Long COVID

Long COVID manifests as a spectrum of symptoms, affecting various organ systems and often overlapping with one another. While the list is not exhaustive, some common symptoms reported by individuals include:

1. Fatigue: Persistent and profound exhaustion, often disproportionate to the level of activity, is a hallmark symptom of Long COVID.
2. Shortness of Breath: Individuals may experience difficulty breathing, even after the resolution of the acute respiratory phase of COVID-19.
3. Cognitive Dysfunction: Referred to colloquially as “brain fog,” this symptom involves difficulties with concentration, memory, and mental clarity.
4. Loss of Taste or Smell: An anosmia or hyposmia, the loss or alteration of taste and smell, can persist long after the initial infection.
5. Joint and Muscle Pain: Lingering pain in the joints and muscles, akin to arthritis or fibromyalgia, is a reported symptom among Long COVID sufferers.
6. Headaches: Recurrent and often severe headaches are a common complaint, further adding to the burden of Long COVID.
7. Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been reported, indicating potential involvement of the gastrointestinal system.
8. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, or persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep are frequently reported symptoms.
9. Nerve Damage: Neuropathy or nerve pain, damage to sensory nerves such as olfactory and vestibular-cochlear nerve, leading to loss of taste/smell and hearing loss.

The Functional Medicine Approach 

In the realm of Long COVID treatment, the functional medicine approach stands out as a holistic and patient-centered strategy. Functional medicine acknowledges the interconnectedness of bodily systems and aims to identify and address the root causes of illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms. In the context of Long COVID, functional medicine practitioners delve into the intricate web of factors contributing to a patient’s prolonged symptoms. This includes exploring genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and psychosocial elements that may play a role in the persistence of symptoms. By tailoring individualized treatment plans that integrate nutrition, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and stress management techniques, functional medicine seeks to restore balance and support the body’s innate healing mechanisms. This approach not only addresses the diverse symptoms of Long COVID but also empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery, fostering a comprehensive and sustainable path to wellness.

At Meeting Point Health, we believe in treating the body holistically with many different therapy options, below are a few that we believe have the potential to treat long COVID.  

1. Peptide Therapy: Peptide therapy involves the administration of specific peptides to modulate various physiological processes. Tailored peptide protocols may be employed to address immune dysregulation and promote overall wellness.
2. Ozone Therapy: Ozone therapy harnesses the healing properties of ozone to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues and modulate the immune system. This approach can be particularly beneficial in addressing respiratory symptoms and promoting overall oxygenation.
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha Lipoic Acid, a potent antioxidant, is utilized to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation. Its neuroprotective properties may also contribute to addressing cognitive symptoms and nerve pain.
4. Antioxidants: A comprehensive antioxidant approach, which may include vitamins C selenium, and other antioxidants, is employed to combat oxidative stress and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Meeting Point Health recognizes the pivotal role of nutrition and lifestyle in Long COVID recovery. Personalized dietary plans, exercise regimens, and stress management strategies are integrated into treatment protocols to optimize overall health.
6. EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation): EBOO involves the removal and oxygenation of a patient’s blood, followed by the reintroduction of ozonated blood. This process aims to enhance oxygen delivery, improve blood flow, modulate the immune system, improve pain and fatigue and alleviate other symptoms associated with Long COVID.
7. Ultraviolet Light Therapy: Ultraviolet light therapy, including UVB and UVC treatments, is employed to target viral particles and modulate the immune response. This approach may contribute to viral clearance and symptom relief.
8. Amino Acids: Amino acids play a crucial role in various physiological processes. Meeting Point Health may incorporate amino acid supplementation or intravenous therapy to support immune function, enhance energy levels, and promote overall recovery.

Long COVID remains a complex puzzle, with symptoms spanning across multiple systems. Research is ongoing as the medical community tries to gain a better understanding of this new illness. By utilizing a deep understanding of the body and its systems as well as the trust we have in the body to recover, We do believe that recovery from long COVID is possible.

To benefit from a comprehensive, regenerative approach to treating Long COVID, call Meeting Point Health today at 215.298.9928 (Option 1). You can also schedule a consultation by completing our online contact form at https://www.meetingpointhealth.com/contact-us/