The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 24, 2025
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19.
I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID.
Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit.
Let me explain…
*****
This groundbreaking research uncovered elevated levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines in long-COVID patients’ blood, even 18 months after clearing the infection.
These proteins usually help control inflammation, but in these cases, they are stuck in overdrive.
The good news is that nature has provided us with powerful tools to help tame this inflammatory fire…
A modest amount of inflammation is good—it heals injuries and fights off infections. But when inflammation rises too high or stays around too long, it damages healthy tissues, especially around your heart.
This new research also explains why so many long-COVID patients experience ongoing cardiovascular issues. But it also points us toward natural solutions that could help douse these inflammatory flames.
Following are the top science-backed ways to naturally lower inflammation in your body…
- Foods: Certain foods act as natural inflammation suppressors. Dark leafy greens, fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), and colorful berries don’t just taste good… they actively combat inflammation at the cellular level.
- Spice It Up: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon aren’t just flavor enhancers. Studies show they can lower inflammatory markers in your blood. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your morning smoothie, or sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal.
- Time Your Eating: Research from the University of California suggests intermittent fasting can significantly reduce inflammatory markers. Simply limiting eating to a 10–12-hour window can help.
- Move Mindfully: Intense exercise can temporarily increase inflammation, but moderate activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can help reduce it. Aim for 30 minutes of movement daily that leaves you feeling energized, not exhausted.
- Sleep: Your body repairs itself and reduces inflammation during sleep. Create a consistent bedtime routine and aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality rest each night.
- Stress: Chronic stress feeds inflammation. Deep breathing, meditation, or even a quiet walk in nature can lower the stress hormones that fuel inflammation.
The researchers also confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds) were particularly effective at helping regulate cytokine levels.
Whether battling long-COVID or just optimizing your health, managing inflammation naturally could be the key to feeling your best.
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Trying to manage your weight, but the numbers keep climbing? These four common drugs could be the cause.
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This small change could DRASTICALLY reduce your risk.
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
Tired of drug side effects? A new study confirms that this often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize high blood pressure within four weeks.
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Your brain actually functions differently after midnight. Discover how to calm your mind and FINALLY get a good night’s sleep…
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible.
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
New research reveals short bursts of exercise might be MORE valuable than regular workouts. In fact, mini-movement breaks could boost metabolism.
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
The supplement aisle is overwhelming. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are essential for good health? Start with these nine…
P.S. Common supplement could combat long-COVID.
Source:
Jane E. Sinclair, Courtney Vedelago, Feargal J. Ryan, Meagan Carney, et al., Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 cardiovascular symptoms are associated with trace-level cytokines that affect cardiomyocyte function. Nature Microbiology, 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01838-z
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
Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game
Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...
Superfood Slashes Deadly Cancer Risk by 20%
You’ve likely heard about yogurt’s gut health benefits. But did you know this creamy treat may be doing more than aiding your digestion? Research shows it could protect you from a deadly form of cancer. A groundbreaking, long-term study revealed that eating yogurt could slash your risk for a specific type of colorectal cancer. This...
Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years. For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety. But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH. And it might make you think twice about...
The Morning Sunlight Secret to Better Sleep
Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. I’ve seen countless patients struggle with insomnia, despite trying everything from meditation apps to melatonin supplements. Yet, many are surprised when I “prescribe” something incredibly simple: morning sunlight. Recent research reveals that exposure to natural sunlight within...
“Belly Fix” Eases Anxiety WITHOUT Drugs
If mainstream medicine excels at one thing, it’s having a drug (or ten) to treat anything that ails you. So, it’s no surprise that the moment you mention feeling anxious, your doctor hands you a prescription. Well, hold onto your wallet for now. Because a new study just uncovered something that’s giving Big Pharma some...
Mailbag: Feed Your Finicky Gut to Promote Healing
“I’m slightly underweight with digestive issues. What foods are the easiest to digest and help heal the gut? I try to eat mostly organic whole foods but sometimes nothing sounds good and I want something but don’t know what. Thank you for caring and helping people!” – Tummy Troubled It’s frustrating when your body needs...
Silent Thief Secretly Robs Diabetics of Nutrients
If you have blood sugar problems, you’re probably already keeping a close eye on your blood sugar. But another threat lurks in the shadows—what researchers call “hidden hunger,” a sneaky form of malnutrition. And a massive new study reveals it’s more common than anyone thought… An eye-opening analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health...
Think Twice Before Eating That Sprouted Potato!
You know the feeling. You’re getting ready to make dinner, reach into the pantry… and grab a potato that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Long, knobby sprouts poking out. Wrinkled, weirdly soft skin. Your first instinct? Trim them off and keep cooking, of course! After all, we’ve all been doing it for...
The Best Magnesium for YOU (Sleep, Digestion, and More!)
You know that stiff, achy feeling when you wake up? Or the nagging muscle cramp that hits you at just the wrong time? For many seniors, these frustrating symptoms—along with trouble sleeping and sluggish digestion—aren’t just annoyances… they’re daily struggles. And believe it or not, one simple mineral might be the missing piece to the...
Stealth Heart Killer (Try THIS Kitchen Staple Fix)
Your heart works hard for you every second of the day. But what if it suddenly couldn’t get the energy it needs? A newly discovered heart condition is throwing doctors for a loop. It’s called triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy—or TDCV for short—and it happens when your heart can’t properly break down fat for energy. This leads...