Post-Covid Syndrome: Recently we clinicians have seen a rise in a group of symptoms that tend to begin soon after recovery of Covid-19 infection. These symptoms usually are also present during an active Covid infection, only to worsen or persist as the infection subsides.
They are most commonly:
- Extreme fatigue
- Body aches
- Lack of taste and a sense of smell
- Lack of wellbeing
- Lack of mental focus, brain fog
These symptoms are also general to other syndromes and disease processes, the hallmark here is that the patient is usually feeling these symptoms for the first time since contracting Covid, or the worsening of a pre-existing condition.
These symptoms all have a commonality, that their amelioration is best served from a holistic and whole perspective, such as optimizing our immune systems and addressing the underlying factors that affected us before the pandemic. For many of us, those are simple things such as reduction of stress, eating a whole diet, and finding time to do the things we love, whether that is going to the gym or just simply taking a walk outside to speak with the flowers.
To the reduction of stress:
It was said by Eckart Tolle that we must become the watchers of our thoughts, without judgment.
To be able to do so we must come to the present moment.
- Through Breathwork. The awareness of our inhalation and exhalation.
- Introspection through writing and self-talk.
To a whole diet
Fad diets will come and go, but one thing will remain true and that balance. As with everything in life, balance is key and our diets are no different. According to CDC, cardiovascular disease is still our number one demise and one of the greatest health risks for having a bad time with COVID.
- Learn about your body through food, by identifying what makes you feel good and energized and what makes you gain weight, and gives you belly symptoms.
- Learn to connect your body to what you eat. With time you will learn which foods feel whole and well, and which make your body suffer.
To daily Supplementation
Nowadays, supplements can be individualized to meet different needs, I always recommend working with a provider to optimize your supplements for safety and efficacy.
There are two supplements that always stand out for overall wellness and prevention.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D has research that is helping to prove that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing heart failure.
Green Tea. Green tea extract is possibly effective for preventing cardiovascular disease, lowering hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Caution, green tea extract can raise blood pressure if not used properly and it is not appropriate for pregnant women. Always consult with a healthcare provider.
*These recommendations are general. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes that could affect your health.
Dr. Sadi Jimenez is a naturopathic doctor who practices integrative medicine in Carlsbad. For a consultation, please visit her website here.
