Understanding Post-COVID Complications

I created this video series to explain the causes of post-COVID complications, how to prevent them, and how to reverse them. I have no connection with any products; I’m simply reporting on clinical trial data.

My Goals:

1. Help People with Long COVID – There are no established treatments, so self-care is critical.

2. Prevent Long COVID in Acute Cases – In my clinical practice, very few of my patients who followed these protocols developed long COVID.

3. Educate Health Professionals – Many existing medical treatments can be repurposed to address post-COVID conditions.

I’ve posted a document on my website, drgalland.com, called Long COVID Prevention and Treatment. This document, available since January 2023, is being revised with an interactive AI component to support the information in these videos.

COVID-19 Is Here to Stay

- COVID-19 has become endemic, meaning it is always present.

- Each new infection increases the risk of developing long COVID.

- An estimated 400 million people worldwide have suffered from long COVID.

Four Main Patterns of Post-COVID Complications:

1. Persistent Illness – Some people never fully recover from their initial infection.

2. Relapse After Recovery – 90% of long COVID cases started with a mild infection.

3. Worsening of Preexisting Conditions – COVID can trigger or aggravate allergies, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders.

4. Development of New Conditions – Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease have been linked to post-COVID effects.

The Root Cause: Altered Physiology

- COVID-19 changes the way your body functions, leading to long COVID, worsening preexisting conditions, and new health issues.

- In 2022, I created a graphic called A Web of Long COVID to explain these interconnected changes.

The First Step in Healing: Self-Management

The ancient Greeks used the term "daiata", meaning a complete way of life—including sleep, rest, exercise, hygiene, and diet. This holistic approach is key to long COVID recovery.

Prioritizing Sleep

- Sleep is essential for brain detoxification via the glymphatic system, which removes harmful metabolic waste.

- Tips for Better Sleep:

- Maintain a regular schedule.

- Avoid screens, blue light, and late-night TV.

- Use dark amber glasses in the evening.

- Consider natural sleep aids like melatonin, magnesium, theanine, glycine, saffron, ashwagandha, and magnolia bark.

Balancing Rest & Exercise

- Do not overexert too soon after COVID—many who push themselves too hard relapse.

- Monitor your limits: If activity worsens symptoms, cut back.

- Overuse of mental energy can also lead to physical fatigue.

The Role of Diet

- A plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet helps with recovery.

- A Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Columbia study found:

- 40% more vegetables = 70% lower risk of severe COVID.

- High-protein, low-carb diets increased severe COVID risk by 4x (due to lack of vegetables).

- Certain diets (e.g., high sodium, low histamine, gluten-free, time-restricted eating) may benefit some people.

The Web of Long COVID: Key Components

At the center of the web:

1. ACE2 Deficiency – The gateway through which COVID enters the body.

2. Mitochondrial Dysfunction – The root cause of post-COVID fatigue and metabolic disorders.

Key Recovery Strategies

- Restore ACE2 Activity:

- Diet: Polyphenol-rich foods, herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano), and intermittent fasting.

- Supplements:Vitamin D, Curcumin, Resveratrol.

- Support Mitochondria:

- Coenzyme Q10 & B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3/Niacin).

Addressing Viral Persistence & Gut Health

- The virus lingers in tissues even after the acute infection is over.

- Dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalance) is closely linked to long COVID.

- Suggested Treatments:

- Resveratrol (3600 mg/day)

- Medicinals Nine (a multi-herbal formula)

- Probiotics & Enzymes like Immuno Sub and Bio Ultra.

Healing Blood Vessels & Preventing Clots

- COVID causes blood vessel inflammation (endothelial dysfunction) and microclots.

- Helpful Supplements:

- Arginine + Vitamin C – Improves energy and blood flow.

- Pycnogenol (from French pine bark).

- Vinpocetine & Ginkgo Biloba – Improve circulation and cognitive function.

- Nattokinase & Aspirin – Help prevent clotting.

- Omega-3 Fats – Reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Final Thoughts & Summary

Key Self-Management Steps for Recovery:

1. Prioritize Sleep & Rest – Manage exertion and listen to your body.

2. Support ACE2 & Mitochondria – Through diet, Vitamin D, Curcumin, and Resveratrol.

3. Improve Gut Health & Remove Viral Remnants – Using probiotics and targeted supplements.

4. Heal Blood Vessels & Prevent Clotting – Through Arginine, Pycnogenol, Ginkgo Biloba, and Omega-3s.

Recovery is possible, and many patients have regained their full health—even better health than before COVID.

Next Video: Post-COVID Fatigue

The next video will explore mitochondrial dysfunction, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)—two conditions that contribute to long COVID symptoms.