About 2 million people still have symptoms of coronavirus, and the most common ones are being tired and having trouble focusing. Many patients experience “brain fog,” which causes their minds to feel dull and sluggish. Fortunately, an expert outlines the foods that may help with this persistent symptom.
Even though scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what Covid does to the brain, it seems that the virus has some bad effects on the organ.
“Covid Brain is caused by neuroinflammation and a reaction to the change in our gut bacteria,” says Pauline Cox, a functional nutritionist and author for Wiley’s Finest fish oils.
The best part is that studies keep getting better and more is being learned about long Covid and how it affects people.
“The latest research on inflammation in the brain caused by original strains of Covid shows that anti-inflammatory omega 3s – found in fish and omega-3 supplements – help reduce neuroinflammation in the brain,” Mrs Cox adds.
Furthermore, this aids in the reduction of the baffling brain fog.
Apart from the benefits to the brain, omega 3s have also been demonstrated to reduce headaches and insomnia, two well-known symptoms of long-Covid.
Omega 3s are considered a brain booster since they help blood flow to the organ.
They’re also associated with greater performance on a variety of cognitive tests, and some study suggests they could help prevent dementia.
Salmon and tuna are examples of oily fish that are high in these fatty acids.
Experts recommend that you eat one portion of oily fish every week, which is about 140 grams (4.9oz).
Resveratrol is another powerful antioxidant found in grapes that may help with long-Covid healing.
“It’s the dark pigment in grapes and you find it in red wine,” Mrs Cox continues.
“It’s anti-inflammatory and good for anti-ageing and protecting DNA.”
The dark pigment appears to aid in the rise of ACE-2 levels, which are involved in Covid.
“The Covid virus is airborne and so enters the body via your respiratory system, but the way it actually infects you is through the spike protein, attaching to a receptor called ACE-2,” she explains.
“This receptor is everywhere in your body. It’s in your lungs, cardiovascular system and gut – and it’s important for energy levels .
“The virus then replicates and whether it does this quickly or slowly depends on your immune system.
“You can start to get long-term effects with the gut when these ACE-2 levels go down.”
This can have an effect on the levels of beneficial gut bacteria, such as butyrate.
“Butyrate is a really important fatty acid,” adds the expert.
“BSo, basically these friendly gut bacteria produce something in your bloodstream and brain and make you feel a certain way.”
“When gut bacteria changes, it changes the way your brain focuses and functions – hence brain fog, confusion and anxiety.”
Image Credit: Getty
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