LONG COVID
A Natural Approach to Post-COVID Recovery
And it may seem even longer if you or a loved one has had COVID-19 and are struggling to get back to Pre-Pandemic Health. After learning about the Pathogenesis of COVID and seeing the impact on my patients Health and Wellness…I felt it was important to investigate some of the Natural Medicine Protocols that can enhance the recovery and restore energy, balance, and vitality.
In this Newsletter, I will explore:
- New Research on the Long COVID
- Long Covid Description
- Physical and Mental Effects of Covid-19
- Post Covid Health Work Up
- Protocol for Recovering from Long Covid and Post Covid
NEW RESEARCH: Studies link Symptoms to Epstein Barr Virus Reactivation
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation resulting from the inflammatory response to coronavirus infection may be the cause of previously unexplained long COVID symptoms — such as fatigue, brain fog, and rashes — that occur in approximately 30% of patients after recovery from initial COVID-19 infection.
The first evidence linking EBV reactivation to long COVID, as well as an analysis of long COVID prevalence, is outlined in a new long COVID study published in the journal Pathogens. READ MORE
Post Covid-19 Syndrome or Long Covid
Many people who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely within a few weeks. But some people — even those who had mild versions of the disease — continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery.
These people sometimes describe themselves as "long haulers" and the condition has been called “post-COVID-19 syndrome” or "long COVID-19."
Older people and people with many serious medical conditions are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms, but even young, otherwise healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months after infection. The most common signs and symptoms that linger over time include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain or headache
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Loss of smell or taste
- Memory, concentration or sleep problems
- Rash or hair loss
Organ Damage caused by COVID-19
Although COVID-19 is seen as a disease that primarily affects the lungs, it can damage many other organs as well. This organ damage may increase the risk of long-term health problems. Organs that may be affected by COVID-19 include:
- Imaging tests taken months after recovery from COVID-19 have shown lasting damage to the heart muscle, even in people who experienced only mild COVID-19symptoms.
- The type of pneumonia often associated with COVID-19 can cause long-standing damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. The resulting scar tissue can lead to long-term breathing problems.
- Even in young people, COVID-19 can cause strokes, seizures and Guillain-Barre syndrome — a condition that causes temporary paralysis. COVID-19 may also increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Blood clots and blood vessel problems
COVID-19 can make blood cells more likely to clump up and form clots. While large clots can cause heart attacks and strokes, much of the heart damage caused by COVID-19 is believed to stem from very small clots that block tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the heart muscle.
Other parts of the body affected by blood clots include the lungs, legs, liver and kidneys. COVID-19 can also weaken blood vessels and cause them to leak, which contributes to potentially long-lasting problems with the liver and kidneys.
Problems with mood and fatigue
People who have severe symptoms of COVID-19 often have to be treated in a hospital's intensive care unit, with mechanical assistance such as ventilators to breathe. Simply surviving this experience can make a person more likely to later develop post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression and anxiety.
Many people who have recovered from Covid-19 have gone on to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.
I know it sounds scary, doesn’t it?
You don’t have to feel scared or deflated!
Post Covid Laboratory and Medical Work Up.
I recommend asking your medical doctor or Integrative Medicine Doctor to investigate your body and see if there has been any Chronic damage.
- Have Pulmonologist Order:
- Chest Xray
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Blood Oxygen Levels
- Followed by a CAT Scan of Lungs it the about 2 are irregular.
- Have Cardiologist order:
- EKG
- ECG
- Stress Test
- Cardiac Calcium Score
- Have Neurologist Order:
- Brain MRI
- Neurological Exam
- Request Comprehensive Blood Work (Here is my List)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- CBC plus Differential
- Lipid Panel
- CRP
- DHEA
- HbA1c
- Homocysteine
- Insulin
- Iron
- ANA
- RF
- ESR
- Thyroid Peroxidase
- TSH
- T3
- T4
- B12/folate
- Vitamin D
- NeuroAdrenal Profile (zrt labs)
Post Covid Protocol
Many of my post Covid Protocols are customized to the Patient and based on the symptoms that may be lingering. My protocol is based on the specific needs of the patient and with the Goal of:
- Reducing Inflammation
- Supporting Detoxification
- Repairing Damage to Lungs and Heart
- Rebuilding the Adrenal Glands and Endocrine system
- Resolving Reactivated Viruses such as Epstein Barr Virus
- Reviving the Mitochondria and Brain Function
Dr. G’s Post Covid Protocol
Inflammation Smoothie
1 drink per day
Vitamin C:
1 Pill 3x per Day
Zinc
I Pill Before Bed
CoQ-10
1 pill in am
Melatonin
1 pill before bed
Vitamin D-3
1 Pill before Bed
Natural Calm Magnesium
1 TB per day in Water
Anti-Viral/Immune Tonic Herbal Formulas:
Take One Formula at a time:
1 pill, 3x per day
- Herbal Immunity
- Respiratory Immune
- Microbe Balance
- Phytoimmune
- EHB
- Complivir
- Immunitone
- Elderberry
For a Customized Plan for You and Your Family contact:
Dr. Gabrielle Francis
646-596-8215
Lifestyle Recommendations Post Covid:
- Sleep 8-10 Hors per night
- Take weekly Epsom Salts bath
- Gentle Exercise
- Walking 20 minutes per day in Nature
- Psychotherapy
work through the Trauma and PTSD)
- Reconnect with Friends and Family
- Get 20 minutes of Sunshine Daily