Bouncing Back After COVID or Still Feeling Flat?

Some people seemed to sail through one or more bouts of COVID easily, just as some people had little or no reaction to the COVID shots.

Others suffered severe illness or reactions, and some people are still struggling with the after-effects.

This particular virus, and the spike-protein in the shots, seem to gravitate towards a person’s more vulnerable body system. So, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to treating any lingering effects. Some of the long-term symptomsinclude; brain fog, fatigue, feelings of depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, insomnia, joint pain, cough, breathing difficulties, headache, palpitations, nervous system disruption (dysautonomia) lightheadedness, chest pain, muscle pain, or a general feeling of unwellness.

Whenever a pharmaceutical medication is given, for any reason, I suggest increasing some basic nutrients and probiotics. Whole food sources of Vitamins B, C, A, and E support the immune system. Zinc and Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with susceptibility to the virus. But mega-doses are never the right answer. Too much zinc will unbalance copper because it interferes wit copper absorption. Copper is vital for health red blood cells and for the integrity of the sheath that protects the nerve cells. Excessive Vitamin D affects the transport of calcium between blood and tissue. Consistent moderate doses of vitamins allow the body to select what it needs and discard the excess.

Although you can certainly overdose a single vitamin or mineral, most people are not getting even the most basic needed nutrients, based on the blood work results I have seen. That doesn’t mean go out and buy mega-dose vitamins. It means that it is best to do the hard work of eating as clean and healthy as possible, and taking certain supplements that are balanced enough so that the body can actually use them.

For example, a lot of people have been taking extra Vitamin C. But 90% of commercial C is peed out an hour after taking it. The body can’t use more than a few milligrams at any one time. That can make for some expensive urine. Whole food Vitamin C is low dose, but the body can easily incorporate it.

Force is not match for the intelligence of tweaking nutrient intake so that all the cells can do their job. Working out and exercising is important, but it only increases the demand for the building materials to perform and repair the body. Force also comes in the form of chemical solutions like medical drugs, performance drugs, or recreational drugs to help people.

The immune system has an enormous job. There is far more to it than just white blood cells that gobble up bacteria and viruses. You might say that the immune system is the security system for the body. It has to monitor not just external threats, but it has to recognize rogue cells and any breakdown or damage to the organs and structure itself, and try to coordinate a response. It sends up warning flares, such as poor sleep, rashes, indigestion, mood imbalances, and weight gain. So often these are ignored until there is a four-alarm fire.

Did you ever feel that your body had been invaded by something else? The microorganisms that make up the immune system of the gut aren’t human, for the most part. They are strains of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that weren’t part of our DNA when we were born. Think of them as seeds sown in the garden of our intestinal tract. The organisms from the Mother’s body are passed to the baby as it travels through the vaginal birth canal. That flora garden seems to be more in control of the body than we ever imagined. The gut microbes are talking to our brains, which means they are mightily influencing our hormones and nervous systems. There is some evidence that cognitive issues are correlated to gut issues. So, the old adage that health starts in the gut is truer than ever.

And the gut bacteria and their buddies don’t thrive on Taco Bell and donuts. They need lots of fiber from fruits and vegetables, and other whole foods. The beneficial ones don’t do well on sugar, just the nasty ones you don’t want to increase.

You can never go wrong if you improve gut health with probiotics and prebiotic fiber from plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding the un-foods that have taste but no sustenance. Neurological problems can linger after COVID. A happier gut may bring about a strong brain and nervous system. [i]

It may be a good idea to get some blood work to see how your immune system is doing in general, if the past two years have been a challenge, and you have gotten sick with COVID or flu symptoms more than once.

People are experiencing individual responses to recent health challenges, so an individualized approach is needed. Let me know if I can help you identify your own needs to restore yourself to a better state and make sure that you reverse any lingering damage if it exists. If you have gotten COVID more than once, your immune system is under performing and can be strengthened.

I have helped many people come back from COVID or any reactions to the shots, so please let me now if you have questions about your current state of health or energy. Don't wait if you are not at your best because your immune system is responsible for your long-term well-being.

The human immune system is a reflection of the natural world. Just as healthy soil yields robust plants, a flourishing immune system ensures that the body can repair and rejuvenate. That’s just basic science!