Post Covid-19 syndrome or long Covid are persistent symptoms that may remain for few weeks to months after recovery from Covid-19. (1,2) As with most infections, your body takes time to heal and recover. This is due to inflammation that may still persist in your body.

Possible symptoms after Covid-19

The Covid-19 virus affects different parts of the body during infection and causes different symptoms that may take a longer time to recover. Some of the most common symptoms may include (1-3):

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Gastrointestinal/digestive issues

Post Covid-19 gastrointestinal symptoms

One of the most common symptoms that may persist after Covid-19 are gastrointestinal symptoms or symptoms related to the digestive system. Some of these symptoms may include (1-3):

• Diarrhoea
• Gastric pain
• Constipation and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, gastric pain, and constipation may persist as a result of prolonged inflammation in the gut. (4) It is prevalent in other types of viral and bacterial infections as well. (4,5) Nausea and vomiting may be related to the effects on the nervous system and other gastrointestinal symptoms. (4) On the other hand, loss of appetite may occur as a result of the aforementioned gastrointestinal symptoms and / or it might be due to pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms that may affect one’s appetite. (4)

How to eat after recovering from Covid-19

• Maintain a healthy diet

Adequate nutrition is essential to help the body to repair, recover, and to build up your immune system. Eat a healthy diet and vary your food choices in your meals for adequate calorie, protein, vitamins and minerals intake.

• Drink plenty of water every day

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated is important for your immune system as water helps in transporting nutrients.

Source: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (6)

.

If you’re having digestive issues:

• Eat small frequent meals. Avoid eating large amounts of food at one go.
• Avoid spicy, oily food or any food that may trigger your symptoms.
• Avoid drinking water with meals.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate fibre intake.

References

1. Peghin M, Palese A, Venturini M, De Martino M, Gerussi V, Graziano E et al. Post-COVID-19 symptoms 6 months after acute infection among hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2021;27(10):1507-1513.
2. Anaya J, Rojas M, Salinas M, Rodríguez Y, Roa G, Lozano M et al. Post-COVID syndrome. A case series and comprehensive review. Autoimmunity Reviews. 2021;:102947.
3. Blackett J, Li J, Jodorkovsky D, Freedberg D. Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms after recovery from COVID‐19. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2021;.
4. Perisetti A, Goyal H, Gajendran M, Boregowda U, Mann R, Sharma N. Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Implications of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in COVID-19. Frontiers in Medicine. 2020;7.
5. Card T, Enck P, Barbara G, Boeckxstaens G, Santos J, Azpiroz F et al. Post‐infectious IBS: Defining its clinical features and prognosis using an internet‐based survey. United European Gastroenterology Journal. 2018;6(8):1245-1253.
6.    Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020. Kuala Lumpur: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia; 2021.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin essential to the body. (1) It is an antioxidant commonly known to strengthen the immune system and may reduce the risk of infections. (2,3) Besides that, vitamin C also helps in collagen formation, wound healing, and improves iron absorption. (1)

Vitamin C and immune health

Vitamin C plays an important role in promoting a healthy immune system through supporting the production of white blood cells and antibodies. (4) Low levels of vitamin C can increase your risk of catching colds and you may take a longer time to recover as well.

Studies have shown that daily vitamin C supplementation is associated with a decrease of common cold incidences (3) and reduction of duration and severity of common cold symptoms. (5)

What affects vitamin C levels in the body

Smokers tend to have lower vitamin C levels as the chemicals in the cigarette take up vitamin C in the body. (6) This is because vitamin C is an antioxidant which reduces inflammation by protecting the body against damage from the chemicals of the cigarette. Besides smoking, drinking alcohol also depletes vitamin C in the body. (7)

Individuals with certain health and medical conditions such as diabetes (6), heart disease (6), stroke (6), and chronic kidney disease (8) also tend to have lower vitamin C status. Vitamin C levels also decrease during infections such as Covid-19 virus infection. (9) These conditions cause inflammation in the body and thus, depletes vitamin C levels in the body.

How to choose the best vitamin C supplement

When it comes to choosing the best vitamin C supplements, it is better to select those with the following features:

• Vitamin C from natural sources instead of synthetic
• Comes with bioflavonoids and other antioxidants or nutrients
• Vitamin C that is slowly delivered and sustainable for longer periods as the body cannot absorbed high doses at one go.
• From reputable companies emphasizing on evidenced-based, clinically proven formulas, and uses safe ingredients from trusted suppliers

Why Super C?

• Evidenced-based formulation.
• Clinically proven to more sustainable, faster absorption, and higher retention rate.
• Natural vitamin C from corn, comes with citrus bioflavonoids and fatty acids for maximum absorption and higher bioavailability.
• Comes with zinc and vitamin E for enhanced immune protection
• Non – acidic and gentle on the gut
• Convenient with a once-a-day dosage
• Easy to swallow, in powder form

References

1. Recommended Nutrient Intakes Malaysia 2017.Putrajaya: National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition, Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2017.
2. Zhang J, Rao X, Li Y, Zhu Y, Liu F, Guo G et al. Pilot trial of high-dose vitamin C in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Annals of Intensive Care. 2021;11(1).
3. Sasazuki S, Sasaki S, Tsubono Y, Okubo S, Hayashi M, Tsugane S. Effect of vitamin C on common cold: randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005;60(1):9-17.
4. Carr A, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211.
5. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;2013(5).
6. Carr A, Rowe S. Factors Affecting Vitamin C Status and Prevalence of Deficiency: A Global Health Perspective. Nutrients. 2020;12(7):1963.
7. Marik P, Liggett A. Adding an orange to the banana bag: vitamin C deficiency is common in alcohol use disorders. Critical Care. 2019;23(1).
8. Deicher R, Hörl W. Vitamin C in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis Patients. Kidney and Blood Pressure Research. 2003;26(2):100-106.
9. Carr A, Spencer E, Dixon L, Chambers S. Patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia Exhibit Depleted Vitamin C Status and Elevated Oxidative Stress. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1318.

According to Worldometers data, there are more than 100.83 million confirmed cases worldwide and 2.16 million deaths. While in Malaysia, total covid-19 confirmed cases has surpassed the 200,000-mark and yet the daily confirmed new cases still remains at four figures. It is still a long way for us battling with the novel coronavirus. ⁽¹⁾

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus that can spread from person to person. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (through coughing and sneezing), and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, eyes.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness like fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and sore throat. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. ⁽²⁾

Besides precautions like hand-washing, social distancing and wear a mask, what can we do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses that we may be exposed to?

The Answer is : Our Immune System!

Our immune system is a central player in the fight against COVID-19. It protects our bodies from all sorts of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other organisms that we touch, ingest and inhale every day. Thus, we definitely need our immune systems to be in the best shape to fight off diseases. We need to be healthy and fit enough to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boosting Immunity to Prevent COVID-19

Healthy living strategies you can do to keep your own immune system functioning at top capacity include:

1. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. The immune  system need all the vitamins and minerals in our food to function well.

• A simple way to balance diet is to follow the Malaysia Healthy Plate method (#QuarterQuarterHalf).

– ¼ plate grains or grain products, preferably whole grains such as brown rice or wholemeal bread

– ¼ plate fish or, poultry, meat, or egg

– ½ plate of fruits and vegetables

2. Get enough sleep.7-8 hours sleeping time is the best way to help your body build immunity. Lack of sleep will impair other body functions that will have a direct impact on your immunity.

3. Exercising regularly. Moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week is recommended by experts. Regular exercise improves metabolism, which has a direct correlation with body immunity.

• Some example home workouts we can do to keep us moving while staying at home during this pandemic:

– Run 20 times round your dining table

– Jog 10x around home compound

– Clean the house or wash the car

– Watch and follow exercises on YouTube

– Do stretches or ride a stationary bike while watching TV

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol . Smoking (nicotine) , vaping and alcohol consumption can cause weakened body immunity and cause respiratory illnesses.

• The effects of smoking on the respiratory system makes it more likely that smokers contract the COVID-19virus and face a greater risk of getting a severe infection as their lung health is already compromised.
• Excessive alcohol around 14 drinks per week or more than five to six drinks at a time does directly suppress the immune system, and increase risk of infectious diseases.

*1 drink = 300 ml Beer/ 150ml Wine/ 30ml Distilled Spirit(rum, whisky, vodka)  

5. Manage your stress. Stress can suppress the immune system. Boredom, job loss, financial insecurity and lack of outdoor activities during movement control are affecting our psychological, mental and physical wellbeing.

• Try to take time to relax and include activities that help you handle stress like yoga and meditation.

Immunity Support Supplements 

While all the above-mentioned tips will definitely help, the need of the hour is a quick boost to your immunity system to keep it fighting fit. Here are a few common supplements and superfoods that can help.

1. Vitamin C, the army of immunity. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It helps prevent viral , bacteria infections and shortening the duration of common cold.

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended dietary intake of Vitamin C ranges from 75 mg for adult women and 90 mg for adult men. For example, 1 small orange contains 50mg Vitamin C.⁽³⁾

2. Vitamin D is one of the most important immune system strengthening nutrients that can reduce the risk of colds and flu.

• Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. Aim to get 10–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm at least twice a week ⁽⁴⁾

3. Zinc is a vital component to white blood cells which fights infections. It can help reduce the number of infections and the duration of the common cold.

4. Yeast Beta-Glucans have shown to stimulate activity against viral attack, which cause a decrease in cold and flu symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections.

5. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost the immune system. They have antibacterial and antiviral properties which help fight viruses, infections, cold and influenza.

While you may not be able to completely avoid getting sick, a strong and healthy immune system can be your first line of defense. Focusing on your immune health can definitely help your body be better prepared to fight and minimize the risks of COVID-19 infection.

References:

1. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-vitamin-c-should-i-take-daily,recommended-intake
4. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2010.

Related Product

Add to Wishlist

Quick View

Ultimate Immune Booster

IMMUNE UP (20 S’ x 2.5G)

Rated 4.00 out of 5

RM122.50

Add to cart