Post-Acute Sequelae of Sars-CoV-2 (Non-persistent Viral Infections)
Non-persistent virus classically causes transient, acute infections triggering immune responses aimed at the elimination of the pathogen. Successful viruses evolved strategies to manipulate and evade these anti-viral defenses. Symptoms during the acute phase are often linked to dysregulated immune responses that disappear once the patient recovers. In some patients, however, symptoms persist or new symptoms emerge beyond the acute phase. Conditions that result are termed post-acute sequelae. There are also similar symptoms reported post vaccination with COVID vaccines. It has been discovered that non-classical monocytes are a major culprit in PAS. They increase vasodilation of blood vessels and cause headaches, foggy brain, tachycardia, hot-cold fluctuations, tinnitus and head pressure.
There is a vast array of symptoms recorded associated with a Sars-CoV-2 infection and post vaccination sickness.
Symptoms
- Fatigue, weakness, pain, loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia)
- Auto-immune disorders
- Cardiovascular inflammation- stroke, hypertension, tachycardia
- Dyspnea- shortness of breath, diminished lung capacity
- Neurological disorders- encephalitis, seizures, ataxia, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, Headaches, stroke,myalgia
- Gastrointestinal symptoms- altered microbiome
- Mental health problems- depression, anxiety due to isolation, sociological circumstances, unemployment, no support
Here is a general guide to support the body in healing from Long COVID either from an infection or post vaccination.
As with any condition, every patient is unique, so everyone will have a variable healing plan.
Dietary Recommendations
1. Low histamine diet
2. Anti-inflammatory diet
3. Low glycemic carbohydrates
4. Minimum 1.2 grams of protein per kg bodyweight from high quality protein sources
5. Intermittent fasting to encourage autophagy, blood sugar regulation Microcirculation Support (Small blood vessels may be damaged in Long COVID and need microcirculation repair)
6. Ginger Tea. Grate 1 thumb-sized portion of fresh ginger and steep for 10 minutes with boiling water. Drink after meals and in-between meals to reduce inflammation, histamine, coagulation, and to support microcirculation and digestion. Stevia can be added as a sweetener but nothing else.
7. Green Tea. Drink 3-4 cups of green tea/day. Decaffeinated is fine if the patient is sensitive to caffeine. This can be combined with the ginger tea. Green tea is histaminic so it may need to be avoided in those who are having issues with histamine. As with the ginger tea, Stevia is the only thing that can be added. Benifuki green tea contains methylated EGCG which is most effective. Matcha is the highest in EGCG of all green teas.
8. Increase consumption of green leafy vegetables.
9. 20 grams/day of 85-92% dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is histaminic so this must be avoided in those who are having difficulty with histamine or if they have issues with caffeine. I only recommend the Endangered Species Strong + Velvety 88% dark chocolate bar due to low heavy metal contamination.
10. Increase consumption of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Strawberries and raspberries are histaminic so they may need to be avoided.
11. Eat fresh-crushed garlic: 1/2-1 clove/day. Let the garlic sit for 10 minutes after it has been cut, crushed, or minced to activate health benefits. Eat this cooked and not raw.
12. Increase consumption of herbs and spices especially turmeric and ginger.
13. Drink 200 ml/day of beetroot juice or take a beetroot supplement.
Core Protocol
1. Vitamin D+K 5000: 1-2 with breakfast. Keep vitamin D in a range of 50-65. Those with autoimmune disease may do better on 10,000 IU/day with slightly higher vitamin D levels. Vitamin D will help modulate the immune system. Make sure vitamin K is included in the product if not using this product.
2. Buffered C Select: 1 twice a day with meals. Anti-histamine, immune system support.
3. HPA Select: 3 with breakfast and 1 before bed. Adrenal adaptogen blend which restore and balance immune system function as well as improve energy, stamina, mood, blood sugar, brain function, and sleep.
4. Icelandic Cod Liver Oil Capsules (Softgels): 3-6 softgels with the first meal of the day. This has EPA and DHA as well as 5,000 IU of vitamin A and 276 IU of vitamin D. Do not exceed 10,000 IU of vitamin A per day so take other supplements into account when deciding how many softgels to take per day. Choose one: Black Cumin Seed Oil Softgels or Curcumin.
5. Neuro-Mag: 1 with breakfast and 2 with dinner. If insomnia is present split the dinner dose to 1 with dinner and 1 taken one hour before bed. This is magnesium L-threonate which crosses the blood brain-barrier and reduces neuroinflammation.
6. Spore based probiotic: 1 twice a day with food. Spore-based probiotic. Long COVID patients have intestinal dysbiosis and probiotics help to restore gut flora balance. Optional choices are Probiotic Select (Lacto-Bifido blend) or Saccharomyces boulardii taken 1 twice a day with food.
7. N-acetyl cysteine 700 mg: 1 three times a day with food to support glutathione production. Crosses the blood brain barrier.
There are more supplements that are recommended for complex cases. Please consult with Dr.Maria for more information (info@lotuspathwellness.com or 813-964-0847).
