Ways to Ameliorate Post-COVID Symptoms
Jul 08, 2022 Prepared by Nutritionist Chen Yin
Post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID is defined as long-term side effects from the infection of COVID-19. PCC may not affect everyone the same way. People with PCC can have a wide range of symptoms happening over different lengths of time. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away or come back again.
People who experience PCC most commonly report the general symptoms such as fatigue or stamina declined, cough or respiratory symptoms, difficulty thinking or concentrating, sleep problems etc. It is important to maintain a wholesome lifestyle and balanced diet for the recovery. Below are some suggestions for the nutrients that you may wish to load up to ameliorate the symptoms.
Fatigue or stamina declined
Vitamin B complex is often known for its ability to improve energy production via conversion of the food we eat into fuel. It may also support immune system, promote detoxification reactions, relieve stress and boost mood. As we are unable to store B vitamins in our body due to its water-soluble nature, it’s good to supplement with Vitamin B complex to combat fatigue and improve stamina.
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Omega-3s, essential fatty acids that the body cannot make on its own, play a vital role in promoting good brain health and healthy brain aging. Supplementation with Omega-3s may have the ability to help with concentration, memory and managing emotional well-being.
Ginkgo Biloba has been found to increase blood flow to the brain which in turn, improves cognitive abilities such as focus and memory. Studies have found taking ginkgo supplements can improve age-related cognitive decline, memory and thinking ability.
Sleep problems
Melatonin is likely the most well-known natural sleep aid and is commonly used for people experiencing jet lag. Many researches demonstrated that melatonin is very effective in improving sleep quality by inducing and maintaining sleep in both children and adults. While magnesium is often referred to as a sleep mineral that relieves stress, produces a calming effect, and promotes overall relaxation and restful sleep.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
- Lykstad J, Sharma S. Biochemistry, Water Soluble Vitamins. [Updated 2022 Mar 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538510/
- Auld F, Maschauer EL, Morrison I, Skene DJ, Riha RL. Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2017;34:10-22.
- Li T, Jiang S, Han M, et al. Exogenous melatonin as a treatment for secondary sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2019;52:22-28.
- Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Dec;17(12):1161-9.
- West, H. (2016, November 26). The 10 best nootropic supplements to boost brain power. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-nootropic-brain-supplements
- Derbyshire E. Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements. Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1094. Published 2018 Aug 15. doi:10.3390/nu10081094
