Most people who get COVID-19 recover within a few days or weeks. But everyone responds differently, and for some people, the infection causes symptoms that can last for many weeks or months. When this happens, it’s called post-COVID-19 syndrome or “Long Covid”.
If you’re one of these people, it’s very understandable that you’re desperate for ways you can help yourself and aid your own recovery. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you may want to consider to give you relief and help you rebuild your health after Long Covid.
What is Long Covid and how many people have it?
Studies in both the UK and the US have shown that Long Covid affects over a third of people with COVID-19. Symptoms can affect every part of the body, and include fatigue, memory problems, chest pain, joint pain, digestive problems, anxiety and depression.
Despite its prevalence and severity, the condition is still poorly understood, and there are very few formal treatment options available. This leaves many people with debilitating symptoms affecting their ability to work, socialise and lead a normal life.
What can I do to manage the symptoms of Long Covid?
So what can you do? Firstly, we strongly recommend speaking to your GP if you’re worried about symptoms four weeks or more after having COVID-19. You may also want to check out the advice and resources on the COVID Recovery website.
Looking after your general health and wellbeing is also vitally important when you’re recovering from any virus. Diet, sleep and exercise are all intertwined as key components of good physical and mental health.
Prioritise nutrition and supplements
Some people lose a significant amount of weight after an infection. It is important to regain this weight if you were not overweight before being ill. Try to stick to a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t have much appetite, eating smaller, more frequent meals might be easier for you.
If you are underweight and suffering from fatigue, an all-in-one daily food supplement is a good way to support your immune system and make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs as you recover. Sublyme Vitality+ is specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of people suffering from chronic illnesses. It supports cognitive health, immune function and energy; all things that are commonly associated with Long Covid.
Support your mental health
It’s common for physical health conditions to also affect your mental health, and many people with Long Covid report anxiety and depression amongst their symptoms. It’s natural that you might be anxious about when you can get back to work, or feeling low because of the impact the illness is having on your social life, friendships and relationships. As well as consulting your GP for specialist support, there are things you can do to help yourself. Getting good quality sleep is especially important at a time when your body is depleted, and is one of the pillars of good mental health. The unique formula of Sublyme Vitality+ includes ingredients specifically designed to support your cognitive health and brain function.
Even if you’re not working because of Long Covid, having a daily routine can help you manage your emotional health. Some simple routines to organise your day include waking up at the same time every day, showering and dressing for the day as if you were going out, sticking to regular mealtimes and a daily schedule of exercise, and making sure you go to bed at the same time each evening.
Try some gentle activity and exercise
It might seem counter-intuitive to think about doing exercise when you have a debilitating illness, causing fatigue and lack of energy. And if your mood is low, exercise can be the last thing you feel like doing. However, research has shown that exercise is beneficial for Long Covid. It’s important not to over-exert yourself, especially if you are suffering from shortness of breath. Yoga is proven to alleviate some of the common Long Covid symptoms, including anxiety and depression, so some gentle yoga and flexibility exercises are a good place to start. Try applying some mindfulness to your exercise, for example by tuning in to your environment and the sensations in your body as you walk. If you can get into nature, even better - for example a park, woodland, or the seaside. The benefits of nature on our wellbeing include boosting immune health, reducing stress, enhancing memory function and improving mood, and if you’re suffering from Long Covid, they will all be very welcome.
Invest in an all-in-one vitamin and mineral supplement
Are you struggling to eat a balanced, healthy diet and meet all your nutritional needs as you recover from post-COVID syndrome? Do you have fatigue, low energy and brain fog? Sublyme Vitality+ is a unique daily food supplement powder, which provides a broad spectrum of amino acids, vitamins and minerals for optimal health, and contains 34 active ingredients including Kelp from Ascophyllum nodosum, Magnesium, Omega 3 DHA, Pantothenic acid, Riboflavin, Selenium, Uridine, and Zinc. Order it here.
Are you looking to further support your immune system health, and regain lost energy and cognitive health? Sublyme Essential is a unique, complex, multifunctional and essential food supplement for supporting liver health (Milk thistle, Curcuma), immune system (Green tea, Japanese knotweed/resveratrol) and musculoskeletal health (Curcuma) combined with N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, Quercetin and Bromelain. Specially designed to support the nutritional needs of people who suffer from chronic illnesses, as well as their general health and well-being.
Are you finding inflammation caused by chronic health issues are exacerbating your recovery? Are you finding you are more fatigued due to post-COVID symptoms? Sublyme Mangiferin is a natural extract found in the fruit skin, leaves and bark of the mango tree (Mangifera indica). It has a long traditional use as a food supplement and is notable for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nootropic properties. Supports brain, cognitive, mood, heart and lung health. It is also sometimes used as an athletic supplement to increase focus, performance, endurance, and relieve post-exercise fatigue.