Long lasting symptoms (more than 3 months) such as fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, palpitations, joint or muscle pain and ‘brain fog’ following a viral illness. Chest pains and other lingering symptoms could also be the result of lasting damage caused by cytokine storms which may need significant time to heal and this could also indicate that vitamin D levels were insufficient during the illness.
What is a cytokine storm? – an over-reaction of the immune system to something threatening. Long term over-reaction is linked to autoimmune conditions.
What influences susceptibility?
Low levels of vitamin D, under active or autoimmune thyroid issues, low B vitamin status, poor gut microbiome, imbalance of omega-3 and omega-6, high stress, excess oxidation, and low glutathione levels.
Areas to support :
- Inflammation – the body’s response to injury, infection and illness
• Mitochondrial function – energy production
• Antioxidant status – your ability to neutralise toxins and clear pathogens
• Blood brain barrier integrity – this keeps toxins, viruses and pathogens away from the brain and central nervous system
• Mast cell stabilisation – When activated, mast cells release substances which trigger the immune system
Diet, stress, sleep and exercise
Reducing sugars, caffeine, alcohol and gluten can reduce the load on the body and promote healing. Eating plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables especially green veg, onions, mushrooms and vitamin C rich foods can be helpful. Quality protein such as grass fed meat, and wild fish promotes tissue rebuilding.
Keeping stress levels low and not pushing oneself at work or exercise is very important. This may be needed for some time
Prioritising sleep is very important for the immune system and to heal and restore energy.
Interventions that support :
Glutathione
Alpha Lipoic acid
Co Q10
Magnesium
Cucurmin
Quercetin
Omega 3 fats
B complex