By Elizabeth Friedman, MS
With the pandemic winding down, 11% of those affected have been left with debilitating post-infection symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or years. In July of 2021, this “long COVID” was added as a recognized disability under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Symptoms vary across those affected, but can include fatigue, malaise, and fever, as well as neurological symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, respiratory symptoms, digestive symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms, new autoimmune conditions, and more.
Although both Paxlovid and Metformin have recently shown some promise in preventing long COVID if taken within the first 4-5 days of initial symptom appearance, research is still in its early phases and more data are needed. These medications may be helpful to a subset of high-risk patients, but they come with risks and side effects of their own that should not be overlooked.
While research has focused on prevention, there is little agreement among scientists on the best treatment once long COVID develops. Symptoms vary greatly among patients and “treatment” is largely symptomatic, with varying degrees of effectiveness.
COVID takes a toll on the body and depletes crucial nutrients. Replenishment of these nutrients can help the body to re-equilibrate. Here are our suggestions for restoring immune competence and beginning the healing process from long COVID.
Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
The l-ascorbate form of Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant and a potent natural anti-viral. Dr. Jaffe calls it “nature’s ascorbate.” It stimulates white bloods cells to move to the site of infection and actively participates in killing the microbes. COVID-19 infection causes acute depletion of antioxidants. Almost 75-80% of severe cases have shown deficits in vitamin C leading to increased oxidative stress. Without sufficient replenishment, in severe cases, acute induced scurvy can result.
Dr. Jaffe has described Long COVID as a “ result of chronic scurvy and prolonged metabolic acidosis.” It’s important to provide enough vitamin C to resolve oxidative stress and repair the connective tissues (collagen and elastin) throughout the body. It’s also needed to restore the immune system to optimal functioning.
We recommend using PERQUE Potent C Guard™ Powder, which is 100% l-ascorbate, fully reduced and buffered with alkalinizing minerals. The amount of ascorbate needed by an individual is determined by an Ascorbate Calibrationprotocol, also known as a C-cleanse.
Quercetin dihydrate
Quercetin is a flavonoid compound that is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral on its own, and it also amplifies the actions of vitamin C. Quercetin and vitamin C have synergistic antiviral effects. Both PERQUE Repair Guard™and PERQUE Pain Guard™ combine quercetin dihydrate with soluble OPC, and we recommend taking either product along with L-ascorbate to activate first-line cells responsible for protection and repair.
Magnesium
Magnesium (Mg) is an important mineral that buffers metabolic acids in the body, activates ATP, and maintains the proton gradient upon which the mitochondria depend to produce energy. Magnesium activates hundreds of biological enzymes, protects essential fats in transit, and counteracts toxic minerals. When Mg levels are low, patients can experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, headaches and other debilitating symptoms.
Restoring Mg levels after COVID infection is important and may help relieve symptoms of long COVID, (along with vitamin D.) PERQUE Mg Plus Guard™ and PERQUE Choline Citrate™ taken together are a proven system for increasing the amount of magnesium your body can absorb and use. Take twice or more daily to maintain first AM urine pH of 6.5 – 7.5.
Vitamin D
This essential neurohormone helps regulate cell division and is important in many systems designed to renew the body. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D has modulatory effects on both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Vitamin D has been shown to “stimulate the expression of anti-microbial peptides” in the immune system and lungs. It also prevents over-expression of inflammatory cytokines and increases expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, especially in lung tissue. On a macro level, vitamin D has been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in children and protect against ICU admission and death in COVID-19 patients.
Keeping vitamin D3 levels in the 50-80ng/ml healthy goal range can significantly reduce the risk and severity of illness. Recent studies recommend vitamin D supplementation to improve immune function, and suggest that further research is needed on the vitamin’s potential role in the protective immune response against long COVID.
PERQUE D3 Cell Guard™ provides vitamin D3 in a liquid form for optimum uptake and absorption.* Drops under the tongue provide easy and predictable uptake of vitamin D3.
Zinc
A recently-published clinical study found that twice-daily oral zinc decreased death, ICU admission rate, and symptom duration in patients with COVID-19. Zinc is crucial for the maintenance of immune function and is a key component of many enzymes and transcription factors. It also has direct antiviral properties, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant, and is crucial for taste and smell.
Supplementation of zinc has been recommended in long COVID. We prefer PERQUE Zinc & Throat Guard™Lozenges, formulated with three activated forms of zinc including cirate, aspartate, and glycinate for direct absorption and potency.*
Omega-3 Fatty Acids such as EPA and DHA
Omega-3 Fatty acids have been hypothesized to be effective in Long COVID due to their ability to reduce chronic inflammation and restore tissue homeostasis in the immune system and brain. The authors postulate additional direct and indirect mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids can directly inhibit viral binding to ACE2 receptors, improve coagulopathy, improve brain fog, and provide antioxidant activity.
We recommend PERQUE EPA/DHA Guard™, a blend of pure marine lipids derived from deep sea fish that yields a high level of brain- and body-building Omega-3 EFAs: EPA and DHA, nitrogen-purged for purity and protection.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
In order to renew and restore resilience, the body also needs additional vitamins and minerals to support functioning and replace depleted stores. We recommend PERQUE Life Guard™ Mini tabsules, with 40 essential nutrients that are 100% bioavailable, enough to keep your well-hydrated urine sunshine yellow.*
Lifestyle Recommendations
For at least three months after recovery, rebuild your essential nutrients and reduce exposure to anti-nutrients. This will help rebuild and restore and reduce the severity of future infections. We also recommend:
- Regular abdominal breathing (5 min twice daily),
- Stretching (5 minutes twice or more a day),
- Walking (especially in a forest, park, or garden),
- Sitting under green dichro light to improve pineal/pituitary functions,
- Choosing organic or biodynamic foods, eating more salads, beans, lentils, grasses, herbs, edible flowers, nuts and sprouts, and
- Staying adequately hydrated.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.