Long COVID Syndrome and Digestive Issue Relationship
Are you suffering from a lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain after a COVID-19 infection? This article may help you understand the possible causes of all these symptoms.
What are the Typical Symptoms of Post-COVID Syndrome?
According to Dr. Gerg Vanichkachorn, long COVID syndrome, also known as post-COVID, is more than fatigue and shortness of breath. Symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, and ringing in the ears have been reported, and recently, physicians have been seeing more patients with gastrointestinal problems (Theimer, 2022).
Dr. Vanichkachorn reports a range of digestive issues, from mild symptoms like nausea and a loss of appetite to severe conditions like constipation and food intolerance, as well as physical reactions to certain foods. Among 147 patients with no previous gastrointestinal problems, 16% experienced new digestive symptoms about 100 days following their COVID-19 infection (Theimerc2022). These include:
- Abdominal pain: 7.5%
- Constipation: 6.8%
- Diarrhea: 4.1%
- Vomiting: 4.1%
The Interaction Between Long-Term COVID Effects and Gut-Brain Communication
A contemporaneous study discovered that patients suffering from long COVID complications were displaying symptoms associated with disorders of gut-brain interaction. The manifestations of such disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and incontinence. However, additional research is necessary to establish a definitive connection between a COVID-19 infection and the onset of gastrointestinal issues. The epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract likely harbors an abundance of receptors that the SARS-CoV-2 virus exploits to infiltrate cells. The systemic inflammation triggered by the infection may disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and stimulate the nerves of the gastrointestinal system.
How Can Long COVID Haulers Experience Gut-Related Symptoms?
The reasons behind the persistence of gut symptoms following a COVID-19 infection remain uncertain. One potential explanation could be a well-recognized syndrome known as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may follow a bout of gastroenteritis.
Even when the illness-causing bug has long since disappeared, alterations in the signaling between the gut and the brain may take place. An intricate web of nerves linking the gut and the brain facilitates communication across various parts of the gut. These nerves are responsible for instructing bodily organs to create digestive juices, signaling the need for a restroom visit, or changing your appetite.
The gut’s nerve network is so intricate it’s often referred to as the ‘second brain’. This is due to the enteric nervous system’s complex neuron network lining the gut, boasting over 100 million neurons and numerous vital neurotransmitters. When these nerves function properly, it’s seamless: you can eat without discomfort, bowel movements are effortless, and gastrointestinal concerns are non-existent. However, if these nerves falter, even with normal digestion, you might experience symptoms like pain or unsettling changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms and Disordered Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs) After Long COVID
Gut diseases that were once categorized as functional GI disorders are now referred to as disordered gut-brain interactions (DGBIs). It’s thought that when the gut is infected by viruses and bacteria, it might trigger an alteration in gut-brain communication, potentially leading to the onset of a DGBI like IBS.
COVID-19 has the potential to harm the nerve supply to the digestive system, inducing what is known as gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. As we continue to learn about the virus’s impact on the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, we’ve come to understand that it can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining by infecting cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Research indicates that up to half of the patients show gastrointestinal symptoms, which could include a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other enteric symptoms.
Autonomic dysfunction, a disruption in the autonomic nervous system, can lead to gastrointestinal problems by damaging the nerve supply in the digestive system. This disruption can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including viral infections, and can impact appetite, digestion, bowel movements, and even sexual function. The dysfunction may occur directly due to the underlying disorder’s impact on both the autonomic nerve and the gut or as a delayed consequence of autonomic dysfunction in the gut. Although gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction is a rare complication of COVID-19, it can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and prognosis.
Suggestions for Anti-Inflammatory Diet to Alleviate Digestive Issues in Long COVID Patients
For those recovering from Long COVID, a Mediterranean diet can be beneficial. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and olive oil while reducing processed foods. It’s nutrient-rich and low in unhealthy fats and processed items, supporting overall health. Moreover, an anti-inflammatory diet, which minimizes artificial sugars and processed foods and prioritizes nutrient-rich, whole foods, could significantly improve the health of Long COVID patients. This diet combats inflammation, which can help manage the symptoms of Long COVID and prevent further complications like inflammable bowel disease or irritable bowel disease.
Remember to Include Probiotics for Gut Health in Your Long COVID Recovery Plan.
Numerous studies demonstrate the various benefits of probiotics, which include enhancing skin health, providing anti-inflammatory properties, boosting gut health, and bolstering the immune system. Probiotics are naturally present in many foods. However, only a few probiotic strains, such as Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infants, and Lactobacillus plantarum, have been found to have significant benefits for gut health.
Happy gut, happy mind!
References:
Barrea, L., Grant, W. B., Frias-Toral, E., Vetrani, C., Verde, L., Docimo, A., Savastano, S., Colao, A., & Muscogiuri, G. (2022). Dietary Recommendations for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Nutrients, 14(6).
Elbeltagi, R., Al-Beltagi, M., Saeed, N. K., & Bediwy, A. S. (2023). COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction: A systematic review. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 11(22), 5252–5272.
Theimer, S. (2022, June 21). Long COVID and the digestive system: Mayo Clinic expert describes common symptoms.
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