Struggling with long Covid? Experts say diet and nutrition could help — here’s what you need to know

Fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Those are just some of the common symptoms of “long covidthat can affect people long-term after recovery from the infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There is still much to learn about the long Covid. While eating the right foods isn’t a cure for prolonged Covid, diet and nutrition could play a key role in helping sufferers cope, experts tell CNBC Make It.

According to Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Covid Activity Rehabilitation Program, symptoms are only “half the picture.”

“The other half is how those symptoms affect a person’s ability to live their life. Unfortunately, long-term COVID symptoms can be quite limiting.”

Vanichkachorn added that more than a third of Mayo Clinic patients long covid patients report having problems with some of the most basic activities of life, such as dressing, showering and eating.

“It’s just a bad movie that we don’t have the ending for yet,” said Dr. Joan Salge Blake, a clinical professor of nutrition at Boston University.

Long Covid is essentially post-infection conditions that could linger for weeks, months or years, long after a person tests negative for Covid-19. It can also be referred to as post-Covid conditions or chronic Covid.

Experts they spoke with CNBC do it said there is still much to learn about the long Covid, but nutrition plays a vital role.

“Heart disease, certain cancers, strokes and type 2 diabetes… you can fight all of those diseases with a knife and fork,” Blake said.

“That’s empowering because you’re in control of what’s on your plate and what you eat.”

For those looking for ways to cope with prolonged Covid symptoms, CNBC Make It finds out what you should and shouldn’t eat.

Vanichkachorn and Blake emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, which they say will be beneficial to overall health, specifically, a Mediterranean dietwhich is rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, nuts and whole grains.

Fruits and vegetables, in particular, are “potential” when it comes to essential vitamins and minerals, Blake said.

That doesn’t mean giving up meat or protein, though, Vanichkachorn said, adding that fish and chicken are good choices.

Blake added: “Poor protein [intake] it can contribute to fatigue, and that’s the one thing you don’t want because covid-19 will give you fatigue…it sure won’t help if you don’t have enough protein in your diet.”

Fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, are a good source of omega-3 acids, which can improve cardiovascular health.

But ultimately, the focus should be on creating a complete “super diet,” rather than focusing on “superfoodsBlake said. Superfoods are those rich in antioxidants, fiber and fatty acids, which are beneficial to health.

“It’s a super diet that will help you fight chronic disease. When all the vitamins and minerals work together, that’s your best defense.”

Research hasn’t confirmed whether specific vitamins are helpful in fighting Covid for a long time, but it’s important to treat vitamin deficiencies nonetheless, Vanichkachorn said.

“For example, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and difficulty thinking,” he said.

Minerals like iron are also important. A recent study indicated that long covid patients they may have problems with the way their bodies use and store iron.

“Iron deficiency can cause many symptoms, including anemia and fatigue. Deficiency can occur for many reasons, such as poor intake, but it can also be associated with chronic diseases,” Vanichkachorn said.

However, he cautioned against using vitamin or mineral supplements without first consulting a doctor.

“If you’re concerned about vitamin or mineral deficiencies, the first step is to talk to your medical provider,” he said.

Vanichkachorn emphasized that all long-distance Covid patients should Keep hydrated.

“When people have acute covid, they often rest and sleep for long periods. With this, their nutrition is affected, particularly hydration,” he added.

“If left unchecked, dehydration can make anyone miserable, not just patients who are experiencing long-term COVID.”

Acknowledging that patients often need reminders to stay hydrated, Vanichkachorn encouraged people with prolonged Covid to carry a bottle with them.

He added: “If plain water is too boring, you can also add a piece of fruit like a lemon or lime to help with the flavor. These simple changes can make staying hydrated so much easier.”