Could your gut hold the key to Long COVID recovery?

When you think about COVID-19 symptoms like coughing, fever, or fatigue come to mind – not your digestive system. But as more people experience lingering symptoms weeks, months, or even years after infection, researchers are turning their attention to the gut microbiome and how imbalances there might influence recovery…

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist or develop after a COVID-19 infection. While some cases resolve within 4–12 weeks, many individuals continue to experience symptoms for months, or longer. These can include:¹

Fatigue
Brain fog
Shortness of breath
Digestive issues
Muscle pain
Sleep disturbances

Gut dysbiosis and Long COVID

Gut dysbiosis doesn’t just affect your digestion; it can influence your entire body, including your immunity, brain health, sleep and allergies.

Research has found that people suffering with long COVID often have a less diverse gut microbiome, with less beneficial bacteria, compared to those who did not develop Long COVID after the initial infection.²

Post COVID, you can be left with lingering gut inflammation, which can lead to an array of digestive issues. These uncomfortable gut symptoms can impact quality of life, mood, and anxiety levels. Supporting your gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria and the right nutrients is essential—not just for digestion, but for immunity and overall well-being.³

Understanding the gut barrier

Your gut barrier acts like a protective filter, keeping “bad” bacteria and toxins inside your digestive tract, and out of your bloodstream. COVID can damage this barrier, leading to what’s known as a “leaky gut”.

When your gut barrier becomes more permeable, harmful substances can escape into the body and trigger an immune response. This chronic, low-grade inflammation may play a role in ongoing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and digestive problems – all very common in Long COVID.⁴

Improving gut health for relief

A healthy gut microbiome may play a key role in helping the body recover from Long COVID. Here are some practical ways to restore balance:

Increase your fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, wholegrains or an easy-to-take fibre supplement such as Complete Prebiotic
Stay hydrated – aim for 6–8 cups of water daily
Limit processed foods and added sugars as these can disrupt gut balance
Replenish your gut with beneficial bacteria by introducing fermented foods, like Kefir and sauerkraut

The takeaway

Long COVID has highlighted just how much your gut health impacts overall wellness. While research is ongoing, one thing is clear: nurturing your gut is vital not just for digestion, but for immune support, brain health, and overall recovery.

Want to learn more? Check out our other articles on how to nourish your gut here.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.