Ever feel like you can’t shake that lingering fatigue even after recovering from covid? You are not alone. Millions of people experience prolonged covid, a set of irritating symptoms that linger long after the initial infection. Now, from the research University of Cambridge It suggests a surprising culprit: low iron levels.
Metal springs
Iron is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is important for growth, development, normal cellular function, and the synthesis of certain hormones and connective tissue.
We get iron from certain plant and animal foods, such as red meat and poultry. Plant sources contain non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as efficiently as heme iron in animal products.
However, you can improve absorption of non-heme iron by supplementing it with vitamin C or animal proteins. Covid can disrupt how the body handles iron, causing iron deficiency or abnormal iron storage. This can worsen the infection and affect recovery.
Long features of covid
The researchers closely followed a group of 214 people a year after they first experienced symptoms of Covid-19.
The experts analyzed how much inflammation the participants had, how much iron they had in their blood, how genes related to iron handling worked, and how much red blood cells were being produced.
By comparing this data, the researchers were able to identify a set of long-term characteristics of Covid-19.
Inflammation and anemia
Many people in the study continued to have symptoms of inflammation and anemia, a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells, for up to a year.
Anemia can make people feel tired and weak because the body tissues do not get enough oxygen. This is a frequent complaint in people with prolonged covid.
Persistent inflammation indicates that the immune system is still active even though the original infection has cleared.
Covid and abnormal iron levels
The study found that people with prolonged covid had abnormal iron levels, indicating an imbalance in how their bodies handle iron.
Additionally, the researchers identified changes in genes that regulate iron handling, indicating that COVID-19 may disrupt these regulatory mechanisms.
This link suggests that problems with iron handling may play a role in how long it takes for COVID to develop and how severe the symptoms are.
Low iron and covid recovery
The study showed signs of a process called “stress erythropoiesis” in people with prolonged covid. This is when the body tries to make more red blood cells quickly in response to stress or disease, such as an infection. Research suggests that this process may not work properly in some people after a Covid-19 infection.
“If this continues for a long time, there is less iron for red blood cells, so oxygen is not transported properly, it affects metabolism and energy production, and white blood cells need iron to work properly,” he said. Author Hal Draksmith from University of Oxford. “It’s going to be a problem at the end of the defense.”
The researchers suggest the role of iron supplementation during the acute phase of infection with Covid-19, as well as the potential long-term treatment of Covid.
Long covid symptoms
The condition can cause various health problems that last for months. Many people with prolonged Covid experience extreme fatigue even after they recover. They may also have trouble concentrating, remembering, and focusing, which is sometimes called brain fog.
Other common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty performing previously simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Individuals with prolonged covid may experience heart problems such as palpitations, chest pain, or rapid heart rate. It can also cause constant aches and pains in the muscles and joints.
Some people lose their sense of taste or smell, and these senses may never come back completely. Others have trouble falling asleep, have trouble falling asleep, or find their sleep unrefreshing. They may also experience mood swings, anxiety or depression. In addition, digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, or loss of appetite may persist.
Another long-term symptom of Covid is post-exercise disorder, which means that symptoms get worse after a person engages in physical or mental activity. All these problems make it difficult for people to participate in daily activities.
Recovering from a long covid
Here are some steps you can take to improve your overall well-being if you are experiencing prolonged Covid:
Talk to your doctor
It is important to get a thorough evaluation from a health care professional to rule out other possible conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Manage your symptoms
This may include using medication for pain relief, breathing exercises to improve lung function, or other treatments based on your specific symptoms.
Consider physical and cognitive recovery
Exercise and exercise programs can help manage fatigue and improve physical performance, while cognitive rehabilitation techniques can help address brain fog and other cognitive issues.
Prioritize a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help manage your symptoms and support your overall health. In some cases, your doctor may recommend supplements to address any nutritional deficiencies.
Seek mental health support
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges related to prolonged Covid, don’t hesitate to seek help. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very helpful.
Practice your speed and manage your energy
Learn to listen to your body and speed up your activities to avoid over-pushing yourself and experiencing worse symptoms. Balance rest and activity to effectively manage your energy levels.
Patient and adaptable
Long-term Covid can be unpredictable, and your symptoms can change over time. It is important to work with your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Have information
Research into chronic covid is ongoing, and new treatment options may be available in the future. Get information about current affairs through reliable sources.
Remember, long covid affects everyone differently. The key is finding a personalized approach to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The study was published in the journal Nature Immunology.
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