Post viral Fatigue: Can include daytime tiredness, disturbed sleep, muscular and body pain, sensitivity to light and depression, Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME )
The big concern now is supporting the body when it comes through the other side of Covid-19. Research has shown post viral symptoms can be triggered as a result of Viral infections.
Following the SARS outbreak in 2003, people infected reported an ongoing variety of symptoms to include daytime fatigue, muscle pain, disturbed sleep, sensitivity to light, reminiscent of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Other virus are known to trigger post viral fatigue such as Epstein Barr Virus (Glandular Fever)
“43% of adults in England are living with at least one long term health condition.” according to an NHS survey
This gives us an indication as to why our COVID-19 figures have been so high.
Studies in Australia have seen people with a robust immune system recover quickly from Covid-19 and only experienced normal 3 day flu like symptoms.
So how can we support our health with food and lifestyle?
Vitamin C
Ensure you include some from this list every day foods Red Peppers (dip raw into hummus), Kiwi Fruit, Broccoli (steamed), Sauerkraut and oranges. Use the whole fruit not the juice to obtain the fibre. If you use a supplement take no more than 1000mg per dose 15 mins before a meal up to 3 times a day. Your body will get rid of what it doesn’t need. If you get diarrhoea it is cut it back as your body is telling you it doesn’t need that much.
“Vitamin C is deficient in 30% of Cigarette smokers, 30% of the elderly and 60% of acutely hospitalised patients”
Fibre
Bulk out you stool to help remove waste which helps remove the toxic materials. Foods such as porridge or flaxseeds (soaked and or milled) will support this process and even more so if covered with grated apple.
Easily Digested Foods
Soups steamed vegetables and early mealtimes (before 7pm) makes digestion less energy demanding. Digestion is made easier if you keep liquids away from meals.
Vitamin D
This vitamin rallies our immune system cells to do the work when we are invaded by a virus. Aim to enjoy sunshine on arms legs and body for 20 minutes avoiding midday sun. Vitamin D rich foods include shiitake mushrooms, salmon and chlorella.
Minerals Zinc & Selenium
Zinc is important for immune function and Selenium fights inflammation. Zinc rich foods include Try Pumpkin seeds, nuts, and lentils, with the highest amount of zinc found in Oysters. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts , 2-3 nuts per day are advisable.
Garlic, Onion, Shallots and Leeks
These are part of the specific family of Lectins that block ACE-2 receptors which is where the virus docks in our lungs and Gut. Incorporate some of these into your daily diet. After chopping them up, let them sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to activate the important component, Allicin.
Intermittent Fasting
Digestion requires high energy. Give your body a break from the work of digestion. Allow yourself 14 hours from your end of evening meal before you have breakfast. Keep a minimum of 4 hours between meals without snacking so the body can rest, repair and use energy reserves elsewhere.
