Posted on March 26th, 2025. 

In recent times, many individuals have found themselves struggling with the long-lasting effects of COVID-19, even after recovering from the initial illness. This condition, known as long COVID, has proven to be a formidable opponent for many, causing unpredictable symptoms that disrupt daily life and require constant adaptation. 

In the face of this ongoing challenge, it is fundamental not only to understand the signals our bodies send but also to approach each day with knowledge, self-compassion, and a toolkit of natural health practices tailored to our individual needs. In this article, we will explore how neuropathic medicine can help you combat long COVID. 

What are the Long COVID Symptoms? 

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or post-COVID syndrome, is characterized by persistent symptoms that linger for weeks or even months after the initial acute phase of the COVID-19 infection. 

While some individuals recover quickly and fully, others experience ongoing health challenges that affect their ability to return to pre-COVID life. This condition can impact numerous systems within the body, making it essential to address the whole person when seeking treatment. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common symptoms associated with long COVID:  

• Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming tiredness that does not improve with rest. 
• Brain Fog: Difficulty with memory, concentration, and cognitive function. 
• Exercise Intolerance: Reduced ability to perform physical activity without exacerbating symptoms. 
• Shortness of breath: It can feel like you are unable to catch your breath even after mild exertion. For example, you may experience shortness of breath while walking up a flight of stairs. 
• Mood changes: Increased anxiety and feelings of depression. This can manifest as feeling constantly on edge or experiencing sudden bouts of sadness. Sleep disturbances are also common. 
• Joint and muscle pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may affect various areas of the body. Heart palpitations, or a racing or irregular heartbeat, may also occur. 
• Headaches: These can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. Some people may also experience a loss of taste or smell, which can be temporary or long-lasting. 

Each individual's experience with long COVID is unique, necessitating a personalized treatment strategy that considers their specific symptoms and health concerns. Tailoring treatment plans to include various naturopathic approaches is key to addressing not just the symptoms but also underlying contributors to the condition. 

Naturopathic Treatments for Long COVID 

Addressing long COVID symptoms through naturopathic treatments involves a variety of strategic components designed to harmonize the body's natural rhythms. Let's discuss the dietary changes that can play a pivotal role in supporting your recovery. Prioritizing a balanced, nutrient-dense diet helps to bolster your immune system and improve gut health, both of which are integral to long COVID fatigue recovery and brain fog alleviation. 

Incorporating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and a variety of fruits ensures you're getting essential vitamins and antioxidants to support cognitive function and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found primarily in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, can be particularly beneficial in managing inflammation and improving mental clarity, especially if you’re experiencing brain fog. 

Beyond dietary and herbal interventions, lifestyle adjustments form a cornerstone of combating long COVID symptoms. Implementing regular physical activity, tailored to your energy levels, can gradually improve your exercise tolerance without exacerbating symptoms. Gentle practices such as walking, tai chi, or swimming offer benefits for both physical health and mental wellness. 

Complement these with mind-body techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises, which can enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your overall sense of well-being. These practices not only support cognitive function by reducing anxiety and stress but also help in balancing mood fluctuations that often accompany long COVID. 

Finally, good sleep hygiene is key; a restful night's sleep supports recovery and helps mitigate symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine are practical steps that can significantly impact your overall health. 

Long COVID Coping and Recovery Strategies 

A central tenet of naturopathic medicine is pacing oneself properly through a process known as energy conservation. It involves recognizing your body’s cues and respecting them, which can go a long way in managing exhaustion. 

Start by planning your day carefully to allocate ample time for rest between activities, essentially creating an energy budget. If you've been struggling with long COVID energy recovery, consider using tools like a daily planner or a smartphone app to schedule periods of activity interspersed with short naps or quiet moments. These pauses are fundamental—they prevent overexertion and the subsequent setbacks that can derail your progress. 

Furthermore, addressing post-COVID exercise intolerance requires a delicately balanced approach:  

• Begin with low-impact exercises, which can help ease you back into physical activity without overwhelming your system. 
• Gentle stretching routines, such as those found in Pilates or beginner yoga, can gradually restore strength and flexibility while honoring your body’s limits. 
• Aiming for brief bouts of movement can provide similar benefits to longer workouts, especially important when dealing with exercise intolerance. This could mean starting with a simple 5 to 10 minutes of walking each day and slowly increasing duration as your stamina improves. 
• Besides—such as exercising in a quiet, calming space—can further ease the exertion. 
• Not intensity, is key. Keep a mindful, gentle approach, and remember that consistency indeed takes precedence over pushing through discomfort. 

In terms of establishing an emotional balance, supportive social interactions cannot be understated—engage in conversations that nurture and uplift, whether in person, through video calls, or even online support groups. Meanwhile, committing to hobbies that enthrall you or engaging in creative activities provides uplifting escapes that enhance mood and promote mental clarity. By reducing stress and boosting positivity, you set the stage for healthier overall recovery. 

Prioritize your mental and emotional health as much as your physical, as they are inextricably linked in your journey towards well-being. Blending these strategies offers not just a roadmap to navigate long COVID symptoms, but a foundational practice for lifelong health management. 

Related: Why You Need Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Optimal Health
  

Looking for Expert Help? 

Exploring ways to manage and alleviate long COVID symptoms through naturopathic strategies is a journey that empowers you to take charge of your health with practical and transformative steps. Embracing a holistic approach does not mean you have to navigate these challenges alone. At Symbiosis Natural Health, our services focus on creating a personalized roadmap for your healing journey, ensuring that the plans we develop are as unique as your health needs. 

Whether you’re in Colorado or Connecticut, Dr. Chrissy Davis-Allen's extensive experience offers an invaluable resource for those journeying through long COVID. An initial naturopathic consultation provides an opportunity to work directly with Dr. Davis-Allen to outline a comprehensive plan that addresses not only the symptoms but also the root cause of your post-COVID challenges. 

If you’re ready to make strides in your recovery or simply learn more about how naturopathic medicine can help, book a consultation through our online services. We prioritize your unique needs and health concerns because individual care makes all the difference. 

Contact us at (203) 871-9886 or [email protected] to begin this empowering journey. We look forward to welcoming you at Symbiosis Natural Health.