The Best Supplements and Natural Treatments for Long COVID

Between fatigue, brain fog, and other stubborn symptoms, recovering from long COVID can feel like an uphill battle. The road to recovery can be frustrating, but there IS hope.

Certain foundational habits can support post-COVID recovery. I covered them in my previous blog, along with some long-hauler basics. So if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out!

But if you’re already eating right and getting plenty of rest, yet your symptoms still won’t budge, you may need extra support. Luckily, many natural remedies may help ease symptoms and help your body recover.

And that’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article. Keep reading to learn the best supplements and natural treatments for long COVID.

Supplements to Support Long COVID Recovery

Right off the bat, I want to be clear: there are no FDA-approved treatments for long COVID. Research is still in its infancy–and more is needed.

The supplements and treatments in this article are based on the research so far and anecdotal evidence–including my own personal long COVID journey! Without these tools, I honestly don’t feel I would have been able to work or function.

Some of these supplements promote autophagy, helping your body clean out cells and clear the spike protein. Others help ease symptoms and keep the spike protein’s toxicity in check.

The best supplements for you will depend on your symptoms. Here are ten that show promise as long COVID remedies:

Melatonin

Sleep issues are a struggle for over 40% of long-haulers. Enter melatonin, the “sleep hormone.” Taking 1 mg of melatonin at bedtime may help long-haulers get more Zzz’s. And the better you sleep, the more your body can heal.

But its benefits don’t end there. Melatonin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and supports immune function. This means it may benefit all long-haulers, no matter how you’re sleeping.

Nattokinase

A close up of a bowl of natto, a food made from fermented soybeans. This could represent a natural supplement for overcoming Long COVID. Search for a functional medicine doctor in Orland Park, IL to learn more about the benefits of holistic medicine in the Chicago area today.

Nattokinase is an enzyme that comes from natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. But it’s also sold as a supplement. Research suggests nattokinase may help degrade the spike protein. And clearing that pesky spike protein is key to long COVID recovery.

On top of that, nattokinase helps break down blood clots. This may help long haulers, as some studies have linked long COVID symptoms to microclots and poor circulation. Nattokinase’s clot-busting properties may help improve blood flow and reduce clot formation.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. It lowers inflammation, helps regulate the immune system, and helps your body break down protein. And this may come in handy for treating long COVID. Research suggests bromelain may help break down the spike protein and prevent it from attaching to cells.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC, short for N-acetylcysteine, is the supplement form of the amino acid cysteine. It converts into glutathione, known as the ‘master antioxidant.’ NAC comes with many potential benefits for long COVID. It’s anti-inflammatory, boosts immune function, and even prevents viral replication.

If your long COVID symptoms include brain fog, NAC may help. One case study gave patients a combo of NAC and guanfacine–a medication used for high blood pressure and ADHD. Patients who continued treatment saw improvements in memory and focus and were able to resume their normal workload. While more research is needed, it’s worth a try!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, known as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This may explain why people with severe COVID infections are more likely to be low on vitamin D. And yes, low vitamin D levels are linked with long COVID too.

Soaking up some sun is an easy way to boost your vitamin D levels. Taking a vitamin D3 supplement can also help fill in the gaps. I recommend 5,000 IUs for patients recovering from long COVID. Vitamin D3 works best when taken with vitamin K2. So ideally, look for a formula that includes both.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. It helps with energy production, muscle and nerve function, and blood sugar regulation. Yet it also activates vitamin D and calms the nervous system. In short, it does a lot!

So when magnesium gets low, things can go awry. One study found that people with long COVID were more likely to be low on magnesium. Spinach, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, almonds, and avocados can help you get your fill of this nutrient. But taking a magnesium supplement can help too.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes, red wine, some berries, and peanuts. But it’s also sold as a supplement. And its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help with long COVID recovery.

Resveratrol binds to ACE-2 receptors, the gateway where COVID enters cells, to prevent viral replication. On top of that, it decreases inflammatory cytokines and may help calm the COVID cytokine storm.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may also help with long COVID recovery. They reduce inflammation, which plays a role in long COVID. Plus, they support cognitive function. Meaning, they may be helpful for long COVID brain fog.

A close up of a pile of supplement pills against a blue background. Search for functional medicine in Orland Park, IL to learn more about the help that a functional medicine doctor in the Chicago area can offer. Get in contact with a holistic doctor with Anchored in Health today.

You can bump up your omega-3 intake by eating foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds, or hemp seeds. However, taking a fish oil supplement with a combo of EPA and DHA is a smart move too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and immune booster, may tone down long COVID symptoms too. It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage your tissues and cells. Oxidative stress can worsen brain fog and fatigue–two of the most common long COVID symptoms.

Studies show taking a combo of vitamin C and L-arginine can reduce long COVID symptoms.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide and improves blood flow. Because of this, it may help with symptoms like long COVID fatigue and exercise intolerance.

Case in point: one study gave long haulers a combo of L-arginine and vitamin C for 28 days. Muscle strength, walking distance, and fatigue were all improved.

Natural Treatments for Long COVID

Apart from supplements, some natural treatments are also getting attention in the long COVID arena. Here are a couple:

Red light therapy

Red light therapy is trending these days–and for good reason. This safe, non-invasive treatment uses low-wavelength red light to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. It also enhances mitochondrial function, the parts of your cells that make energy (ATP). Meaning, it may help with long COVID fatigue.

Red light therapy was a total lifesaver in my own long COVID recovery. Before starting it, I had leg pain so severe I had to pull myself up the stairs at night. It was brutal. Thanks to red light therapy, the pain is almost gone.

From what I’ve learned, it’s best to do 20-30-minute treatments twice a day. The first treatment is more of a full-body treatment. The second one can target any problem areas (in my case, my legs). But if your schedule doesn’t allow that, do what you can!

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is another natural treatment that shows promise for long haulers. It involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This allows your lungs to take in 2-3 times more oxygen than usual. That oxygen-rich blood is then carried to your tissues to promote healing.

One small study had long haulers do 10 treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The results? They saw significant improvement in fatigue and brain fog. Another study had post-COVID patients do 40 daily HBOT treatments. Pain, sleep, quality of life, and mental health were all improved, even a year after treatment ended.

Medical Treatments for Long COVID

Certain medications also show promise in treating long COVID. I’ve shared three of them below. While I’m all for taking a natural approach, these meds have been a huge needle-mover for my own post-COVID symptoms.

Keep in mind, these treatments require a prescription and are not FDA-approved for long COVID (at least, not yet). That said, many integrative doctors prescribe them for post-COVID patients with success.

Low dose naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication best known for treating addiction. But it’s also used in much smaller doses to treat fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. Research suggests low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may benefit long haulers too. Here’s how.

LDN calms inflammation and boosts the release of endorphins. This, in turn, helps regulate the immune system and reduce pain. One small study showed LDN improved sleep, pain, energy, and concentration for post-COVID patients. Other studies echo these results.

Ivermectin

Ivermectin was quite controversial during the pandemic. Yet this Nobel prize-winning drug has been used for decades. It’s best known for treating parasites. But research suggests it could be helpful for long COVID too. It binds to the spike protein and has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. That said, more research is needed.

Methyl blue

Methyl blue, short for methylene blue, also shows potential for treating long COVID. It’s typically used for blood disorders. But it’s also getting attention for other uses, like supporting brain health and energy.

Methyl blue improves how your cells use oxygen, especially in the mitochondria, your cells “powerhouses.” Better mitochondrial function means more energy and less brain fog.

Improve Your Long COVID Recovery with Functional Medicine in Orland Park, IL

Long COVID recovery can be challenging. But you don’t need to do it alone. The supplements and treatments above can help ease symptoms and support your healing journey.

If you live in the Chicago area and struggling with long COVID symptoms, Anchored in Health is here to help. Our functional medicine doctor knows firsthand what it takes to recover from long COVID. And she’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help get you on the road to recovery.

Ready to reclaim your health from long COVID with Anchored in Health? Follow these steps:

Contact us with questions.
Book your first appointment with our functional medicine doctor here.
Experience how functional medicine can help you feel better and regain your energy!

Other Health and Wellness Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, we offer a wide range of services to help you support your health and well-being. These include chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We also offer genetic testing and thermography to help you uncover important insights about your body. Contact us to find out how we can help you live a healthier, more vibrant life!