Category: Long covid

According to research, post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a hallmark symptom of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and affects many individuals with Long COVID. Recognizing its early, often delayed, signs is crucial for managing these debilitating conditions effectively.

According to a scoping review published in the journal Nutrients, diet and nutrition can significantly support recovery from long COVID symptoms. A key strategy in determining what is the best diet for long COVID patients is focusing on reducing inflammation and supporting the gut microbiome.

According to the British Dietetic Association, eating a varied, Mediterranean-type diet can be beneficial for those with long COVID. Knowing what to eat with long COVID is a powerful step towards rebuilding energy, managing persistent symptoms, and supporting your body's healing process.

According to a 2024 study in *Nutrients*, nearly 76% of studies reviewed found a significant association between nutrition-related interventions and improvements in long COVID symptoms like fatigue and inflammation. Understanding the role of diet in long COVID recovery is therefore crucial for managing persistent symptoms and supporting the body's healing process.

According to the Bateman Horne Center, continually pushing through Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) without proper rest can lead to a lasting reduction in overall functional ability. The long term effects of PEM extend far beyond temporary fatigue, involving cellular damage, immune system dysfunction, and potentially irreversible neurological and physical decline.

Chronic inflammation is a core factor contributing to the persistent and debilitating symptoms of long COVID, affecting an estimated 400 million individuals globally. Adopting an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern can help manage symptoms by nourishing the body, modulating immune responses, and combating the systemic inflammation that underpins post-COVID conditions.

According to a February 2025 study in the journal *Nutrients*, individuals with long COVID who adhered to a Mediterranean-style diet demonstrated fewer metabolic risk factors and higher 'good' cholesterol levels. This highlights how addressing chronic inflammation through nutrition is central to understanding **what is the long COVID anti-inflammatory diet?** and supporting recovery.