The paper “Long COVID and its Management” by Cheng Koc et al (2022) discusses multi-factorial suggestions for the management of Long COVID symptoms. One of the points discussed is the potential benefit of the use of probiotics. Here’s a summary of the potential benefits of probiotics in managing Long COVID as discussed in the article:
1. Gut-Immune System Modulation: Probiotics are known to influence the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses. Given that Long COVID may involve immune system dysregulation, restoring a balanced microbiome through probiotics might help support immune function and reduce inflammation.
2. Reducing Inflammation: Some studies suggest that probiotics can help modulate systemic inflammation, which is often a key feature of Long COVID. By promoting a healthier balance of gut bacteria, probiotics may reduce inflammatory markers, which could alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and muscle pain.
3. Cognitive Function and “Brain Fog”: Probiotics may have neuroprotective effects. Emerging evidence indicates that gut health can influence brain function through the gut-brain axis. Probiotics might contribute to improving cognitive dysfunction (brain fog) commonly seen in Long COVID, although more research is needed to confirm this.
4. Supporting Digestive Health: Long COVID can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Probiotics can help restore gut health and regulate digestion, potentially improving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Long COVID.
Mental Health: Probiotics have been explored for their potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common in individuals suffering from Long COVID. Through gut-brain interactions, probiotics might improve mental health outcomes, helping manage the psychological burden of the condition.
Conclusion:
Probiotics could be considered a supportive treatment for managing various symptoms related to Long COVID. There are ongoing studies to further substantiate these findings
Reference:
Koc, H. C., Xiao, J., Liu, W., Li, Y., & Chen, G. (2022). Long COVID and its Management. International journal of biological sciences, 18(12), 4768–4780. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.75056