Long Covid and Leaky Gut: Exploring the Connection
- Marcia Howard
- Mar 29, 2023
- 4 min read
It's difficult to estimate the exact number of people suffering from Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of COVID-19.
Research is ongoing, and the estimates of the prevalence of Long COVID vary widely depending on the population studied, the criteria used to define Long COVID, and the duration of follow-up. However, according to some studies, around 10-30% of people who have had COVID-19 may experience Long COVID symptoms.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid is a term used to describe symptoms that persist long after the initial recovery period from Covid-19. According to recent studies, as many as 25% of infected people may experience Long Covid, which has a significant impact on their quality of life. While the exact causes of Long Covid are still unknown, recent research has suggested a connection between Long Covid and leaky gut syndrome. In this post, I will explore the relationship between Long Covid and leaky gut and its potential implications.
Firstly, let's understand what leaky gut syndrome is. A leaky gut occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing toxic substances and harmful bacteria to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin conditions.
It is not entirely clear why the symptoms of long COVID and leaky gut overlap, as the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, are still being studied. However, a leaky gut is characterized by increased intestinal permeability, which can lead to inflammation and immune system dysfunction. Similarly, long COVID is thought to involve persistent immune system activation and inflammation, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms. It is possible that the inflammatory response seen in both conditions is contributing to the overlap in symptoms. Studies are ongoing to better understand the underlying mechanisms of both long COVID and leaky gut and how they relate to each other.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes more permeable than normal, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The exact symptoms of leaky gut can vary between individuals, but common symptoms include:
Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food allergies or food intolerances
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Joint pain or muscle pain
Headaches
Skin issues such as acne 1 , eczema, or rosacea
Nutritional deficiencies
Fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
It is important to note that while a leaky gut has been proposed as a possible cause or contributor to various health issues, it is not a recognized medical condition. More research is needed to fully understand its role in health and disease. If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
Symptoms Of Long Covid?
Alternatively, Long COVID is a condition where people continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 for an extended period of time, often weeks or months after the initial infection. According to the search results I found, some common symptoms of Long COVID include:
Fatigue or tiredness that interferes with daily life
Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as brain fog)
Headache
Sleep problems
Dizziness when standing up (lightheadedness)
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Loss of smell or taste
Muscle or body aches
Recent studies have suggested a link between Long Covid and leaky gut syndrome. One possible explanation for this is that Covid-19 damages the gut lining, allowing toxins and bacteria to pass into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and long-lasting symptoms. This theory is supported by a study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology, which found that 33% of Covid-19 patients had gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Another study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases found that Covid-19 patients who had gastrointestinal symptoms were more likely to have a leaky gut syndrome.
In addition to the direct effects of Covid-19 on the gut lining, several other factors may contribute to the development of leaky gut in Long Covid patients. One such factor is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage Covid-related symptoms. NSAIDs have been shown to cause intestinal permeability, which can exacerbate leaky gut in Long Covid patients.
Another factor that may contribute to leaky gut in Long Covid patients is the disruption of the gut microbiome. Covid-19 has been shown to alter the gut microbiome by reducing the diversity of beneficial bacteria and increasing the abundance of harmful bacteria. This dysbiosis can further damage the gut lining and worsen leaky gut in Long Covid patients. The implications of the Long Covid and leaky gut connection are significant. The persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation associated with a leaky gut can lead to a wide range of secondary health problems, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Therefore, improving gut health in Long Covid seems like the best way forward.
It's important to note that Long COVID affects people of all ages, including those who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19. If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Long Covid and they have tried everything but it seems help is still far off, download this guide here:
If you would like to get started on a program to aid the recovery of your gut and alleviate your symptoms, this link is for you. There is a vegan option as well.
If you would like to discuss anything you've read or you feel this is you, you can book a FREE chat with me here:
References -
1. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220911/Long-COVID-linked-to-persistence-of-SARS-CoV-2-spike-protein-in-blood.aspx
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.698169/full
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