Episode #67: Understanding Long COVID Symptoms, Impact, and Potential Solutions

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a renowned expert in functional health and wellness, known for her comprehensive approach to integrating chiropractic care with holistic health practices. With a significant background in healthcare, Dr. Hieshetter emphasizes preventative care and wellness, leveraging chiropractic adjustments, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modifications to improve overall health. She is an influential voice in the field through her podcast, Functional Health Radio, where she shares insights on contemporary health challenges, including the long-term impacts of COVID-19.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the complexities of COVID-19 and its long-term effects, often referred to as "long COVID." With firsthand anecdotes from her own family's experience with the virus, she illustrates the varied impacts of COVID-19 on individuals, emphasizing the persistent and often debilitating symptoms experienced by many months or even years after the initial infection. Dr. Hieshetter explores why these long-lasting effects happen, highlighting the role of genetic factors, lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions.

Dr. Hieshetter's discussion is a valuable resource for those seeking understanding and solutions to the challenges posed by long COVID. She references a plethora of medical literature and research, explaining the virus's interaction with ACE2 receptors and its resultant impact on various bodily systems—including cardiovascular and neurological complications. Terms like myocarditis, pericarditis, and brain inflammation mark the severe potential consequences of long COVID. Interwoven through her narrative are powerful insights such as, "The virus gets in there and it trashes them," illustrating the significant medical implications of COVID-19's persisting presence in individuals.

Key Takeaways:

• Diverse Impacts of COVID-19: COVID-19 affects individuals differently, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing prolonged and severe consequences. Genetic predispositions and immune responses play a significant role.
• Understanding Long COVID: Persistent symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues, and respiratory problems are common and can significantly impact daily life and employment.
• Medical Insights: COVID-19's impact on ACE2 receptors and the cardiovascular system underscores the complexity of long-term complications, including myocarditis and neurological disorders.
• Support and Treatments: There are promising therapies emerging, such as low-level laser therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and specialized supplements like Nattokinase and Mitodetox 3 that support recovery from long COVID.
• Holistic Approach to Recovery: A combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help mitigate the effects of long COVID. Dr. Hieshetter emphasizes the importance of not giving up, "Even if you don't have access to that stuff, don't give up."

Notable Quotes:

• "There are 225 million people worldwide who have what we call long COVID, and that's a really big deal."
• "Every single blood vessel in the body has ACE2 receptors, which help regulate your blood pressure and fluid balance."
• "This COVID 19 virus, it's really crazy because this ACE2 expression is in many tissues and organs."
• "The incidence of myocarditis increased by 15 times compared to pre-COVID."
• "We're building solutions and very soon it's going to launch."

Resources:

• Studies on COVID-19 myocarditis and neurological impacts: "Circulation Research," "Molecular Neurobiology"
• Supplement recommendations for long COVID recovery: Nattokinase, Mitodetox 3
• Low-level laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen for brain health
• Dr. Hieshetter's recommended supplements: EPA/DHA, N-acetyl cysteine, and vitamins for boosting immune function

Encourage listeners to dive deeper into this episode to gain comprehensive insights into long COVID and discover practical ways to manage and mitigate its effects. Stay tuned for more explorative discussions on functional health from Functional Health Radio.