COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome: How to Treat the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

Also known as “long COVID,” COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome is a condition that affects patients who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and continue displaying symptoms for weeks, or even months, beyond their initial diagnosis.

While most patients who display symptoms of COVID-19 recover within just a few days, some people find that their symptoms last anywhere from four weeks to six months after they first test positive. Long-Haulers’ Syndrome can affect a variety of body systems, including the lungs, kidneys, heart, and liver.

What Is COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome?

According to recent studies, more than half of patients who had COVID-19 continued to experience symptoms six months after being diagnosed. These patients are now being referred to as “long haulers” and have reported symptoms from fatigue and anxiety to chest pain and trouble sleeping. Some other common symptoms of COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome include:

●      Cough

●      Joint pain

●      Muscle pain

●      Rapid heartbeat

●      Trouble concentrating

●      Loss of taste and/or smell

●      Fever

●      Dizziness upon standing

Patients with COVID-19 are more likely to develop Long-Haulers’ Syndrome if they experienced more than five symptoms during their first week of infection, were elderly, or had a high body mass index (BMI). However, anyone can become a long-hauler, even those who only experienced mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all when they were first diagnosed.

What Causes COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome?

Although there are several comorbidities such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes that increase the likelihood of becoming a long-hauler, researchers are still trying to pinpoint the exact causes of COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome. Right now, experts theorize that the COVID-19 virus alters the immune system and causes long-lasting changes that may be responsible for persistent symptoms. 

While most long-haulers do not require medical care beyond the initial infection, the chronic symptoms have a long-term effect on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

What Kind of Treatment Can Help COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome?

Since each patient’s unique needs and symptoms will differ, most medical professionals will take a patient-centered approach to care and treatment as they recover from long COVID. This is especially true at the Highland Wellness Center, where we have been practicing Functional Medicine for 27 years. Functional medicine is an individualized, patient-centered, scientific-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.

While there is still much to learn about treating COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome, physicians have been using a variety of treatments, diet, lifestyle, and nutrition, to alleviate symptoms and improve their patients’ quality of life.

Nutrition

A plant-based diet that is rich in antioxidants, phytosterols, and polyphenols will help to improve immune function and help the body combat the virus and any lingering symptoms. An ideal long-hauler diet should consist of foods that are rich in:

• Black cumin (think of as a “natural” ivermectin)
• Artemisinin
• Glandular therapy-spleen/ thymus extract
• IV glutathione, vitamin C 
• Amino acid therapy
• Enzyme therapy
• Vitamins A, C, D, and E
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Magnesium
• Healthy fats

It is important to focus on nutrient density when preparing meals and snacks and avoid a more calorie-dense diet that is full of heavily processed foods.

Mental Health Care

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our collective mental health. However, those who are still suffering from debilitating symptoms months after they tested positive may develop anxiety and depression as a direct result of their persistent and distressing symptoms. Addressing and treating mental health is just as important as physical health and should be considered as part of a long-term healthcare plan.

Supplements

Since COVID-19 alters our immune system, giving the body what it needs to recover is essential to minimizing and overcoming long COVID. While research is ongoing, many physicians are finding that there is a core group of supplements that have proven to be valuable tools for fighting off the symptoms of Long-Haulers’ Syndrome:

●      Zinc

●      Vitamin A

●      Vitamin C

●      Vitamin D

●      N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

While COVID Long-Haulers’ Syndrome is a difficult and frustrating affliction to live with, experts continue to research the best ways to treat and prevent this condition. Studies have shown that changes to diet and lifestyle, mental health care, and targeted supplementation can help alleviate symptoms and help patients recover more quickly with fewer symptoms.

Can Chiropractic Care Help COVID Long-haulers’ Syndrome?

The Highland Wellness Center specializes in Functional Medicine and Applied Kinesiology treatments. What most people don’t realize is that chiropractic can relieve more than just back pain. The spine and body contain millions of nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels that allow the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, including essential organs and the immune system.

Applied Kinesiology adjustments open up the flow of energy in nerves, blood, and lymph systems that allow your light to “shine.” The effects from the adjustment equate to a better functioning body. Therefore, Applied Kinesiology adjustments correct “subluxations,” which improve the body’s ability to heal itself. If we break down the word subluxation, we see it’s rooted in “sub” (meaning below, less than, or beneath), “lux” (meaning light), and  “-ation” (meaning a condition of). A related concept is “dysponesis,” a state in which a person has misdirected neurophysiologic reactions to various agents. As the body reacts to external factors, it incorrectly spends energy, affecting organ function. In summary, subluxations and dysponesis refer to a blockage of energy into or out of the body that may cause chronic symptoms. Chiropractic and Applied Kinesiology can relieve these energy imbalances.

If you or a family member are struggling with COVID Long-Haulers Syndrome, set up an appointment with the Highland Wellness Center. We help patients overcome chronic, long-term illnesses every day.