We’re going to get you better!
In this post I will let you know:
- The interventions I found most helpful
- Why they work
- What helped most with each symptom
- A chronological list of most successful interventions
- Things that did not help / made me worse
Keys to my healing
My main long COVID symptoms (for 2 years) were: PEM (post exertional malaise), extreme fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, pounding heartbeat, internal body tremors, nerve tingling, dysautonomia, POTS (dizzy, lightheaded), MCAS (severe life altering new allergies – indoor, outdoor, and foods), gut dysbiosis – SIBO, insomnia, and thermal dysregulation.
To recover, I needed to: re-regulate my nervous system by:
1. Making life changes to reduce ALL stress
2. Restoring healthy cell function with supplements
These two things restored the functioning of my body.
As I began to move out of a dysregulated state, I also built more cellular and metabolic energy.
Then, when I began using a peptide to calm inflammation and MCAS, it also eliminated my GI issues, POTS and insomnia, and I was well on my way.
Easy, right?!
(links for your convenience only)
In addition to removing stress with lifestyle changes, here are my top interventions.
- KPV Peptide – most critical for my recovery and especially important for MCAS or adult PANS (neuropsychiatric) symptoms
- Vitamin B12 – easy first step to rule out a deficiency for anyone with fatigue, nerve or POTS type symptoms. COVID & LC can cause B12 absorption problems
- NAD+ home injections (or nasal spray) for even more energy / mitochondria support — and / or Red Light therapy (contact method, only $40!)
•••
In summary, the KPV peptide helped with a majority of my symptoms.
The NAD+, Redlight and B-12 cured the crushing fatigue and muscle weakness by enhancing mitochondrial ATP production.
On the first day I began using each of them I noticed dramatic and ongoing symptom reduction.
Below I will explain each in more detail along with the other most helpful things I tried.
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Am I recovered?
Yes, I am 120% recovered!
All of my long COVID symptoms are gone.
And — my health is better now than before I had COVID, but also, I haven’t tried removing B12 or NAD+ (low maintence dose) and don’t plan to!
Why do these work?
Because they repair our cells and various systems in our bodies.
A possible cause of long COVID
Some scientists believe the complications of long COVID may result from the deficiency of a protein on the surface of our cells.
The protein is called ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) and it acts as a receptor for entry of the virus into our cells.
ACE2 is critical for healthy mitochondria.
This is important because mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells. They generate energy for most biochemical and physiological processes in our bodies.
Unfortunately, when COVID attaches to ACE2, both it and its protective effects to the mitochondria (and in turn all of our organs) are eliminated.
The functioning of our lungs, heart, kidneys, and our blood pressure, fluid balance, oxidative stress, inflammation levels, and tissue repair can become dysregulated.
To treat these very far reaching issues, we must nourish and regenerate the mitochondria, and rebound ACE2 so our bodies can heal.
•••
I’ve found the best way to support our mitochondria is by having a calm mental state, and using and NAD+ — See my post here.
Instead of NAD+ you can try red light therapy. See my post here.
(Both links also provided later)
A possible contributor – Cerebral B12 Deficiency
B12 is an essential nutrient for energy in our cells.
Even if your blood B12 levels are not low, the levels in your brain (and tissues) might be.
COVID can trigger cerebral B12 deficiency.
This deficiency can have multiple causes and one of them is related to autoimmunity to the CD320 protein that transports B12 across the blood brain barrier.
Symptoms of Cerebral B12 deficiency mirror Long Covid
Cognitive: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating
Neurological: Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, muscle weakness, problems with balance and coordination, POTS look-alike symptoms, difficulties speaking / word recall
Psychological: Depression, anxiety, and irritability
Whole body: anemia, fatigue, low muscle strength
What can be done?
This study, “Transcobalamin receptor antibodies in autoimmune vitamin B12 central deficiency” (published 6/26/24) found:
High serum B12 concentrations may suffice to overcome BBB transport defects caused by anti-CD320.
It’s a worthwhile first step to try higher doses of B12 and you may notice an increase in energy on the first day!
To learn more about why this is so critical and which affordable supplements you can use, please see my post:
•••
B12 can bring SIGNIFICANT improvements – it did for me and my blood levels were not low.
I wish I used it sooner, which is why I think you may want to try it first!
What I use for Liquid & Lozenges. Other options are in the above linked post.
“What helped most with what?”
First, keeping a calm nervous system is non-negotiable, after that the below treatments can work much better.
I made a video to explain the best ways I found to achieve a calmer life.
It includes a simplified brain retraining method.
Another method (if you need more calming than lifestyle changes can provide) is the Selank Peptide.
We have a video about how it’s the most effective supplement we’ve ever tried for anxiety, worry, OCD and more.
Selank is unique among anti anxiety options because there are no side effects.
We also have a blog post here.
•••
Supplements I used for healing each aspect of Long COVID
You don’t need all of them in each category, these are just what helped me the most 🤍
PEM / Fatigue and sleep issues:
- NAD+ injections – almost miraculous instant fix (I used it before increasing B12)
- Vitamin B12 – injections and sublingual
- Red Light therapy – noticeable energy boost
- KPV peptide (after 4 weeks – by eliminating inflammation from MCAS)
Brain fog
- KPV
- NAD+
MCAS / inflammation, asthma, all allergic reactions (outdoor, food and indoor eg. dust mites & fragrances):
- KPV Peptide 💯
- Red light & NAD+ (very helpful – less than KPV)
POTS / dizziness & lightheaded:
- KPV Peptide (took 4 weeks)
- Vitamin B12 (took a few weeks)
GI tract dysbiosis – SIBO / IBS:
- KPV Peptide – instantly and more over time
Pounding heartbeat
- KPV peptide (4 weeks)
Internal vibrations & Nerve issues
- Vitamin B12 (a few weeks)
- Mucuna Puriens (see below)
- Magnesium Malate
In summary, I recommend B12 as an important first step to try.
For almost all symptoms the KPV peptide is essential!
If you need still more energy, I would add NAD+ and/or Red Light therapy
FAQ: Is the KPV peptide really able to treat all of those things?
Yes! It’s excellent for treating inflammation, mast cells, GI issues and is also a moderate immune regulator.
Read our deep dive into KPV post here
The post explains why it’s very important to go slow with KPV Dosing, how we use it so it works best and much more.
Our 1 page Peptide- based protocol pdf for recovery using KPV is here:
Chronological list of my successful interventions
Please see below for links to my posts on why they helped, where I purchased, and how I dosed differently than typical usage.
This is NOT the order I suggest you go, just the order I went as I solved my own puzzle.
Also this list is long and there are a lot of links!
Take your time and read what you feel applies to you. It takes a while to sort it all out, but you can do it!
First to last (January 2022 – January 2024)
- Breathwork | decreased fatigue, normalized heart rate, especially when performing slow, deep inhale through nose with extended gentle but forceful breaths out of pursed lips during exertion (going up a flight of stairs).
- Also try low humming with mouth slightly open when breathing out, it helps improve energy via the vagus nerve (more below)
- Slow and steady | long Covid is not deconditioning and over exertion on days we feel better leads to setbacks in recovery
- Mitochondria support | TruNiagen was effective but not nearly as helpful as NAD+ (see below) | BioPQQ – may have helped me subtly
- Curcumin | for inflammation – no noticeable changes, but studies show it helps and I was gradually improving
- MAST cell support Quercetin & cromolyn sodium | both helped somewhat, before my MCAS was cured with KPV
- Stress reduction | Stress needs to be near zero. It causes flares for everyone I know with LC. Many of us overhaul our lives to remove anxiety and stressors and it’s worth it! ~ Therapy in a Nutshell videos help a lot
- Nervous system vacation & Brain retraining programs – the concept that ruminating on health problems is stressful and actually sets us back. See: Primal Trust’s free e book or this video
- Also see Our VIDEO for more on how I take a nervous system vacation – without leaving town! 🍃
- Even simple movements can calm the vagus nerve – I especially like “the basic exercise” (eyes looking to sides to induce yawning)
- Fisetin | a senolytic to usher out old / damaged cells – helped a bit with brain fog, not as nearly much as NAD+
- Mucuna | contains L-dopa, it’s a herb popular with Parkinson’s patients – calmed internal body tremors, but they return with high stress and lack of sleep ~ see my post about my daughter here (this ended for good after adding B12)
- NAD+ injections (not IV) or nasal spray | extreme mitochondrial support – drastic and instant reduction in fatigue, MCAS and insomnia! It also reduces inflammation. See my post here for an explanation about why NAD+ can work so well and more.
- Glutathione injections | even further improved energy, PEM, aids detox, aging skin benefits too! I only microdosed the injections
- Red light therapy | supercharges mitochondria and improves energy (I stopped NAD+ to experiment). The “contact method” also (temporarily) relieved nasal allergies, asthma and POTS! See my post here
- Neuro-mag | Magnesium L-theronate can reach and calm the brain. Important for POTS
- KPV Peptide | Lysine-Proline-Valine tripeptide is considered to be one of the most potent regulators of immune balance, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
- It eliminated all remaining chronic gut and mast cell issues (IBS, SIBO, allergies) and POTS – See my post for many more details and what brand I like best.
- See the end of this post for just one of many stories from a FB group member about KPV
- Larazotide Acetate – paired with KPV, it can repair a leaky gut by closing the tight junctions, immediately! It’s very useful to use with KPV until the gut is fully healed.
- Higher dose B12 – both injections (from ageless rx) and sublingual – Methyl, Hydroxo and Adenosyl. See my post for more, I should have done this much sooner!
- Update: after great success with peptides, I decided to try a few central nervous system peptides (summer 2024)
- I found even more improved memory / brain function! CogniPep is the one I like best.
- I also tried ThyroPep which helped immensely with body temperature regulation and gave me even more energy than I had pre-Covid!
- My review of all of the peptides I tried (including those two plus KPV and Selank) is here.
- I found even more improved memory / brain function! CogniPep is the one I like best.
Supplements I took pre-Covid and continue to take
• Vitamin D3 (with K2 if not in your multivitamin)
• Vitamin B12 drops – Bioactive Liquid (when I paused taking these I felt noticeably worse with POTS type symptoms and nerve tingling)
• Quality multivitamin – Pure Encapsulations Jr. Nutrients
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) – studies show it can disrupt spike protein bonding with the ACE2 receptor. (Be cautious if you’re sulfur sensitive – Augmented NAC gave me sulfur SIBO and I had to stop)
• Acetyl-L-carnitine and separately, Omega 3 (via pro resolving mediators) – these can increase levels of the peptide hormone Apelin. Apelin raises ACE2 levels and has been investigated as a possible treatment for COVID-19. (Lower cost PRM here)
• Optimal PC (Choline) – Covid can dysregulate our cholinergic system so choline can help.
• Digestive enzymes – Pancreatin (not derived from mold)
• Elite IgG – supports immune, gut & inflammatory balance (apparently just not enough!)
• Apigenin – helps with thermal body temperature regulation / hot flashes (see my post here) Note: now that I am post menopausal I do not take it.
• Oil of Oregano & Goldenseal / Berberine – can reduce bacteria during SIBO flares (KPV is better!)
• Quality electrolytes such as Quinton Hypertonic (from seawater) – extra salt and potassium are especially important for POTS
• Melatonin as needed
My Diet for the past 12 years: Gluten, Dairy and Soy Free, low oxalate, low sugar.
After Covid I added: low histamine, low FODMAP (helped with GI issues – which were resolved with KPV Peptide)
Things that didn’t help with long COVID
- Exercise more than walking and stretching (until well into recovery)
- Stressful situations – even a few hours of stress could bring back many LC symptoms for a week or more
- Doctor visits – sadly, not even LC specialists helped. Also, I wasn’t researching as diligently while I was waiting months hopeful for appointments to bring answers.
- Antihistamines – caused anxiety and underlying issues still need to heal
- Antivirals – Olive leaf, acyclovir etc.. didn’t notice benefits directly but not harmful
- Probiotics – I wrote this post about how they can increase autoimmunity
- Liposomal Glutathione oral capsules – noticed nothing, from several quality brands
- Canadian wildfire smoke – avoided exposure much of the summer when I could have been out in the sunlight, healing!
- Taking supplements on an empty stomach
- LDN – low dose naltrexone – I wanted to love it, and only took for 2 weeks, but it made me feel “off.” I had a flat mood, ‘stress sleep’ & bruxism. Many people find it’s a game changer and I wouldn’t discourage anyone from giving it a try.
- Ultra high dose Thiamine (B1) | It seemed to calm & stabilize my nervous system, but it made me jittery. When I decreased the dose, it didn’t do anything. It’s worth experimenting with and can increase the ability to rebound from stress. I used two types • benfotiamine – lipid soluable (300mg) • thiamine HCL – water soluable (500mg) if I were to try again I would start much lower and work up.
Conclusion
One of the most important lessons I learned was that we are in charge of our recovery.
I am forever grateful to members of Facebook groups and on Reddit who posted stories of healing.
They helped me find the way to mine.
It’s up to each of us to piece together information, apply it to our symptoms, and restore our lives.
When we accept that no one is coming to save us, it empowers us to save ourselves.
Some days will be slow, others will be remarkable!
If you continue to try new things, some will help.
And if you’re like me, or the other stories I have read, one by one, those things will add up to a recovery.
Don’t lose hope, you’ve got this! 🤍
Remember to watch our video if you need ideas for re-regulating your nervous system!
An encouraging story from someone in our Facebook group, about KPV Peptide:
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Diary of Recovery 
I have tried 50 things for my long covid at this point, and I’ve been reading your blog posts. I have a red light but it gets way too hot to get close to it. I’m thinking of buying the kind you recommend. If you could only start with 1 thing, is that what you would buy or the peptides? I take niacin, which is a precursor to nad+.
Hi, I feel for you and I tried so many things too! First just to mention niacin, I took tru niagen which technically should be even better than niacin as a precursor. Sadly, it was nothing compared to using NAD+ so that stays as my first suggestion 🙂 the nasal spray is probably easiest. But since you asked between red light and peptides, I think I might do with redlight depending on your symptoms and your commitment to time spent using the light 🙂
Plus it’s so inexpensive. But also, KPV has been truly life changing!
In summary:
NAD+ if fatigue is your greatest concern
KPV if it’s MCAS
Red light if you’re willing to commit the time and have issues it can fix 🙂 (it doesn’t do much for MCAS)
I can’t really say that any of them were not critical to my recovery. But you likely have different symptoms than I did. I wish you much success and healing!
Thank you so much for your response! My symptoms are fatigue/PEM, dizziness, MCAS, shortness of breath, chest pains, and neuropathy. I used glutathione IVs and patches (from agelessrx) and the patches were great until I got a bad batch and I’ve been scared to try again. But maybe I’ll try the nad+. For some reason I thought I read the red light helped you with your MCAS symptoms but maybe I’m confusing that with the peptides?
You’re right that the red light helped heal my lungs and nasal allergies but I don’t think it systemically fixed any root cause of MCAS like NAD+ and KPV did. A bad batch of glutathione is scary! I’m using it too but only because I was curious. I don’t really think it’s a big hitter, for me.
Based on your symptoms being a lot like mine, I bet the things I did will help you, but i bet you’re going to need all 3. The red light on the ears and head does help considerably with dizziness if you end up getting a light. Keep me posted on how you progress. I started nad in Nov 2023, then red light in December and kPV in January, so it went pretty quick from long haul for years, to recovered!