about the long Covid, but nutrition is playing a key role.

“Heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, type 2 diabetes…all these diseases can be fought with a knife and fork,” said Blake.

“It’s empowering because you can control what’s on your plate and what you eat.”

For those looking for ways to deal with COVID-19 symptoms, CNBC Make It looks at what to eat and what not to eat.

Both Vanichkachhorn and Blake stress the importance of a balanced diet, which is said to be beneficial to general health. Specifically, a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, nuts and whole grains.

According to Blake, fruits and vegetables in particular are “powerhouses” when it comes to essential vitamins and minerals.

But that doesn’t mean abstaining from meat or protein, Vanichkachorn adds, fish and chicken are good options.

Blake says, “poor protein [intake] It can contribute to fatigue, which is one thing you don’t want. Because Covid makes you tired…it certainly doesn’t help if you don’t have enough protein in your diet. ”

Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are excellent sources of omega-3 acids that improve cardiovascular health.

Ultimately, however, Blake says, the focus shouldn’t be on “superfoods,” but on building a balanced “super diet.” Superfoods are foods rich in antioxidants, fiber and fatty acids that are beneficial to health.

“It’s a super diet that helps fight chronic disease. When all the vitamins and minerals work together, it’s your best defense.”

Studies have not confirmed whether specific vitamins help fight Covid, but treating vitamin deficiencies is important.

“For example, a deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and difficulty thinking,” he said.

Minerals such as iron are also important. Long-term COVID-19 patients may have problems with how their bodies use and store iron, according to recent research.

“Iron deficiency can cause many symptoms, including anemia and fatigue. Deficiency can occur for many reasons, such as inadequate intake, but can also be associated with chronic disease.

However, he cautioned against using vitamin and mineral supplements without first seeking medical advice.

“If you’re concerned about a vitamin or mineral deficiency, the first step is to talk to your healthcare provider,” he said.

Mr Vanichkachorn emphasized that all long-distance Covid patients need to stay hydrated.

“When individuals have acute Covid, they often rest and sleep for long periods of time. This causes them to lose their nutrition, especially hydration,” he added.

“Unchecked dehydration can make everyone feel miserable, not just patients experiencing long-distance COVID.”

Recognizing that patients often need reminders to stay hydrated, Vanichkachorn recommended carrying a bottle with anyone who has had Covid for a long time.

“If plain water is boring, you can also add fruit such as lemons or limes for extra flavor. These simple changes make staying hydrated much easier.”

Acute novel coronavirus can cause “very significant inflammation” in the body, so it would be good to stay away from anything that aggravates it, Bani Chikachan said.

“Several markers of inflammation were seen…elevated in this patient population [suffering from long Covid]Inflammation is likely secondary to an abnormality in the immune system and possibly even of the autoimmune type,” he added.