It’s 2024 - What do we know about Long Covid?
Over the last couple of years I’ve seen several patients who are suffering from symptoms that could be attributed to Long Covid, so I’m always looking for information that might help them.
As it’s now 2024, I thought I would see where we are with our scientific understanding of this condition. As a starting point, I thought I would take a look at the dedicated NHS COVID website.
What I found was a detailed description of all the myriad symptoms associated with Long Covid, but what was conspicuously lacking was any information about how the symptoms are actually being caused, or sadly any impactful advice about what to do if you have long covid. The NHS advice consisted of pretty anodyne stuff like ‘eat a balanced diet’, ‘get some sleep’ and ‘do a bit of exercise’.
So NHS aside, what does the wider scientific community think is causing the symptoms associated with Long Covid?
In June 2023 a research paper was published which summarised the latest scientific theories about what might be causing the symptoms seen in Long Covid. A bit like the NHS website, the paper often just described symptoms without talking about what was actually causing them, but they did state that the theory that currently stood out the most was that of ‘Viral Persistence’.
I’ve written about this theory before, and it suggests that either viruses themselves, or protein fragments from them, are remaining in the body for long periods of time after infection. They noted that viral particles had been detected in people’s bodies up to one year after having had COVID. The most common parts of the body being affected were the brain, the gut, and the circulatory system.
The researchers also noted that Long Covid symptoms could also potentially be caused by damage to the lining of blood vessels, increased production of micro-clots in the blood, nerve damage (particularly the Vagus nerve), and immune system abnormalities. One other interesting observation was that people with Long Covid could be being harmed by a change in the makeup of their gut bacteria (Dysbiosis).
Another more recent research paper from November 2023 provided a lot more detail about what might be happening in the bodies of people with Long Covid, and also suggested a protocol for reducing symptoms.
This newer paper was also interesting because it specifically highlighted the spike protein component of the virus as being responsible for the symptoms of Long Covid.
The paper presented evidence that the spike protein was involved in the following;
Disruption of heart cells called pericytes and cardiomyocytes.
Inflammation of the lining of blood vessels and increased chances of clots.
Damage to the brain and neurological system.
Inflammation of lung and gastrointestinal tissues.
Long-term immune system dysfunction.
Another really interesting point that the paper raises is that there are actually two different types of spike protein that people are likely to encounter. The first is spike protein generated from catching COVID (SARS-CoV-2) and the second is spike protein generated by receiving a COVID vaccine. The vaccine-induced spike protein is slightly different to the natural one, in that it tends to stay in one piece in the body rather than breaking into 2 parts like the natural version.
Although most research so far has looked at the damaging effects of natural spike protein, this paper detailed how the vaccine-induced version has been known to persist in the body for up to 6 months, and may have similar harmful characteristics to the natural type of spike protein.
What was really unusual about this paper was that as well as covering some of the research showing how spike proteins may be responsible for causing Long Covid symptoms, they also suggested a protocol (see figure below) for removing (detoxing) spike protein from the body.
Detox protocol suggested by authors of ‘Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination’
The protocol proposed by the authors was designed to break down spike proteins, discourage clotting, and reduce inflammation. It consists of taking 3 freely available supplements; Nattokinase, Bromelain and Curcumin. I’ve previously written about nattokinase, which is an enzyme capable of breaking down protein, which is derived from fermented Soya. Bromelain is another enzyme capable of breaking down protein which is derived from pineapples. Curcumin is the key active ingredient found in the spice turmeric, and is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. I’m a big fan of turmeric, and have written about it before.
Anyone interested in more details about this protocol should take a look at the research paper, but please bear in mind that this is an entirely experimental protocol at the moment that requires much more research before it is widely accepted or recommended by mainstream medicine. Although the components of the protocol are generally safe, they can have a blood-thinning effect and may also alter the metabolism of other medicines, so their use should always be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
One aspect of Long Covid that the researcher’s didn’t address was the disruption to gut bacteria (dysbiosis) seen in some patients. This very recent 2024 research paper goes into some detail about the changes to the gut bacteria that are seen after SARS-CoV-2 infections. To cut a long story short, infection leads to fewer good bacteria, and more harmful bacteria. There is extensive research around the use of probiotics, prebiotics and fermented food in combatting gut bacteria problems, so I would also look in this direction for helping Long Covid gut problems. I will look to cover this topic in more detail in a future blog.
If you are looking for an East Grinstead Osteopath please get in touch with:
Cliff Russell, Registered Osteopath
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