By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
We live in a world with thousands of pollutants, diets that are calorie rich and nutrient poor, adverse drug reactions and nutrient depletions, and numerous challenges that affect immune system vitality. The modern world has compromised the health of the general population compared to previous generations. In addition, the effects and concerns of the Covid-19 virus still linger. Whether it is experiencing a new infection and treatment choices or the effects of long-Covid, these are challenges added to the total body burden and affect health outcomes.
This article brings to you information about recently discovered long-term effects of one of the new medications used to treat acute Covid. Furthermore, information about long-Covid and the hit-and-run “cell danger response” mechanisms that are triggered by the toll of today’s modern world are brought to your attention. We must support the “healing and recovery phases” used by our body to manage the total body burden.
Paxlovid
Paxlovid is an antiviral drug used to treat acute Covid-19. Commercials and advertisements promise effectiveness and relief with the use of this drug. Clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory results with its short-term side effects. However, the long-term side effects are yet to be fully elucidated.
Paxlovid received FDA approval on May 25, 2023 for treatment of mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in adults who are at high risk of severe infection. It may also be used in 12 to 18 year-olds who are also at substantial risk for the severe Covid-19 under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
Paxlovid Linked to Cartilage Degeneration and Osteoarthritis
A recent cellular study shed insight into Paxlovid’s long-term consequences on cartilage health. Results showed that Paxlovid was “abrasive” to cartilage cells as it caused increased amounts of oxidative stress within cartilage cells which led to rapid aging.
The authors concluded, “Paxlovid accelerated cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis development... Long-term follow-up is needed with special attention to the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis in patients treated with Paxlovid.”
Paxlovid is heralded as a “promising drug” for SARS-COV-2. Despite the approval after clinical trials, much is still in question about the medication and its long-term side effects. Rapid worsening of joint health is one adverse effect. Are there others?
In some ways, this effect of Paxlovid reminds me of the “black box” side effects of quinolone antibiotics - Cipro, Levaquin, etc. These meds were found to cause sudden tendon ruptures during and even months after patients discontinued the drug. I encourage you to weigh the risks and benefits with judicious wisdom and proven choices for health.
Long-Covid
Long-Covid or long-haul Covid-19 pertains to individuals who continue to suffer months or years after the original SARS-2 Covid-19 illness. An estimated 65 million individuals worldwide suffer from long-Covid with the numbers increasing daily.
Long-Covid is associated with all age groups and can affect individuals who had mild symptoms and were not hospitalized as well as those with severe illness. It may include up to 50-70% of hospitalized patients. Long-Covid can occur with vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Furthermore, “Early research shows an increasing risk of long COVID sequelae after the second and third infection, even in double-vaccinated and triple-vaccinated people. Existing literature suggests multiple infections may cause additional harm or susceptibility to the ME/CFS-type presentation.” (ME/CFS refers to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Long-Covid Symptoms and Health Changes
The most common symptoms at 7 months or longer after Covid in order of prevalence include: fatigue, post-exertional malaise (exercise intolerance), brain fog, other neurological symptoms, headaches, memory changes, insomnia, muscle aches, speech and language issues, shortness of breath, joint pain, tachycardia/fast heartbeat, tightness of chest, and other sleep difficulties.
Nearly 200 symptoms have been identified with long-Covid with almost 1/3 of symptoms related to brain/nervous system function. These symptoms may be present for months or years after the infection.
• Brain and Nervous System: cognitive impairment, brain fog, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, memory loss, ringing in the ear/tinnitus, headaches, loss of smell/taste, dysautonomia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), neuroinflammation, reduced blood flow to the brain, neuropathy, chronic microglial cell activation, white matter changes, demyelination, reduced neurogenesis in the brain, mood changes, and vagus nerve dysfunction.
• Gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, nausea, gut dysbiosis, persistence of virus in the gut.
• Heart and Blood Vessels: chest pain, palpitations, cardiac impairment, myocardial inflammation, heart attack, death, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), fatigue, increased coagulation/blood clots including micro-clots in capillaries, endothelial dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and changes in blood brain barrier integrity.
• Immune system: new onset or worsening of autoimmune disorders. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), changes in innate and adaptive immunity, reactivation of Epstein Barr, Varicella Zoster (shingles), or other herpes virus.
• Joints/Cartilage: increased oxidative stress in cartilage cells.
• Lungs: cough, shortness of breath.
• Pancreas: new onset or worsening of diabetes, pancreas injury.
• Kidneys, Liver, Spleen: organ injury.
• Reproductive System: reduced sperm count, erectile dysfunction, irregular menstrual cycle, and increased premenstrual symptoms.
Nutrient Reservoirs vs. Body Burden
The human body is a beautiful, complex being made up of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, and nutrients that supply and allow your structure and internal organs to function. Every organ stores and acts as a reservoir for various vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, etc. to maintain its normal function, daily duties, and management of toxins and germs.
Moreover, inside your organs are cellular structures like mitochondria and glial cells that require nutrients and antioxidants every day to function and protect themselves from the stress of their job. These cells are directly involved with immune surveillance, housekeeping duties of autophagy and mitophagy for repair and resilience, and for maintaining homeostasis of your health in an ever-changing world.
To keep these organs and cellular functions working and protect them from toxins, oxidative stress, and cellular wear-and-tear, nutrient dense foods are required. Yet, many of the foods available today are different than the heirloom foods consumed decades and centuries ago. Furthermore, the high caloric content of ultra-processed food is the “norm” for many. These types of foods fortified with synthetic, petroleum derived vitamins, or power bars and energy drinks fail to truly feed your body.
These factors combined with a germ insult, stress overload, gut microbiome imbalances, sleep deprivation, environmental toxins, and chronic low-grade inflammation etc. prime the body for illness and a response called the “cell danger response”.
Cell Danger Response
Cell danger response refers to the universal response to environmental threat or injury. It deeply affects cellular mechanisms, mitochondria, immune function, and metabolism. In a healthy body that can heal, the cellular dynamics return to normal after the immediate threat has been dealt with.
However, in a stressed, depleted, overwhelmed state, the cell danger response remains activated. This opens the door for dysregulation and a decline in health. Changes occur with energy production, oxygen metabolism, oxidative stress mechanisms, gut microbiome disruption, nervous system, immune tolerance, and more.
Chronic illness is more likely to develop as mitochondrial function suffers resulting in severe fatigue and multiple symptoms throughout the body. This phenomenon happens in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis with reactivation of various herpes viruses. There is great similarity between this and Long-Covid.
Leading researcher and medical doctor Dr. Robert Naviaux points to the chronic daily burden of toxins markedly contributing to the downfall of health. Before Covid-19 slammed the world into disarray and long-Covid, he wrote:
“Mitochondria regulate the CDR (cell danger response) by monitoring and responding to the physical, chemical, and microbial conditions within and around the cell. In this way, mitochondria connect cellular health to environmental health. Over 7,000 chemicals are now made or imported to the US for industrial, agricultural, and personal care use in amounts ranging from 25,000 to over 1 million pounds each year, and plastic waste now exceeds 83 billion pounds/year. This chemical load creates a rising tide of manmade pollutants in the oceans, air, water, and food chain. Fewer than 5% of these chemicals have been tested for developmental toxicity. In the 1980s, 5-10% of children lived with a chronic illness. As of 2018, 40% of children, 50% of teens, 60% of adults under age 65, and 90% of adults over 65 live with a chronic illness.”
Healing and Recovery Phase
There is good news as our bodies have a “healing and recovery phase” in response to the “cell danger response”. To activate this healing phase, it requires optimization of nutrient status, mitochondrial and microglial cell support, detoxification of environmental and cellular toxins, gut microbiome and mucosal barrier restoration, physical activity, and immune system nourishment.
Restorative sleep, a whole foods diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, resistant starches, fermented foods, soluble and insoluble fibers, healthy fats and oils, healthy lifestyle choices, and exercise to tolerance are fundamental principles for health and well-being. Preservation and restoration of health with the “healing and recovery phase” depends on these fundamentals. Strive every day to nourish your body with good choices. Change the trend and your health for the better!
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My heart goes out to those who suffer from the “hit and run” effects from Covid, ME/CFS, and other chronic illnesses. I encourage you to be empowered with these resources as there is hope. Persevere, press-on, and be steadfast in your daily journey towards restoration of your well-being.
