Support for Long Covid with Functional Medicine

Long COVID, also known as post-viral fatigue or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), is a condition where symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection has resolved. For many, it can feel like the body never fully “resets,” leaving them with a confusing mix of symptoms that affect daily life and wellbeing.

It’s now estimated that over 65 million people worldwide are living with Long COVID. The condition can show up differently depending on the individual. Factors like age, sex, genetics, prior health history, and even how severe the original COVID infection was can all influence what Long COVID looks like. In those who were hospitalised or severely affected, symptoms may stem from lasting tissue damage, particularly in older men. For others—often younger women aged 36–50—even a mild infection may have triggered widespread physiological changes that linger long after the virus is gone. ¹

Scientists are still uncovering the underlying causes, but several mechanisms have been proposed:

• Organ damage from the original infection (especially to the lungs, brain, or heart).
• Autonomic nervous system disruption, affecting things like heart rate, digestion, and temperature regulation.
• Immune dysregulation, including ongoing inflammation or autoimmunity.
• Blood vessel dysfunction, affecting blood flow and vessel integrity.
• Viral persistence, where traces of the virus may linger in the body.
• Blood clotting changes, leading to circulation and oxygenation issues.
• A prolonged Cell Danger Response, where the body remains “stuck” in a protective state long after the initial threat has passed.

Because Long COVID can impact multiple systems at once, it can feel unpredictable and exhausting. And many people are told their test results are normal—even while they’re living with very real, daily symptoms.

At Embracing Nutrition, we take a functional medicine approach that looks beneath the surface. We work with you to understand what’s driving your symptoms and create a personalised plan to support your healing journey—step by step.