Pure Recovery: Ayurveda's Power in the Physical Recovery of Long COVID

In this article, we delve into the physical challenges faced by people with persistent COVID. We discuss the recent findings of Dutch research on Long COVID and explore how Ayurveda can be crucial in addressing the physical complaints that cause prolonged fatigue with its cleansing and rejuvenating therapies. We describe the possibilities and insights of Ayurveda to support these patients and help them recover from the impact of Long COVID.

Researchers from Amsterdam UMC and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) have discovered that persistent fatigue in patients with Long COVID has a biological cause. These, namely mitochondria [1,2] in muscle cells, produce less energy than in healthy patients.[3]

Mitochondria are tiny, double-membraned organelles in cells responsible for producing energy through adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. This involves burning nutrients such as glucose and fatty acids, producing ATP.

This energy is essential for numerous cellular activities, from muscle contraction to maintaining cell structure. Typically, mitochondria exhibit remarkable adaptability to changing conditions. They can regulate their number within a cell, as well as their morphology and function.

This adaptability is crucial for the cell to survive and function well, especially under stressful conditions such as oxidative stress, changes in energy demand, and more. Mild stress on mitochondria leads to favorable adaptations and improvements in overall cell health.

Moderate exposure to oxidative stress, for example, can enhance mitochondrial function and help the cell better cope with future stressors. This is also known as mitohormesis.

The idea behind mitohormesis is that mitochondria respond to stress by increasing their efficiency and preparing the cell for potential challenges. As mitochondria age and function less efficiently, a process called mitophagy is initiated.

Mitophagy is a process in which damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria are broken down and recycled. This is crucial to maintain the quality of the mitochondrial network and prevent damaged mitochondria from releasing harmful substances into the cell. Autophagy, the process of self-destruction of damaged components, plays a key role in mitophagy. In essence, these processes, such as mitohormesis and mitophagy, emphasize the dynamic nature of mitochondria and their ability to adapt to a cell's varying needs and challenges.

Understanding these processes is essential for fundamental cell biology. It opens doors to potential approaches for treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, such as neurodegenerative disorders, certain forms of cancer, and the latest insights into Long COVID.

The reduced energy production in mitochondria thus leads to symptoms such as severe fatigue in patients with Long-term COVID.

?"We see clear changes in the muscles of these patients," says Michèle van Vugt, Professor of Internal Medicine at Amsterdam UMC.

Twenty-five patients vwith Long COVID and 21 healthy control participants took part in the study. They were asked to cycle for fifteen minutes. This cycling test caused a prolonged deterioration of symptoms in people with Long COVID, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) refers to a worsening of symptoms after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion in people with prolonged health problems, including long-term COVID. After such exertion, people with PEM experience increased fatigue and other symptoms that often persist for some time, even after the exertion has stopped.

In Long COVID, people may experience extreme fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, concentration problems, and other symptoms after moderate physical activities such as walking or cycling. PEM can vary in intensity and duration, and it is a characteristic aspect of post-COVID syndrome. Understanding PEM is essential because it can determine the limits of what patients can handle and influence choices for physical and other activities.

The researchers examined blood and muscle tissue one week before and one day after the cycling test.

"We observed various abnormalities in the muscle tissue of the patients. At the cellular level, we saw that the mitochondria of the muscles, also known as the energy factories of the cell, were not functioning well and producing less energy," says Rob Wüst, Associate Professor in the Department of Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit.

?"So, the cause of fatigue is truly biological. The brain needs energy to think. Muscles need energy to move. This discovery means we can now start researching appropriate treatment for people with Long COVID," adds Van Vugt.

The researchers also observed that the patient's heart and lungs functioned well. This indicates that the prolonged effect on the patient's condition is not caused by abnormalities in the heart or lungs.

Exercise is only sometimes beneficial for patients with Long COVID. "In concrete terms, we advise these patients to monitor their physical limits and not exceed them. Consider light exercise that does not exacerbate symptoms. Walking is good, or cycling on an electric bike, to maintain some physical condition. Keep in mind that each patient has a different limit," says Brent Appelman, researcher at Amsterdam UMC. "Because symptoms can worsen after physical exertion, some classical forms of rehabilitation and physiotherapy are counterproductive for the recovery of these patients," adds Van Vugt.

Symptoms of Long COVID: While the majority of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus recover within a few weeks, one in eight will develop Long COVID. Symptoms in patients with long COVID, post-acute sequelae of COVID, or post-COVID syndrome (PCS) include:

1. Severe cognitive problems (brain fog): Refers to a reduced ability to think clearly and feel mentally sharp. Concentration problems and memory loss may accompany it.
2. Fatigue: Patients often experience persistent and severe fatigue, even after periods of rest.

3.?? Exercise intolerance: The body struggles to tolerate physical activity, leading to worsening of symptoms after exertion.

4.?? Autonomic dysregulation: Issues with the autonomic nervous system, which can affect various bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

5.?? Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): A condition where changes in posture, such as sitting to standing, result in an abnormally rapid heart rate.

6.?? Orthostatic intolerance: Difficulty with prolonged standing, leading to dizziness and fainting.

7.?? Worsening of symptoms after PEM: Post-exertional malaise (PEM) refers to an increase in symptoms after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion.

These symptoms highlight the complexity of Long COVID and demonstrate that it is more than just an acute viral infection. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to providing adequate support and treatment to those affected by prolonged health issues after a COVID infection.

Pure Recovery: Ayurveda's Power in the Physical Recovery of Long COVID

In Ayurveda, intensive cleansing therapies and restorative rasayana therapies are considered therapeutic approaches to restore balance in the body and support self-healing. Cleansing therapies such as PanchaKarma and strengthening therapies like Rasayana are crucial treatments that can promote the recovery of mitochondria:

1.?? Detoxification and Cleansing: Panchakarma

Intensive cleansing therapies, known as Panchakarma, restore the balance of doshas by removing deep-rooted toxins and addressing physiological imbalances. Eliminating these harmful substances can reduce the burden on cells, including mitochondria, and contribute to a healthier cellular environment. Panchakarma is a powerful remedy against oxidative stress, as it also optimizes energy circulation, resulting in a rejuvenated sense of well-being and increased immunity.

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Rasayana

Rasayana therapies focus on rejuvenation and revitalizing the body. By improving digestion and optimizing nutrient absorption, cells, including mitochondria, can access the essential building blocks for their recovery and function.

Various substances in our food, such as mushrooms, grains, herbs, spices, and vegetables, can protect and support our cells. Think of key enzymes like SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase; they can be influenced by substances from broccoli, green tea, strawberries, citrus fruits, berries, cocoa, cinnamon, rosemary, ginger, turmeric, Rhodiola rosea, and Withania somnifera. Examples of these substances are resveratrol, quercetin, berberine, apigenin, rutin, sulforaphane, silymarin, gingerols, and curcumin.

Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase are enzymes that play a role in protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress by catalyzing specific reactions.

Within the mitochondria, catalase is mainly associated with breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hydrogen peroxide is a byproduct of various cellular processes, especially the electron transport chain process in mitochondria. While hydrogen peroxide itself is not extremely harmful, it can accumulate and lead to the formation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) if not broken down.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme present in mitochondria and other parts of the cell, and it plays a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion radicals.

The ability of SOD to neutralize superoxide anions is crucial because these radicals can be harmful to cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. They can cause oxidative stress, which is involved in aging and various diseases. Within the mitochondria, glutathione peroxidase has a specific function in breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is a ROS. The role of glutathione peroxidase in breaking down hydrogen peroxide is crucial because if not broken down, hydrogen peroxide can lead to the formation of other reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to cell components, including mitochondria. Mitochondria are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress because they are involved in energy production and generate ROS as a byproduct of their normal function.

It is also important to note that these substances are suitable for our cells and influence our gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria in our intestines. They can affect the composition of this microbiome, and the interaction between these bacteria and the substances from our food can positively impact our health.

In other words, there is communication between the bacteria in our intestines, our cells (especially mitochondria), and the substances we ingest through food. This triangular relationship has an impact on our overall health.

Stress Reduction:

Both therapies aim to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Chronic stress hurts mitochondria, and reducing stress can positively influence cell health.

Balance in Doshas:

Ayurveda supports maintaining a balance between the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) for optimal health. An imbalanced dosha is associated with health problems. Restoring this balance promotes overall well-being, which can directly contribute to the recovery of cells and mitochondria.

Herbs and Dietary Supplements:

Rasayana therapies often use specific herbs and dietary supplements known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances have a protective effect on cells, including mitochondria, against damage from free radicals. Optimizing the balance between the presence of ROS and repair capacity increases the likelihood of increasing mitochondrial and cellular vitality.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), or reactive oxygen species, are molecules and radicals containing oxygen and are highly reactive. Depending on their concentration and context, they have a dual function in the body.

1.?? Regular Physiological Role: ROS have an ordinary and necessary role in the body in specific concentrations. They act as signaling molecules in various cellular processes, such as cell growth, regulation of the immune system, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). This controlled production of ROS is involved in maintaining the normal physiology and functioning of cells.

2.?? Harmful Effects with Overproduction: On the other hand, excessive levels of ROS can be harmful. Excessive production can occur due to stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, inflammation, or unhealthy lifestyle habits. Too much ROS can lead to oxidative stress, causing damage to cell structures, DNA, and lipids. This is associated with various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and now Long COVID.

A better understanding of this balance can significantly contribute to further developing therapeutic interventions to improve overall vitality. A promising role is reserved for phytochemicals that, more than micronutrients, appear to possess therapeutic potential and can positively influence cellular vitality through xenohormesis.

The term "xenohormesis" combines two concepts: "xeno" (foreign, external) and "hormesis." Hormesis is when low doses of a harmful substance have beneficial effects on an organism, while higher doses can be detrimental. In the case of xenohormesis, these beneficial effects are attributed to the organism's response to stressors from external sources, such as certain substances in plants.

Conclusion:

Considering recent research results on long-term COVID, where reduced functioning of mitochondria has been identified as a biological cause of persistent fatigue, Ayurveda with its cleansing PanchaKarma and rejuvenating Rasayana treatments, can serve as a promising approach to physical recovery.

These treatments provide detoxification and cleansing, optimize energy circulation, support digestion, and promote mental well-being.

Using herbs and supplements with antioxidant properties, Ayurveda protects cells, including mitochondria, against damage from free radicals.

Understanding processes such as mitohormesis and mitophagy emphasizes mitochondria's dynamic nature and adaptability to stressful conditions.

As a holistic system, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention and maintenance of overall health and provides powerful treatments to restore balance within the total biological system.?

With these insights and therapeutic value, Ayurveda presents a promising path to harness its potential, especially for the growing group of people affected by Long COVID.?

The?Europa Ayurveda Center?is ready to contribute to further research and offers hopeful prospects for supporting patients on the road to recovery.

Cornelis Peters

CEO Europa Ayurveda Center, the Netherlands

[email protected] - Phone: 0031 523 677208

1.?? https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion

2.?? https://www.amsterdamumc.org/en/spotlight/tiredness-experienced-by-long-covid-patients-has-a-physical-cause.htm

3.?? https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/01/long-covid-patients-fatigue-is-biological-dutch-research/

The Europa Ayurveda Center , with 24 years of experience as a leading Ayurvedic knowledge center in the Netherlands, has conducted groundbreaking research in phytoremediation, antibiotic resistance, herbal antibiotics, and water purification of pharmaceutical residues. Under the leadership of Cornelis and Vighnesh Peters, we strive to promote and integrate the profound 5000-year-old knowledge of Ayurveda in the Netherlands and Europe. Our primary goal is to enhance the well-being of people through Ayurveda, encouraging individual responsibility for a healthy lifestyle.