Have you ever felt tired and tired even after recovering from the coronavirus? You’re not alone. Millions of people are experiencing prolonged COVID-19 infection, a series of frustrating symptoms that linger long after initial infection.Now, research from cambridge university It suggests a surprising cause: low iron levels.
iron source
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also important for growth, development, normal cell function, and the synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue.
We get iron from certain plant and animal foods, such as red meat and poultry. Plant-based iron sources contain non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as efficiently as heme iron found in animal foods.
However, non-heme iron can be taken with vitamin C and animal protein to increase its absorption. The coronavirus can disrupt how the body manages iron, leading to iron deficiency or abnormal iron stores. This can worsen the infection and affect your recovery.
Characteristics of the long-lasting new coronavirus
Researchers closely followed a group of 214 people for a year after they first experienced symptoms of coronavirus infection.
The experts analyzed various aspects of the participants’ health, including their level of inflammation, the amount of iron in their blood, the activity of genes related to iron management, and the level of red blood cell production.
By comparing this information, researchers were able to identify a specific set of characteristics of long-lasting coronavirus infections.
inflammation and anemia
Many people in the study continued to experience symptoms of inflammation and anemia, a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells, for up to a year.
Anemia can make you feel tired and weak because your body’s tissues don’t get enough oxygen. This is a frequent complaint among people who have had COVID-19 for a long time.
Continuing inflammation suggests that the body’s immune system is still active even after the initial infection has subsided.
New coronavirus and abnormal iron levels
The study found that people with long-term COVID-19 infections had abnormal iron levels, suggesting an imbalance in how the body processes iron.
Additionally, the researchers identified changes in genes that control iron management and showed that COVID-19 can disrupt these regulatory mechanisms.
This association suggests that iron management issues may influence the duration of COVID-19 infection and the severity of symptoms.
Iron deficiency and recovery from the new coronavirus
The study showed signs of a process called “stress-induced erythropoiesis” in people with long-term COVID-19 infections. This is when your body tries to quickly produce more red blood cells in response to inflammation, such as stress or infection. This study suggests that this process may not work properly in some people after being infected with COVID-19.
“If this continues for a long time, red blood cells become low in iron, making them less efficient at transporting oxygen, affecting metabolism and energy production, and also affecting white blood cells, which require iron to function properly.” said the research collaborator.Author Hal Drakesmith oxford university. “Ultimately it comes down to protection mechanisms.”
The researchers noted that there may be a role for iron supplementation not only during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, but also as a potential treatment for long-term COVID-19 infection.
Long-lasting coronavirus symptoms
This condition can lead to various health problems that last for several months. Many people who have had COVID-19 for a long time experience extreme fatigue even after resting. You may also have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and concentrating, sometimes referred to as brain fog.
Other common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty doing activities that used to be easy, such as walking or going up and down stairs. People who have had COVID-19 for a long time may experience heart problems such as palpitations, chest pain, and increased heart rate. It can also cause ongoing aches and pains in your muscles and joints.
Some people lose their sense of taste and smell, and these senses may never fully return. Some people have trouble sleeping because they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or not feeling refreshed. You may also experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite may persist.
Another symptom of long-term coronavirus infection is feeling tired after exercise. This means that your symptoms worsen after doing any physical or mental activity. All these problems can make it difficult for people to participate in daily life.
Recovery from prolonged new coronavirus infection
If you’re experiencing the lingering effects of COVID-19, here are some steps you can take to improve your overall health.
please consult your doctor
It is important to get a complete evaluation from a medical professional to rule out other possible symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
manage symptoms
This may include the use of medications to reduce pain, breathing exercises to improve lung function, or other therapies depending on your specific symptoms.
Consider physical and cognitive rehabilitation
Physical therapy and graded exercise programs can help manage fatigue and improve physical function, while cognitive rehabilitation techniques can address brain fog and other cognitive issues.
Prioritize a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help manage symptoms and support your overall health. In some cases, your doctor may recommend supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies.
Seek mental health support
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues associated with prolonged COVID-19, don’t hesitate to seek help. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very helpful.
Pace yourself and manage your energy
Learn to listen to your body and pace your activities to avoid overexerting yourself and worsening your symptoms. Balance rest and activity and manage your energy levels effectively.
Be patient and adaptable
Long-term infection with the coronavirus is unpredictable, and symptoms can fluctuate over time. It is important to monitor your progress and work with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Get the latest information
Research into the long-term coronavirus is still ongoing, and new treatments may become available in the future. Get the latest developments from trusted sources.
Remember that the long-lasting coronavirus will affect everyone differently. The key is to find a personalized approach that helps you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The research will be published in a journal innate immunology.
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