B.Sc. Dietetics (NWU) MB.Ch.B. (UP) Cert IFMCP (IFM, WA, USA) MS HNFM (UWS, Oregon, USA)
Long-haul Covid-19 Syndrome
What is long-haul Covid- 19 Syndrome?
Long-haul Covid-19 is defined as the long-term symptoms people may experience after recovering from the Covid-19 infection. These symptoms persist weeks or months after the acute infection and may include:
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Chest pain and heart palpitations
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Joint pain
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Coughing
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Chronic ear infections
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Skin rash, hair loss
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smell and taste problems
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memory problems
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anxiety
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Mood changes
Inflammation of the heart muscle, lung function abnormalities, acute kidney disease are all possible consequences of Corona virus infection.
How does Covid – 19 viral infection affect the body?
How is mitochondria dysfunction treated via functional medicine?
Latest research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cytokine storm and cell signaling. Mitochondria are organelles in our body cells and are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. They turn food into energy that the host can use. There is more to mitochondria than energy production such as cell death (cleaning up old broken cells and prevent cancer), storing calcium for muscle function, neurotransmitter production in nerve cells, hormone releasing from endocrine cells and hormone signaling. Mitochondria function is also important in fertility, blood clotting and heat production.
Infections, such as Covid -19, and high nutrient demand (consequently nutrient deficiencies) during acute illness, can affect mitochondria negatively resulting in cessation of mitochondria functioning. Depending on the cell type, symptoms may vary. Heart muscle cells and nerve cells need the highest amount of energy and have the highest number of mitochondria. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 affecting heart and nerve cells can result in muscle weakness, vision or hearing impairment, heart, liver or kidney disease or gastrointestinal problems as well as neurological problems such as memory loss and mood changes.
Supplements:
All components of the mitochondrial systems require routine and constant replacement of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, NADH, membrane phospholipids and other supplements. The correct combination and amounts of these supplements can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with mitochondria dysfunction such as fatigue. Ideally, one nutraceutical product, containing all the supplements in the correct ration and amounts can naturally restore mitochondrial function.
Diet:
The Mitochondria Revive diet is a nutrient dense and anti-inflammatory diet that will assist in the revival of destructed mitochondria. Macronutrient ratios and portion sizes are calculated according to the individual and personalized for each patient according to clinical symptoms.
Stress and sleep deprivation:
Stress and sleep deprivation cause oxidative damage to mitochondria resulting in impaired neurotransmitter signaling. The key nutritional components in the central nervous system’s mitochondria function are lipid synthesis, synaptic protein expression and calcium buffering. Glycerophospholipid supplementation is one of the supplements nourishing nerve cell mitochondria.
Meditative deep breathing improves lung capacity and increase oxygenation of all cells. A qualified biokineticist is on board to assist with distressing modalities and oxygenation.
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