Anti-inflammatory diet Expert Views

Moira Newiss, a nutritional therapist, discusses the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet for individuals with Long Covid, particularly those experiencing gut-related issues. She explains that mast cells, immune cells in the gut, can release histamine during immune activation, leading to inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain. A low histamine diet, which avoids foods like fermented items, cured meats, and certain vegetables, may help manage these symptoms. However, she emphasizes that responses to such diets vary among individuals and recommends seeking professional advice. Additionally, she highlights the importance of anti-inflammatory foods, which are both beneficial and enjoyable.

Professor Mary Hickson emphasizes the importance of a balanced and evidence-based approach to diet for Long Covid recovery. She warns against overly restrictive diets, such as low histamine diets, unless they show clear benefits, as they can lead to nutritional deficiencies and harm. Hickson recommends seeking professional advice from dietitians or nutritionists when trying such diets and stresses the importance of monitoring their effects. She advocates for a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins, as a general optimal diet for health and recovery. Hickson also highlights the importance of obtaining nutrients from food rather than supplements, unless correcting a specific deficiency.

Prof. Jack Lambert, an infectious disease consultant, emphasizes the importance of dietary changes and supplements for managing Long Covid. He suggests using multivitamins containing zinc, selenium, magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10 to address deficiencies. He also highlights the role of probiotics and gut health, noting that 90% of immune cells are in the gut. Products like Kefir, a fermented milk drink, are recommended for their historical use in treating chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Additionally, Lambert discusses the benefits of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), which supports mitochondrial repair and muscle strength, and natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and green tea extract. While he acknowledges that definitive proof of these products' effectiveness is lacking, he believes they make sense as part of a comprehensive protocol.

Dr. Tim Robinson emphasizes the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet for managing Long Covid. He highlights the role of gut health, particularly the microbiota, in supporting the immune system, producing vitamins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. He recommends including omega-3 fish oils and vitamin D in the diet, noting that vitamin D supplementation is especially important for those in regions with limited sunlight. Dr. Robinson also discusses the broader aspects of Long Covid management, such as sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and pacing activities to manage fatigue effectively.

Lauren Stiles, President and co-founder of Dysautonomia International, suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce inflammation in Long Covid patients. She recommends foods rich in Omega-3s, such as salmon, walnuts, and olive oil, and advises following a Mediterranean-style diet. Additionally, she emphasizes eating smaller meals throughout the day to avoid worsening symptoms like dysautonomia. Stiles acknowledges that adopting new dietary habits can be overwhelming and advises patients to make changes gradually, one step at a time.

Dr. Corinna Geiger, a gastroenterologist, discusses the role of gut health in managing Long Covid symptoms. She highlights that gastrointestinal (GI) issues are a significant part of the immune system's functioning and often prioritizes addressing these first. She mentions hypotheses about Long Covid, including persistent infections and low-grade inflammation linked to mast cell activation. Dr. Geiger emphasizes the importance of balancing inflammatory markers, improving sleep, and hormone regulation for recovery. She also notes that a low histamine diet can help reduce histamine overload, which may alleviate symptoms.

Dr. Katy Munro emphasizes the importance of diet and gut health for managing chronic conditions like Long Covid. She recommends a low glycemic index (GI) diet, which avoids high-sugar and processed foods, and includes more protein and fat for slow-release energy. She also advises consuming a wide variety of plant-based foods, aiming for 30 different types weekly, including herbs, legumes, and pulses. Dr. Munro notes that while low histamine diets have been criticized for being overly restrictive, the low GI diet offers flexibility and avoids malnourishment.

Dr. Masha Makeeva, a Canadian Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor, emphasizes the importance of diet in managing Long Covid symptoms. She explains that Long Covid can cause inflammation, which leads to pain and fatigue, and that an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce these symptoms. Dr. Makeeva recommends eliminating foods that cause inflammation, such as gluten and lectins, and highlights the benefits of a lectin-free diet, especially for those with gastrointestinal issues. She also notes that replenishing nutrients lost during acute COVID illness is crucial for recovery.

Dr. Sarah Myhill emphasizes the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, particularly a Paleo ketogenic diet, for managing Long Covid and ME/CFS. She explains that this diet avoids common allergens like dairy, gluten, and yeast, while focusing on healthy fats and fiber to support energy production and gut health. Dr. Myhill highlights that ketones, derived from fats and fiber, are the preferred fuel for mitochondria, which are crucial for energy delivery. She also debunks myths about fats being harmful and stresses the need for unprocessed fats and diverse fiber sources to maintain a healthy microbiome.

Anna Marsh explains that an anti-inflammatory diet, particularly one leaning towards a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet, can help manage symptoms of Long Covid. She emphasizes the importance of balancing blood glucose and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and support immune regulation, especially during nighttime when the immune system is more active. She also highlights the role of essential fatty acids in sending anti-inflammatory signals to the body and restoring immune system rhythms.