Functional Medicine for:
Long COVID and Associated Illness
An estimated 2.1 million people are experiencing persistent symptoms of Long COVID over 3 months in the UK, with a global cumulative incidence of 400 million individuals and an annual economic burden of $1 trillion. Functional Medicine can provide you with the individualised and holistic approach that you need to support your recovery.
Functional Medicine is well suited to help you to understand why your health challenges may have commenced, however, it is not designed to substitute medical advice and management and, as such, you should never disregard medical advice, cease medication or delay seeking medical attention while working with a functional medicine practitioner or because of information on this website.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID, otherwise known as Post-COVID-19 condition or PASC, is generally defined as symptoms that have persisted for 3 months or more after acute COVID-19. The condition is systemic meaning that it can affect multiple organ systems in the body and cause more than 200 different symptoms. This can include:
Joint and Muscle Pain, Neurological Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
Brain Fog, Anxiety, Depression
Palpitations
Fatigue
Rashes
Watch Ellie’s Recovery Story on the Youtube Channel
‘I am now able to do all of those things without even thinking about my energy levels…’ – Ellie, 31
What is Happening in Long COVID?
Although Long COVID (Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2) is a complex condition and can differ for each individual, there are determined mechanisms that can be addressed. These are similar and also unique when compared to other chronic conditions which are associated with viral or microbial activity such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Mast Cell Activation
Many symptoms such as skin rashes, palpitations, GI problems, shortness of breath, brain fog and fatigue can be caused by the dysregulated release of histamine. This often reflects the overall upregulated and sensitised immune system after the initial infectious trigger of SARS-COV-2. Endeavours to reduce mast cell activity and to identify and address contributing factors often leads to positive outcomes.
Microclotting and Endothelial Dysfunction
It is determined that damage to the vascular system can occur due to direct viral/spike interaction and from the circulation of systemic inflammatory cytokines as part of the chronic inflammatory state. This can lead to hypercoagulability and an impairment in blood flow to body tissues, resulting in chronic hypoxia; a lack of adequate oxygen for cellular function.
Viral/Spike Persistence
Viral elements and spike protein have been shown to persist in body tissues which can continue to stimulate immune responses and inflammation. This persistence may be due to ineffective immune function, and patients often have other contributing factors which burden the immune system from functions such as this.
Viral Reactivation
Various pathogens can remain dormant in the body and controlled by a healthy immune system. However, they can reactivate and emerge when the immune system becomes overwhelmed by a SARS-COV-2 infection and associated inflammation.
Persistent Inflammation and Autoimmunity
Dysfunctional immune function appears to develop which drives inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation. This can lead to multiple systemic problems such as mitochondrial dysfunction, viral reactivation, poor thyroid function, hormone imbalance and symptoms associated with neuroinflammation.
Gut Dysbiosis
It has been observed that SARS-COV-2 infection causes negative changes in the microbiome. The microbiome plays an important role in immune regulation and is often part of the recovery process to lower systemic inflammation. Those with a healthier balance of microbiota preinfection may also respond more favourably to SARS-COV-2 infection.
Follow The Youtube Channel for Long COVID Content and Support
Asides from the physical symptoms of Long COVID, the lack of answers and uncertainty is crippling for patients and contributing to significant anxiety.
Follow the YouTube channel for information and answers to Long COVID and spike protein related illness.
Ellie, 31
Long COVID was affecting me in every possible way – unable to work, socialise, exercise, do housework, and at times I was housebound. I am now able to do all of those things without even thinking about my energy levels and I have learned so much from this process which will be with me for life.
There have been some really challenging times during my recovery but James’s professionalism, constant support and understanding was so helpful – I couldn’t recommend him enough!
Lyn, 59
I had been a longtime sufferer of long COVID for about 18 months. My sense of smell and taste disappeared, which then came back horrendously distorted – I could barely tolerate cooking, and I was very restricted as to what I could eat. I was also suffering from fatigue, brain fog, my arthritis had flared up badly and I was taking heavy-duty painkillers along with continuing historical anxiety and depression.
With the help of James, a balance of supplements, and learning about nutrition and the importance of gut health, it has radically changed my life. I actually do believe that maybe having Long COVID did me a favour because it has set me on a completely different life path.
Mariana, 36
I was struggling with a lot of symptoms from chronic fatigue, to itching all over my skin, difficulty living my life daily, mast cell activation syndrome, a lot of food intolerances, and many many more…
I am so incredibly grateful for the way I feel now; I have managed to recover a large percentage and I have adopted so many healthy habits in my life and sometimes I have the feeling that I am building day by day even a better self from the one that I was before even getting sick.
The Roadmap Used to Help Ellie, Lyn, Mariana and Numerous Other Long COVID Sufferers Regain Their Energy, Ability to Work, Exercise and Live Again
1. Acquiring a Thorough Understanding of Your Unique Situation
With over 200 different symptoms that can occur, every individuals experience of Long COVID is unique. The factors that contribute to keeping you sick vs bouncing back from a viral infection are also unique to you. You and your individual story needs to be listened to and assessed with a comprehensive approach. This is carried out via a work up process which includes a 90+ minute initial consultation, creation of a recommendation plan which incorporates diearty, supplement support and potential lab testing and 60 minute report of findings appointment to take you through the plan step by step.
2. Acquiring Stability and Control
The first step in your recommendation plan often involves strategies to start stabilising the out of control inflammation which is driving your symptoms. From this point, we have a stronger foundation to work from and a foothold to start progressing and gaining momentum through each step of the plan.
3. Addressing Underlying Factors Which are Contributing to the Problem
SARS-COV-2 triggered the onset of your problem, however, in the vast majority of people underyling factors can be found which are keeping the immune system switched on and driving symptoms. It is vital to identify and address these factors to enable a return to balance. This step is what most Long COVID sufferers miss and is the reason they get stuck in their recovery journey.
4. Supported Return to Homeostasis and Normal Function
As the sources of inflammation are addressed, a steady improvement is expected with increasing energy levels, mental performance, and re-engagement with normal daily activity.
5. Maintenance of Healthy Living and a New Future
Many clients who go through the process of being significantly sick to well again comment on the transformational aspect of the journey. The process often involves leaving behind old lifestyle and dietary habits which are not serving them, gaining a thorough understanding of what makes them well and how they can prevent potential health problems later in life.
