If the global disease burden of COVID-19 wasn’t bad enough, now, the world is facing yet another, and potentially more serious epidemic called Long-COVID (LC). Also known as post-COVID-19, LC is a multi-system disorder that manifests as a large variety of symptoms in different people of all age groups. A person can be diagnosed with LC when their symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks after their initial COVID-19 infection. These individuals are known as Long-Haulers (LH).

Anyone can develop LC regardless of the severity of their COVID-19 symptoms. In other words, the severity of COVID-19 is not a consistent predictor of who will become a LH.

A large number of varying involved organs and thus symptoms can manifest that range from persistent/chronic to severe and unrelenting. Currently, medical interventions are mostly inadequate depending upon organ involvement. It is thought that COVID-19 infection invades different organs causing degeneration through oxidative stress, by triggering autoimmune degeneration and inflammation. Depending upon the organ systems involved, symptoms can range from brain fog, fatigue, muscle aches and weakness, to a loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression and hormonal imbalances—to name just a few. 

It is worth noting that LC organ involvement and symptoms may be the result of activation of “latent” old infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), as well as dozens of other viral and even bacterial infections.

Importantly, numerous nutritional issues are often involved in LC, and when implemented correctly by the use of careful medical intake and lab testing, have been shown to dramatically improve recovery. The specific nutrition for each person with LC will vary based on the constellations of organ involvement and resultant symptoms. 

If neurological, inflammatory, cardiovascular, hormonal, pulmonary and digestive symptoms are involved then the use of fish oil, methylated B12 and folic acid may prove useful along with turmeric, resveratrol, zinc and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

 In summary, determining the right nutritional approach should involve a careful health intake and focused laboratory testing specific for the individual. Some lab test considerations might include homocysteine, CRP, malabsorption testing, B12, zinc, inflammatory markers, coagulation markers and others.

Michael Wald, DC, is a board-certified nutritionist and dietitian and has authored several books including The Anti-Aging Encyclopedia of Lab Tests. His latest book, The Long-COVID Solution: Natural and Medical Treatment Approaches is due for publication in 2024. Dr. Wald is in private practice in Chappaqua, NY. For more information, call 914-552-1442, email
[email protected] or visit DrMichaelWald.com. See ad, page 5.

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Dr Wald is a holistic DC, Nutritionist, and Dietician who’s Blood Detective software, labs and detailed consult help get to the cause(s) of persistent health issues. Conditions include au... Read More »