Recovery Tips for the “After Effects” of COVID

After living through the Delta variant, I have gained new respect for anyone who tells me they are having residual effects after COVID has made it’s way out of their body. I am still dealing with those effects myself. As a nutrition consultant, I have worked with clients who are long haulers. The crazy thing about this virus is that it effects everyone differently, but yet, there are a few things, it seems, everyone experiences.
It’s been about six weeks now, and most residual symptoms are clearing. Throughout the process, I’ve established a pattern of care that has definitely helped. So here are my recovery tips for those who may still be suffering post virus effects.

Tip #1 – Get plenty of rest. This sounds like a cliche, but it’s the most important thing you can do for yourself if you are still suffering. Sleep in a little longer, or take naps during the day, or go to bed earlier. However you can do it, get it done, because good sleep is healing. One thing I enjoyed doing was snuggling on the couch with my pups. They were a comfort to me. They loved for me to “rest” with them! If you are a busy person like myself, it’s so hard to slow down. Do it anyway!!!

Tip #2 – Stay away from negative news about the virus and vaccines on-line. Just live life and recover. Pay no attention to nasty comments from neighbors and friends who don’t have a clue. Those who make everything political or live in the imaginary world of unbelief do not need to stress us for even a minute. As well, those doomsday articles that seek to place fear in the heart of everyone are to be avoided too. If you let yourself go there, the mind can put you in a state of anxiety that will keep your body in a prolonged state of stress, causing more physical and mental symptoms. Instead be courageous, and immerse yourself in positivity and truth!

Tip #3 Juice or eat Fresh fruits and vegetables for most of your daily food intake. As well, nourishing chicken broth is healing for the body. Juicing was my go to and still is. Apples, carrots, baby spinach, celery, beets, and grapes are full of antioxidants and will help the inflammatory response to settle.

Tip #4 For excess mucus, drink hot water with lemon, and hot herbal teas throughout the day. No sugar, if possible. The teas I find the most beneficial for medicinal purposes are: ginger and turmeric based teas for inflammation, green tea with jasmine for plenty of antioxidants, and ashwagandha tea to settle the nerves!

Tip #5 – Go for a daily walk to continue to heal your lungs! I can’t stress enough how important it is to walk and while you walk to take deep breaths. This is one of the most healing things you can do for your body and it has helped me in my recovery more than anything. Don’t worry about the distance you travel, just move and breathe.

Tip #6 – Under a Dr.’s supervision, you might want to consider supplements to assist the body post virus. I personally take the following: Vitamin D and Probiotics for my immune health. Zinc and Vitamin C for immune health, Turmeric for inflammation, CoQ10 for heart protection, Ginkgo (Do not take this if you are on any type of blood thinner) for blood clotting issues that can occur post COVID, B12 and Folate for brain fog and energy, and N Acetyl L Cysteine, which is a glutathione precursor. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that decreases the viral load in the body and helps to prevent viral replication. In fact, I am headed to get a Myers Cocktail, which contains glutathione, at the Dr.’s office next week. I am going to do several infusion treatments.

Tip #7 – Be patient and do not get frustrated when you have a set back. Know that even when a setback occurs, your body is continuing to heal. Stay positive. Find something to be grateful for each day and motivate yourself to get back into a routine so that life feels somewhat “normal” again. Write yourself a “to do” list and begin working through it and crossing off accomplishments. Even if it takes you a few weeks to get through it, it’s okay.

No matter what crazy symptoms you still have, please know that I feel your pain, I am on your team and we will win this battle! If you need encouragement, assistance with juicing, or a health and wellness plan for recovery, please do not hesitate to call my office for an appointment. I would be more than happy to be your recovery partner!