Long COVID Recovery
LONG COVID RECOVERY
Unfortunately this condition keeps you feeling sick and tired, it impacts your family life, social life and your career. It’s frustrating for Long COVID sufferers when the illness drags on and on when others seem to bounce back.
My approach to Long COVID treatment is to understand the root causes so that we can map out optimal treatment for the individual. Step one is always a deep dive appointment using the Functional Medicine Model.
If you’re ready to take a holistic approach to your recovery from Long COVID, let’s start a conversation. Book a discovery call here.
How I Help
Choosing functional medicine is choosing an integrated and comprehensive approach in your path to optimal health. Typically, conventional medicine treats what’s above the surface — symptoms and disease — functional medicine also addresses what’s below the surface, the root cause.
Brianan Dolan
BSc, DipCNM, mIFM, mANP, GNC
Functional Medicine Practitioner, Nutritionist and Naturopath
Get the Change you Seek
Restoration not just Relief
What is a “comprehensive Approach”?
The Institute of Functional Medicine uses a tree analogy to describe functional medicine. Typically, conventional medicine treats what’s above the surface — symptoms and disease — functional medicine also addresses what’s below the surface, the root of the disease.
Medical Nutrition
Sleep & Stress Management
Exercise and Activity
Environment & Lifestyle
Long Covid FAQs
How Long Does Long COVID Last?
With symptoms and duration varying widely among individuals, Long COVID can last from several weeks to multiple years.
A study published in “The Lancet” found that about 30% of patients reported persistent symptoms six months post-infection.
Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01292-2/fulltext
The duration and severity can depend on factors like initial disease severity, underlying health conditions, and age.
Why Have I Got Long COVID?
The exact cause of Long COVID is not entirely understood, but several hypotheses exist. It might be due to lingering viral particles causing ongoing immune system activation, an autoimmune response triggered by the virus, or residual damage from the initial infection.
A review in “Nature Medicine” explores these potential mechanisms
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01283-z
Additionally, pre-existing conditions and the severity of the acute phase of COVID-19 may increase the likelihood of developing Long COVID.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03553-9
What Exercises Should I Be Doing for Long COVID?
For individuals with Long COVID, the popular advice is to engage in low-intensity, gradual exercises to avoid overexertion, which can exacerbate symptoms. For many people however, even mild activity can seem like a Herculean effort.
The “British Journal of Sports Medicine” recommends activities such as walking, gentle stretching, and yoga.
Source: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/19/1174
Pacing, or balancing activity and rest to prevent post-exertional malaise, is also emphasized. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen is advised to tailor the approach to individual capabilities and health status.
Which Supplements Are Best for Long COVID?
Several supplements might support recovery in Long COVID patients, though evidence is still emerging. Vitamin D is frequently recommended due to its role in immune function, as supported by research in the “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”
Source: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/106/3/e1343/6049346
Additionally, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids are suggested for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to bolster the immune system.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32820217/
Please be aware that the quality of store-bought supplements varies greatly. Before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and appropriateness I highly recommend getting comprehensive blood tests. Please don’t take supplements blindly.
Related: https://brianandolan.com/are-vitamin-supplements-a-complete-waste-of-time-and-money/
Does a Detox Help with Long COVID?
Detox diets or products are not supported by scientific evidence as a treatment for Long COVID.
The “National Institute for Health and Care Excellence” (NICE) advises against using detox regimens, recommending instead a balanced diet rich in nutrients, hydration, and avoiding alcohol and processed foods.
Source: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng188
No detox approach has been proven to remove viral particles or alleviate Long COVID symptoms effectively.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Long COVID?
Long-term effects of Long COVID can include chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment (often referred to as “brain fog”), respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and psychological impacts such as anxiety and depression.
Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00178-8/fulltext
These long-term effects can significantly impact quality of life and may require multidisciplinary care involving physical therapy, mental health support, and ongoing medical supervision.
Futher to this, Long COVID can potentially cause extensive damage to various body systems. Research indicates that the longer Long COVID persists, the greater the likelihood of significant and potentially irreversible damage. A study published in “Nature Medicine” highlights that prolonged symptoms can lead to cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular issues due to ongoing inflammation and immune system dysregulation (source).
Moreover, findings in “The Lancet Respiratory Medicine” show that persistent respiratory symptoms are associated with lung function abnormalities, suggesting that extended periods of Long COVID can lead to lasting pulmonary damage (source). This body of evidence underscores the urgent need for early intervention and ongoing care for those suffering from Long COVID to mitigate long-term health consequences.
Should I Be on Vitamin D for Long COVID?
Vitamin D is often recommended for individuals with Long COVID due to its role in supporting the immune system. Research in the “BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health” highlights that adequate levels of Vitamin D can help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial for Long COVID patients ([source](https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2020/12/07/bmjnph-2020-000151)). However, it’s crucial to have your Vitamin D levels tested and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation to determine the appropriate dosage and to avoid potential toxicity.
If you are suffering with Long Covid or you are caring for someone with Long COVID please tap through to my contact page to enquire about my services.
The Essential Heart
Self-Assessment
Heart disease doesn't always announce itself loudly. Mundane signs and symptoms can be overlooked as the side effect of a busy life.
Take this self assessment to see if your heart is sending you important signals you need to listen to.
What to Expect
5 Step Process
As you prepare to take the next step, it’s helpful to know what to expect.
Step 1
30-Min DISCOVERY CALL
Before we decide to work together, it’s important that we talk. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any leftover questions you may have and I will get a clear idea of your readiness and whether I would be the best fit for you.
Step 2
CONSULTATION + DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Our first few appointments will be heavy on the research, the testing, and the discovery. We will take an extensive look into all of the areas and pieces that could be
contributing to your pain or illness.
Step 3
PERSONALIZED PLAN
After turning over every rock, we will create a personalized plan that will address your
body’s needs from a holistic perspective. It will be a targeted approach based on the findings of the history intake and testing.
Step 4
BEGIN THE WORK
This is the part when you’ll put the plan into action. The beginning stages of implementation can be the most challenging so it’s important we meet frequently for accountability, support
and help adjusting the plan to suit your needs.
Step 5
FOLLOW UP
It doesn’t end when the plan is given. That’s where is really begins. From there, we’ll need follow up sessions to adjust the plan and review the results as you progress.
Are you Ready?
Willing to Put in the Work?
I’m ready to commit my time and be fully dedicated to your healing journey, but are you? I can only help as much as you’re willing to put in the work. I can’t do it for you, but I will absolutely do this with you. So ask yourself these questions:
Are you willing to commit to 3 months or more?
Are you willing to show up weekly for consults?
Are you willing to make diet and lifestyle changes?
Are you willing to change and break habits?
If you are, please contact me for a discovery call.