Long-Term COVID
A Metabolic Approach to Getting Well Again

Chapter 1

Understanding Long COVID: A Metabolic Perspective

In the labyrinth of long COVID-19, the metabolic approach emerges as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards recovery. This approach is not a magic bullet, but a comprehensive strategy that focuses on optimizing your body’s metabolic functions to manage and mitigate the lingering effects of COVID-19.

The metabolic approach is rooted in the understanding that our bodies are complex, interconnected systems. When one part is out of balance, it can ripple through the rest, causing a cascade of issues. In the case of long COVID, the virus can disrupt metabolic processes, leading to persistent symptoms.

By addressing these disruptions, we can help the body regain its equilibrium and promote healing. 

The first step in this approach is to understand your metabolic health. This involves blood tests assessing factors such as  

CBC (Complete Blood Count): This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC helps us count these team members and see if they’re all working together properly. It also looks at the immature cells to determine how they relate.  

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): Think of this as a check-up for your body’s important organs. It looks at things like how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood (important for avoiding diabetes), how well your kidneys and liver are doing, and determines your electrolyte balance.  

D3 25-OH and 1.25-OH: Your level of Vitamin D gives an insight into the health of your immune system which helps keep it strong and healthy. A low vitamin D level is a sign of a compromised immune system that needs urgent attention.  

Homocysteine: high homocysteine levels may exacerbate inflammation and contribute to complications seen in long COVID. We want to see it low or at least in the normal range.  

Thyroid Panel: Your thyroid is like a tiny control center in your neck. It tells your body how fast or slow to do things. The panel checks if your thyroid is sending the right messages to the rest of your body. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the thyroid is essential to providing appropriate follow-up care.  

Insulin: monitoring insulin levels and blood sugar regulation is crucial for individuals with long COVID-19, especially if they experience ongoing symptoms related to glucose control. Proper management can help prevent complications and improve overall health.  

HgbA1c: HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Monitoring HbA1c levels in long COVID-19 patients helps track blood sugar control and identify any adverse trends.  

C-peptide: C-peptide levels alone may not be diagnostic in long COVID, but it could give some insight into the disease leading to further investigation and treatment.  

IGF-1: These blood test could potentially enable doctors to tailor specialized treatments for people experiencing a wide range of long COVID symptoms such as abnormal t-cell activity, low cortisol levels, and reactivation of latent viruses such as mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr.  

GGT: Even though the GTT is not directly related to long COVID diagnosis, this blood marker provides valuable insights.  

Ferritin: Elevated ferritin levels can indicate inflammation or other underlying health conditions. This test is just another piece of the puzzle in understanding and managing long COVID.  

Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen blood test, along with other markers, can aid in identifying and managing the potential for forming blood clots in long COVID.  

CEA: Even though the CEA test is not relative to long COVID, it provides important value as a biomarker in understanding and treating this condition. Remember, these tests help doctors keep you healthy and catch any problems early. 

Your blood pressure, waist circumference, and genetic/metabolic factors are also evaluated and monitored. Waist circumference alongside BMI provides a more comprehensive assessment of obesity-related health risks, especially in the context of long COVID-19.  These indicators can provide a snapshot of your metabolic health and highlight areas that need attention.  

Next, we focus on nutrition. A balanced diet rich in whole foods can provide the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. This includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables as well as appropriate nutritional supplements.  

Hydration is also crucial, as water plays a key role in nearly every metabolic process. Water is the elixir of life. It is the most essential element for our survival. Our body is composed of approximately 70% water, and it is responsible for nearly every bodily process, including digestion, absorption, circulation, and excretion.

Water is also the primary transporter for all building functions in the body. It helps maintain body temperature and is essential for carrying waste material out of the body.