Mailbag: Recovering from Fatigue and Cognitive Changes After COVID
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 29, 2024
“After recovering from a mild case of COVID, my perception of the world has changed. I feel that I am half asleep all the time and always tired, and normal tasks are more tiring and harder to undertake.
Taking naps used to perk me up, but no longer. I do not drive anymore because what I view does not seem real, sort of like I am in a dream.
My life for the last 6 months feels like I have become a zombie. I enter a store that I have been in many times before and it looks like it has gotten huge.
I have seen my primary care doctor and a neurologist to no avail. My condition does not seem to be getting any better and maybe a little worse over time.
I hope soon I will snap out of it but I am losing hope.
Thanks, if you give this any thought.
– Cheers, Peter”
Dear Peter,
I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing these troubling symptoms.
Everyone’s situation is different, and I’m glad you’re consulting with your doctors about your case. It’s always my first piece of advice to folks facing a health crisis.
When my own patients come to me with similar complaints, I typically suspect post-COVID syndrome or “long COVID,” which can persist for months, even after a mild infection.
Unfortunately, these symptoms—particularly fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and altered perception—are common in this condition.
With my own patients, I often will explore various natural approaches that have shown promise in relieving some of these symptoms. Those can include…
- Adaptogens: Herbs like Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha can help combat fatigue and support your body’s stress response. They are traditionally used to boost energy and mental clarity.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are found in fish oil or algae-based supplements and can support brain health and improve cognitive function.
- B-complex vitamins: The Bs are crucial for energy production and neurological function. A high-quality B-complex supplement could help with fatigue and cognition issues.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E and compounds like quercetin and resveratrol can combat the oxidative stress associated with post-COVID syndrome.
- Lion’s Mane mushroom: This fungus has neuroprotective properties and may support cognitive function.
- Acupuncture: Some patients report improvements in fatigue and cognitive symptoms with regular acupuncture sessions.
- Mitochondrial support: Supplements like Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid help boost cellular energy production.
- Graded exercise therapy: Gradually increasing physical activity under professional guidance might help combat fatigue over time. Conserving energy when battling post-COVID is crucial, so consulting with a physical therapist is best.
I always remind my patients that recovery from long COVID can be a slow process, and it’s vital to be patient with yourself. These natural approaches may help, but they’re not guaranteed solutions.
It’s essential to continue working with healthcare professionals knowledgeable about post-COVID syndrome.
Anyone battling long-term COVID symptoms such as fatigue should consider seeking out a functional medicine practitioner or a doctor specializing in post-viral syndromes. These practitioners can provide more targeted treatments based on detailed testing of their individual situation.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of community. Support groups can provide valuable emotional support and practical tips, as can connecting with others experiencing similar symptoms.
Stay hopeful. Many people do see improvement over time, even if progress is slow.
P.S. This common supplement could combat long COVID.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...