11 minute read
Post viral illness and long haul Covid – Are you over feeling unwell?
Post viral illness and long haul Covid –
ARE YOU OVER FEELING UNWELL?
BY DIANA ARUNDELL, UNIVERSITY QUALIFIED NATUROPATH AND NUTRITIONIST
B.H.Sc (comp medicine) B.A., N.D., Dip. Nut, D.R.M.
Nutrition Herbal Medicine Fertility Management Children’s Health Wellness Programs 0410 465 900
avocanaturopath.com.au
naturopathdiana@gmail.com nutrition and wellness | herbal medicine | fertility | children’s health 118 Avoca Drive, Kincumber B.H.Sc (comp medicine) B.A., N.D, Dip. Nut, D.R.M.
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NOW! The human body is an extraordinary, naturally health seeking, powerfully driven phenomena and this is especially the case when it comes to the immune system. When working well and given the right environment including nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices and when required medical intervention, more often than not, the body will come out on top.
The emergence of ‘long Covid’ has brought discussions of ‘post–viral syndrome’ back up to the surface. Post viral syndrome refers to symptoms that persist long after the acute phase of the viral infection has ended. The actual existence of such a thing as post viral syndrome has created debate amongst healthcare professionals for a long time, as accurate diagnosis is difficult without a specific biomarker diagnostic test. Naturopathic practitioners have often been the last port of call for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), Lyme’s, Ross River Virus and other post–viral associated chronic conditions. This is due to orthodox medicine for the most part being reluctant to accept the reality/severity of these conditions (no diagnostic test), or not having substantial treatment options to offer to enable the sufferer to feel much better. The emergence of SARs–CoV–2 virus and subsequently ‘long covid’ has created real substance to the post–viral syndrome debate.
Regardless of whether the acute covid infection phase experienced is mild or severe, once the acute infection clears, approximately 30% of people will experience a number of persistent symptoms and up to 80% may experience one persistent symptom. The presence of persistent symptom/s is referred to as ‘long covid’. Symptoms of ‘long covid’ or post–acute SARS–CoV–2 include fatigue, headache/concentration issues/ brain fog, breathing issues, joint/muscle pain, loss of taste/smell, gastrointestinal disturbance, tinnitus, skin rashes and cardiovascular and central nervous system complaints. We are still learning so much about this virus and its impact both short and long term on our physiology.
It appears that long covid may be associated with a reactivation of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) which has infected but lays dormant in approximately 90% of the population. There are certainly similarities between EBV symptoms and long covid symptoms. Regardless of this connection, the challenge is to help people feel better as soon as possible so really understanding the key drivers behind post viral symptoms is where the focus needs to be. Research emerging suggests the three main areas that may be driving the long haul symptoms include 1) abnormal immune activation, 2) neuro–inflammation in the central nervous system and 3) oxidative stress at a cellular level which translates to impairment of normal energy production in the cells.
It may not be possible currently to eliminate SARS–CoV–2 so we need to aim to reduce the viral load on the body and improve the dysfunction driving the chronic post viral symptoms. Naturopathically the treatment focus includes optimal diet/lifestyle and natural medicinal and/or therapeutic doses of nutrients to rebalance the immune response, reduce inflammation and support mitochondrial function to enhance cellular energy production.
Treatment protocols for post viral syndrome will be driven by the symptom picture of the individual. For example, for some people it may be just ongoing
fatigue that’s the issue and for others, a persistent cough, headaches or gut disturbance will be the lingering issue that needs addressing. The main treatment goal is to provide symptomatic relief while improving a healthy immune response in the host and supporting elimination of the virus.
From a naturopathic perspective, we have natural medicinal options to enhance resistance to virulent infections including medicinal mushrooms which can have an effect on the innate and adaptive immune systems. These include cordyceps, reishi, shiitake, coriolus and chaga mushrooms. N–acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant, has mucolytic (break down mucous) and anti–infective actions which can help when persistent mucous is an issue in the respiratory tract.
A healthcare practitioner trained in nutrition and/or herbal medicine can prescribe a specific treatment protocol for individual ongoing symptoms. This may include checking for deficiencies in minerals and vitamins that may impair immune function. eg zinc (chronic zinc deficiency may exacerbate immune–mediated inflammation which is a feature of post–viral syndrome) and vitamin D (stimulates specific immune cells to assist with infection and other immune cells to clear up debris to hasten recovery). There are also many other therapeutic agents both derived from plants and nutrition to help energy production and reduce fatigue. For example Co–enzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) may help energy production at a cellular level and reduce inflammation. Quercetin in a lipo–micel form is better absorbed than other forms and in studies has demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti–oxidant and anti–inflammatory activity. Sufficient iron stores are also imperative for good immune function.
As always both optimal dietary and lifestyle factors help create a solid foundation for the body to heal from post viral illness and fatigue. These include: Adequate sleep – aiming for 8 hours Adequate hydration – 1.5–2 litres of water or non–caffeinated beverages eg: herbal tea Eliminate alcohol – may have pro–inflammatory effect on the body and increase infection Avoid sugar – pro–inflammatory.
Avoid cakes, lollies, soft drinks, sweet desserts. Fresh fruit contains natural sugar and is packed with other immune promoting vitamins and minerals so does not need to be avoided Increase intake of vegetables and fruit – as many different colours as possible (more green, red, orange, yellow and blue over white) Adequate protein to support immunoglobulin production – Fish, lean meat, eggs, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds REST and DESTRESS – stop and allow the body space and time to rejuvenate itself. Societal, employment and individual expectations have led us to
‘soldier on’ and not taking adequate time to rest and recover from illness.
It is not a luxury to rest and take time for the body to recover from a virus, it’s a necessity. ‘Soldiering on’ is more likely to lead to post viral lingering of symptoms Movement (gentle) for the body – the lymphatic system needs to be stimulated to help spread the immune cells into circulation.
If you have not returned to 100% after a couple of weeks after any viral exposure, see your professional healthcare practitioner for advice. For further information or to make an appointment please contact Diana Arundell at Avoca Naturopath and Nutritionist on 0410 465 900.
Diana Arundell is a university–qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic. She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10 years, and is an accredited Journey Practitioner. For further information or to make an appointment please contact Diana Arundell at Avoca Naturopath on 0410 465 900.
Reasons not to put off a routine visit to your dentist
A recent survey of 2,000 millennials found that three in ten brush their teeth only once a day. Not only that, but many go without brushing for over two days at a time. And despite that fact that 56 % are concerned about losing their teeth, the survey showed that over half were afraid of going to see the dentist.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,and flossing once a day,to keep your oral health in good shape. Proper brushing and flossing is the most effective way to rid your teeth of plaque: the build up of food particles and harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental disease is not inevitable A beautiful smile is sought after and celebrated in our culture — it’s one of the first things people notice about us. Luckily, a gorgeous smile, pearly white teeth and fresh breath are easily achieved with good daily dental hygiene habits.
By taking just a few minutes each day to brush and floss the right way, you can help avoid the discomfort and expense of dental treatment down the road.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is literally in your hands. Effective oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
The good news is that practicing good effective oral hygiene is simpler and easier than you think.
Changing some health habits can be challenging – as you may know if you’ve ever tried to go on a diet, stop smoking, or drinking alcohol, but changing oral health habits is relatively easy. Daily tooth–brushing and flossing routines can be made simpler and more effective
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by not much more than just a slight alteration in your technique. And the changes you’ll notice are almost instant.
“Start the way you mean to carry on,”is especially important for children. As adults, changing bad dental hygiene habits into good ones is more challenging, but you can get that “just had my teeth cleaned at the dentist’s feeling,” every day with a little time and practice.
The most important lesson you’ll learn at your dentist Hold your toothbrush gently,like a paintbrush, or pen or pencil — not with a fist grip. You may be surprised to know that the motion and pressure needed are minimal, since gum tissues are soft and easily damaged. A modified gentle “circular” technique is best. Hold the toothbrush bristles — a SOFT toothbrush is recommended — at about 45 degrees into the gum line, then gently use circular motion being sure to brush over the gums as well.
A toothbrush should generally last for at least three months,if used correctly. When the bristles become worn or splayed, it’s time for a new one
It very important floss once a day. Easy, right? Use the floss by forming a “C”shape by wrapping it around each tooth surface and moving it up and down vertically and gently under the gumline for 3–4 strokes. Clean each side of the tooth where it contacts the next tooth.
At your regular dental check up you’ll get a full teeth cleaning and a complete evaluation of your oral health, including screening for oral cancer.
Book now for your check up! Dental at Lake Haven Phone 4392 6466 admin@dentalatlakehaven.com.au dentalatlakehaven.com.au
Dental at Kanwal Phone 4393 0020 admin@dentalatkanwal.com.au dentalatkanwal.com.au
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