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A Gut Feeling: Long COVID and GI symptoms
Over the past two years, it has become clear that post COVID syndrome (PCS) is more than just fatigue and shortness of breath. Symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, ringing in the ears, and even eye changes have been reported as part of PCS, and it seems that every day we are learning more about possibly related symptoms.
One group of symptoms we are hearing more about lately involves the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In our COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program (CARP), patients have reported a wide variety of GI issues, ranging from mild nausea and decreased appetite to severe and new constipation and food intolerance.
And what we have seen firsthand has also been documented in medical literature. A study published in March 2022 found that in 147 patients with no prior GI problems, 16% reported having new GI symptoms roughly 100 days after their SARS-COV2 infection.1 The most common symptoms included:
- Abdominal pain 7.5%
- Constipation 6.8%
- Diarrhea 4.1%
- Vomiting 4.1%
Similarly, in a study published in April 2022, researchers found that patients with PCS were experiencing Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBI).2 Symptoms with this condition included:
- Heartburn
- Troubles swallowing
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Incontinence
While we are not sure yet, there are several possible ways the COVID-19 infection could cause GI problems. For example, the lining of the gut has a large amount of the receptors that the SARS-COV2 virus uses to invade cells. The general inflammation caused by the infection can also disrupt the normal bacteria that live in the gut and stimulate some of the GI system nerves.
What should you do if you are experiencing GI symptoms as part of PCS?
First, make sure to adequately hydrate and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Fad and extreme diets have not been found to be helpful in PCS. Instead, we recommend a standard Mediterranean diet with a reduction in processed foods. Second, avoid using lots of over-the-counter products to treat your symptoms. Sometimes, this can make the problem worse. Instead, speak to your medical professional first to develop a treatment plan.
Hopefully, with more research, we will be able to offer more treatments that get patients feeling better faster.
- JW B, J L, D J, DE F. Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms after recovery from COVID-19. Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society. 2022;34(3).
- R EN, A S, I S, et al. Gastrointestinal symptoms and the severity of COVID-19: Disorders of gut-brain interaction are an outcome. Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society. 2022.
Read more about PCS through the eyes of a MN legislator. Connect with other people like you and share your recovery tips and successes in the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 support group.
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Supplements to support and rebuild the gut microbiome might help. Probiotic and prebiotic supplements, like AOR LGlutamine Powder and Genuine Health Organic Gut Superfoods (mixed in homemade iced tea) really helped me. Also more prebiotic foods like kefir. A naturopath may help, especially if you can find one who knows about gut microbiome.
Yes. Almost exactly the same but I also am struggling with nausea and can't eat or drink anything cold as it hurts my stomach.
As an 80-year-old, (acting and living as a very healthy 65-year-old) I was tested and confirmed positive for Covid-19 on December 8, 2020 and was directed to go to a ER immediately. I had double pneumonia Covid-19 and spent 5 days in isolation at the UW Hospital in Madison, WI. Upon my release they told me I would be on oxygen 24/7 the remainder of my life. Upon returning to our home December 17, 2020, I immediately started walking around our kitchen island which is 45' lineal feet around dragging an oxygen tank wearing an oxygen mask and an oxygen sensor on my finger to insure I didn't let my oxygen level get below 90% while exercising. I was able to get up to 200 laps daily within two weeks and by February 28th, I was able to remove my supplemental oxygen and have not used any since. (Thank God) My long-haul issues with covid include Covid Gastritis and Quad muscle Covid. It's my belief Covid-19 made me 10 years older than my chronological age. I find my short-term memory is also suspect.
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2 ReactionsHi,
I tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms in April. I ended having diarrhea as one of the main symptoms. I had a slight case of GI issues a few days before getting COVID from drinking contaminated rain water while hiking. It normally clears up in few days to a week. This time however, it didn't and got worse during and after COVID. I started taking probiotics a couple of weeks after I tested negative. It helped a bit. But to this day I still suffer from daily bouts of gas, cramps and loose stools. Some days are better then others. Some days I have no symptoms at all. I came across your comments and was wondering if your symptoms are similar and if taking the products that your naturopath helped reduce the symptoms quickly? Are you also cured and free of the GI symptoms today? Are you still taking the same supplements everyday now? Thank you.
Oh dear, I empathize with you! My (resurfaced) allergic reaction is actually wicked eczema around my eyes if I eat foods to which I am sensitive (a huge list) - altho I caught it early this time, itching only, no rash. BUT it happens because of weakness in my gut so I need to rebuild my gut lining and gut microbiome. I am no expert but I would think your symptoms could be an out of balance microbiome, so similar supplements may help. The supplements stopped my itching very quickly this time (2 weeks) but I still take them for maintenance....and may stay on them at least thru covid so if I get it again, my gut is in the best condition it can be. The naturopath also said diversity of diet is very important for a healthy gut - I am to eat at least 30 different fruits/vegetables/herbs/ nuts and seeds, along with prebiotic foods every week. I also practice yoga at least 20 minutes a day, which has made an amazing difference in how my entire body works - 10 lbs in water weight slid away. I use my family doctor, who I chose because she was open to the fact I use a naturopath, in conjunction with the naturopath.
I would suggest keeping a daily food diary to help you see if what you eat is related to when you a symptomatic day. I use excel, with columns for each daily meal and snacks. This really helped me define my food sensitivities. It's a bit of a pain, but it may help give you a sense you are doing something to help yourself get better - taking some control!
Wishing you success, and patience in your GI journey. It takes time and patience...so don't give up!
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1 ReactionWow thanks to everyone who posted here! I had COVID (pre-vaccine) in Jan of 2021 and in July starting having bloating and feeling dizzy and weak. My stools were green. They did bloodwork, colon and endoscopy, ultrasound, everything “normal”. I avoid acidic food, switched to a low acid coffee, generally avoid alcohol. Also started drinking chaga tea and taking Align. It was ok for 9 months, now just recently the symptoms have reared their ugly heads again. Any other suggestions?
Hi,
Thanks for the insight into how you are dealing with your situation.
You have no idea how helpful you have been!
It's given me some hope on how to deal with mine.
I just bought those supplements you suggested on Amazon and am patiently waiting for them to be delivered tomorrow.
I hope to have good results from it.
But no matter what, my gut will get some benefits from it.
I used to eat junk food to get by because I work long hours.
Perhaps this is a wake-up call to get me to look after myself and my gut better.
So I thank you for that too.
I'll keep a food diary as you suggested....that's a great idea!
Thanks for the words of encouragement...that means a lot as well.
I also wish you great health on your allergy and gut health journey 🙂
I had the same thing after covid but they did a colonoscopy and found that I had bad gut bacteria so was put on antibiotics it did cure it but I still have flare ups of diarrhea but I take probiotics and probiotics that have helped a lot. Now the only time I have diarrhea is if I'm having a rebound of my covid long haulers. I have burning, pins and needles and numbing then I get a sore throat and also with diarrhea. This has been going on for 18 months but it seems like it's getting better but I had a booster shot two weeks ago and completely set me backwards. Now it seems to be leveling off again.
I have to avoid oxalate and developed same problem…. Currently going to try small amount of magnesium citrate…. As this seems to help others. Please let me know if you find anything that works.
Same here... will long covid ever let go? 16 months post covid for me...still no taste, smell, fatigue, brain fog, GI issues... a little better but no where near 100%. Funny how small improvements are celebrated and and in a strange way comforted by the fact I am am not alone. Hang in there!
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