​​I’m a Doctor and Here are Signs Long COVID is the Reason You Feel “Sick all the Time” — Eat This Not That

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By Ghuman

Introduction

As a doctor, I’m here to tell you that if you’re feeling “sick all the time,” it could be a sign of Long COVID. Long COVID is a condition that can occur after a person has had COVID-19, and it can cause a variety of symptoms that can last for weeks or even months. In this article, I’ll discuss the signs of Long COVID and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid if you think you may have it. Eating the right foods can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.

I’m a Doctor and Here are Signs Long COVID is the Reason You Feel “Sick all the Time” — Eat This Not That

If you’ve been feeling “sick all the time” for weeks or months, it could be a sign of Long COVID. Long COVID is a term used to describe the lingering effects of COVID-19, which can last for weeks or months after the initial infection. Symptoms of Long COVID can include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, and more.

If you think you may have Long COVID, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of action for managing your symptoms. In the meantime, there are some dietary changes you can make to help reduce your symptoms.

Eat This, Not That

When it comes to managing Long COVID, it’s important to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods that will help support your immune system. Here are some foods to focus on:

  • Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
  • Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
  • Lean proteins: Lean proteins like fish, chicken, and beans are a great source of essential amino acids that can help support your immune system.
  • Healthy fats: Healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados are a great source of essential fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation.

On the other hand, there are some foods that you should avoid if you have Long COVID. These include processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fat. These foods can increase inflammation and make your symptoms worse.

If you think you may have Long COVID, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of action for managing your symptoms. In the meantime, making some dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms and support your immune system.

After a bout of COVID-19, some people do not return to normal. Some experience a variety of symptoms that can vary from months to years of varying intensity and become classified as having Long Covid. Others may have similar issues without having Long Covid, but the misery can be equally debilitating. These symptoms can be intermittent or continuous and may even feel like recurrent bouts of Covid. Those with these issues should see a doctor because they can receive different treatments. Another reason to see someone is to ensure there is nothing else going on. While there are many potential symptoms here, here are some of the major ones.

woman lying on bed at home sick suffering cold flu and temperature covered with blanket feeling unwell and feverish
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The most common of these is constant fatigue. The feeling makes one inactive and creates a horrible cycle where the low energy level worsens. Poor eating and sleeping habits ensue and perpetuate the problems.

in pain touching chest respiratory symptoms fever, coughing, body aches
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Although respiratory symptoms are most apparent with primary Covid, many people can have shortness of breath and cough with Long Covid. The original infection may have caused some lung damage or fostered some chronic inflammation around the lungs. Importantly, blood clots can also occur in Long Covid and may even lead to pulmonary emboli to cause further lung issues.

Vertigo illness concept. Man hands on his head felling headache dizzy sense of spinning dizziness,a problem with the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathway.
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Brain fog has always been noted to be a frequent symptom of Long Covid. However, other cerebral symptoms, such as memory impairment or difficulty concentrating, can also occur. Sometimes the peripheral nervous system can be involved and lead to sensations of pins and needles.

stomach pain
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Many abdominal issues can be consistent with Long Covid. Possibly due to the chronic inflammations around nerves in the GI tract, symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain can occur. 

older woman symptoms heart failure
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Autonomic dysfunction or inflammation around the nerves to the heart and peripheral blood vessels can lead to a variety of cardiovascular symptoms. The most apparent are heart palpitations or a feeling of the heart racing. Some people even feel that they are having a heart attack. In such cases, prompt medical evaluation is warranted.

Woman awakened lying in bed with her eyes open.
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A variety of symptoms occurring in the joints or muscles can occur after Covid infection. These nonspecific symptoms often appear as muscle aches or joint pains and can sometimes be debilitating and vary greatly in scope and intensity.

Dr. Soumi Eachempati, a Co-Founder and CEO of Cleared4, is a former Professor of Surgery and Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College where he worked from 1998-2017. Among his many accolades, Dr. Eachempati was also the Director of both the Surgical ICU as well as Trauma at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Center. He also received an appointment in the Division of Public Health. 

Dr. Soumi Eachempati

Dr. Soumi Eachempati is a former Professor of Surgery and Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College and was also the Director of both the Surgical ICU as well as Trauma at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Center. He also received an appointment in the Division of Public Health. Dr. Eachempati is a Co-Founder and CEO of Cleared4Work. Read more about Dr. Soumi

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