How do you reduce Covid inflammation?

Table of Contents

What causes inflammation from Covid?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 can trigger an inflammatory response in the body that can lead to inflammation and injury of the tissues and organs. Some key causes of inflammation from Covid include:

The virus directly invading and replicating in cells, leading to cell damage and death. This frees up debris, toxins, and other molecules that activate the inflammatory response.

The immune system ramping up production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in response to the virus. While normally protective, excessive levels of these molecules can cause inflammation-induced damage.
An overly aggressive immune response referred to as a cytokine storm. This storm of inflammatory molecules causes widespread inflammation and injuries.
Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) resulting from lung and respiratory impacts. Hypoxia activates inflammatory pathways and hinders resolution.

Secondary infections that can trigger additional inflammatory responses on top of the initial viral inflammation.

In essence, both the virus itself and the immune response to the virus can contribute to potentially damaging inflammation in Covid-19 patients. The lungs are a major site of inflammation, but it can also occur systemically and affect organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys.

What are the symptoms of inflammation from Covid?

Inflammation induced by Covid-19 can cause several noticeable symptoms and signs, including:

Fever – Cytokines and inflammatory mediators directly affect the hypothalamus and raise body temperature.
Fatigue and body aches – Inflammatory molecules increase pain perception and sap energy.
Shortness of breath – Lung inflammation impairs oxygen exchange.

Dry cough – Inflamed airway linings become irritated.
Loss of appetite – Inflammatory cytokines suppress appetite signals.
Confusion and cognitive impairment – Systemic inflammation can impact the brain.

More severe cases can also feature:

Low blood pressure
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Multi-organ failure

These result from severe systemic inflammation affecting the circulatory and organ systems.

How can you determine if inflammation is severe or worsening?

There are several markers that clinicians can monitor to determine the severity and progression of inflammation in Covid-19:

Vital signs – Fever, increased breathing and heart rate can indicate growing inflammation.
Oxygenation levels – Falling blood oxygen saturation is a sign of respiratory distress and worsening lung inflammation.
Inflammatory markers in the blood – Rising levels of CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and cytokines indicate inflammatory responses.

Organ dysfunction markers – For example, troponin and creatinine rising signifies heart and kidney inflammation.
Imaging tests – CT scans showing growing pulmonary infiltrates and ground glass opacities reflects worsening lung inflammation.

Worsening inflammation is a predictor of disease progression, so closely tracking these parameters allows clinicians to determine if anti-inflammatory intervention is needed. Sudden dips in oxygenation, blood pressure, or organ function require rapid escalation of care.

How do you reduce acute Covid-induced inflammation?

If inflammation from Covid-19 becomes excessive and damaging, rapid efforts to dampen the inflammatory response are needed. Some key treatment approaches include:

Corticosteroids – Steroids like dexamethasone inhibit inflammatory cytokine production and immune activation.
Remdesivir – This antiviral drug can reduce viral load and subsequent inflammation triggers.

Tocilizumab – The IL-6 blocking drug prevents cytokine storm inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory nebulizers – Inhaled drugs like budesonide reduce respiratory inflammation.
Aspirin or NSAIDs – These can temper inflammation, especially coagulation-related effects.

Organ support – ECMO, oxygen, ventilation, and dialysis can take over for inflamed organs.

Identifying the major sources of inflammation using testing allows more targeted therapy. For example, an IL-6 inhibitor may be chosen if cytokine storm is occurring. Low-dose blood thinners could be used to combat clotting from respiratory inflammation. Corticosteroids remain the foundation for most cases.

What supplements can you take to reduce Covid inflammation?

Some supplements may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could help temper inflammation from Covid-19. Some options that may help include:

Vitamin C – Has antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammatory cytokines.
Vitamin D – Modulates immune responses and may reduce hyperinflammation.
Zinc – Essential for immune cell function and can limit viral replication and inflammation triggers.

Melatonin – Acts as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.
EGCG – The active component of green tea is a potent antioxidant.
Fish oil – Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin – Found in turmeric, this can reduce activating inflammatory pathways.
Resveratrol – This antioxidant found in berries may inhibit inflammatory enzymes.

Using a combination of several synergistic supplements may provide the best results by targeting inflammation through multiple pathways. However, the data is still limited on their efficacy for Covid specifically. Doses used in studies often far exceed normal dietary intake, so supplementation is likely required. Always check with a doctor before taking any new supplements, especially when ill.

What foods help fight Covid inflammation?

Eating more anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods may help temper inflammation from Covid-19. Some of the best options include:

Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, and other greens are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that fight inflammation.
Berries – Along with other antioxidant-rich fruits like citrus and cherries, berries contain inflammation-blocking resveratrol.

Fatty fish – Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that counter inflammatory mediators.
Extra virgin olive oil – The oleocanthal in olive oil mimics the effects of NSAID pain relievers.
Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower – Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, which may inhibit cytokine production.

Green tea – EGCG reduces inflammatory enzymes and acts as an antioxidant.
Nuts – The healthy fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols in nuts like almonds and walnuts fight inflammation.
Whole grains – The fiber and antioxidants in whole grains can reduce CRP, an inflammatory marker.

Foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and processed grains can spur inflammation and so limiting intake of these when ill with Covid could help. Staying hydrated is also key. Overall, emphasizing a diet high in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats can combat the inflammation from Covid-19.

What are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce inflammation?

Making certain positive lifestyle adjustments may also tamp down excessive inflammation after contracting Covid:

Get adequate rest – Sleep deprivation worsens inflammatory responses, so prioritize 7-9 hours per night.

Reduce stress – Chronic stress amplifies inflammation via cortisol and other mediators.
Exercise moderately – Light movement can reduce inflammatory cytokines, but avoid overexertion.
Lose excess weight – Obesity and visceral fat drive up inflammatory markers.

Quit smoking – The toxins in cigarettes trigger inflammation and oxidative stress.
Limit alcohol – Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to higher inflammation.

Practicing stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can also calm inflammatory responses. Following doctor’s orders for recovery and avoiding risky exposures to viral triggers or secondary infections assists with resolution of inflammation as well.

Conclusion

Inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 can exacerbate Covid-19 severity and worsen outcomes. Monitoring for symptoms and markers of inflammation allows for prompt use of medical therapies like steroids when warranted. Certain supplements like vitamins C and D, zinc, and omega-3s may provide extra anti-inflammatory activity. Emphasizing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods can also help fight inflammation. And lifestyle measures like sufficient sleep, exercise, and stress reduction assist the body’s efforts to resolve inflammation and support recovery. Using combination approaches allows for targeting the inflammatory response from multiple angles.