SUPPORT POST COVID

Have you caught COVID-19 but still have symptoms lingering weeks or months after? Perhaps you still have brain fog, feel fatigued and just not quite feeling 100%. Well, you're not alone, but the good news is there are natural supplements and herbs that have proven to help! 

The research on long COVID is growing by the day as we learn more about how COVID affects the body. 
In 2021 Jama Network Open published a review that evaluated 250,000 people with COVID-19 from 57 studies and they found more than 125,000 people still had symptoms one to six months after being infected. Evolving evidence suggests that one of the reasons for lingering symptoms could be due to how Covid-19 can impair the functioning of mitochondria.  
The mitochondria influence certain functions of your cells. One of the major functions is creating energy in the body as it oversees the last steps of metabolising fuel sources such as food into energy by way of a molecule named adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The mitochondria is also vital for healthy heart function as heart muscle cells contain the most mitochondria than any other organ in the body, to maintain the energy required for your constantly beating heart. 
If you’re eating a whole foods and balanced diet and still feeling fatigued post covid then it’s possible your mitochondria may need some additional support! 
Here’s just a few of the many herbs and nutrients that can help.
COQ10
The antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is utilized by the mitochondria to create energy and support the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 is a cofactor in the electron transport chain and needed for reactions producing ATP. 
B VITAMINS
You have probably heard of b vitamins, right? Well….there's a whole heap of them and many of them can support the mitochondria in various ways.  They are also fantastic for maintaining energy production and support during times of stress. One of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) roles is supporting ATP production. Riboflavin B2 contributes in the oxidation- reduction reactions that happens during metabolism and energy production. Niacin Vitamin B3 functions as a coenzyme in the body and more than 400 enzymes rely on it for a variety of responses.  Niacin (B3) helps metabolise macronutrients that essentially convert food into energy. Cobalamin Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production in the mitochondria as it is a vital cofactor in the citric acid cycle. B12 is responsible for the conversion of fat and ketones into energy. Anaemia can also be caused by B12 deficiency as the body’s oxygen quantity is reduced causing energy production to drop, which can lead to fatigue and weakness setting in.
SIBERIAN GINSENG
Siberian ginseng can assist the body in recovering from many illnesses, including Covid -19, as one of its actions is immune modulation.  This basically means the immune system is adjusted to the preferred optimal level. Research in Germany has revealed that it raises the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) which are essential for the immune system to fight against viral infections. The study also proved that Siberian Ginseng drastically increases the action and quantity of CD4 cells, a subgroup or T-lymphocyte cells that are key for the immune system to function at its best possible level. Not only does this amazing herb support the immune system but it also increases stamina and endurance by boosting oxygenation of cells. The heightened oxygenation results in improved circulation in the brain; enhancing mental function, concentration, alertness and memory.  Siberian Ginseng’s is also an adaptogenic which means it helps the body to adapt to environmental stressors such as stress from work. The herb helps manage stress by adjusting levels of hormones involved in the stress response. 
These are just a few of the options out there that can aid in recovery, but there can be many more factors to consider post COVID. 
For further information on these supplements and herbs or for any questions you may have, please contact us on (03) 5977 7342 or book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths at www.thenaturalclinic.com.au/bookings

Paige Cosnett - Naturopath
The Natural Health and Wellness Clinic
12 Eramosa Road East, Somerville
www.thenaturalclinic.com.au