Is Long COVID-19 Hiding in Your Gut? Shocking New Findings
Medicine Corner with Dr D.
Is Long COVID-19 Hiding in Your Gut? Shocking New Findings
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that persist after the acute phase of COVID-19 illness has resolved. These symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Emerging evidence suggests that long COVID may also affect the gut.
Treatment options for Long Covid 19While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between long COVID and the gut, there are some potential treatment options that may help alleviate GI symptoms. These may include dietary changes, such as following a low-FODMAP diet, which reduces fermentable carbohydrates that can contribute to bloating and other GI symptoms. Probiotics and prebiotics may also be beneficial in restoring gut microbiota balance.What is “low FODMAP diet”?A low-FODMAP diet is a dietary approach that restricts foods that contain certain types of carbohydrates that can contribute to bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can be fermented by gut bacteria in the colon, leading to the production of gas and other byproducts.
Foods that are high in FODMAPs include certain fruits (such as apples and pears), vegetables (such as onions and garlic), dairy products (such as milk and yogurt), grains (such as wheat and rye), and sweeteners (such as honey and agave syrup).The goal of a low-FODMAP diet is to reduce the intake of these fermentable carbohydrates and relieve symptoms in people with certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet typically involves three phases: a restriction phase, a reintroduction phase, and a personalization phase.During the restriction phase, high-FODMAP foods are eliminated from the diet for a period of 2-6 weeks. This phase is meant to reduce symptoms and improve gut function. In the reintroduction phase, FODMAPs are gradually reintroduced to determine which ones trigger symptoms in individual people. Finally, in the personalization phase, a long-term diet is developed that is tailored to the individual's specific needs and food tolerances.While a low-FODMAP diet can be effective in reducing symptoms in people with IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be undertaken with the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian.MedicationIn addition, anti-inflammatory medications and immune modulators, such as corticosteroids and biologics, may be used to treat underlying gut inflammation and IBD. However, these treatments should be carefully considered and monitored, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications.Overall, the connection between long COVID and the gut highlights the complex and systemic nature of the disease. Understanding how the virus affects different parts of the body, including the gut, is crucial in developing effective treatments and supporting those with long-term symptoms.
