OvationLab Long Haul COVID Protocol...

One of the great things about our Incubator program is the community. We are stronger in numbers. As we see different things come and face us in clinical practice, such as the post-pandemic effects of long COVID, we are wondering, "What's really working?" And, "What are the next steps?" And instead of being isolated, trying to figure things out, we have incredible groups of brilliant and passionate people coming together and collaborating.

Together, what are we seeing? 

We recently reviewed an IFM supported protocol, called the OvationLab Long Haul COVID Protocol, which includes a number of various supplements, a functional medicine approach, and a utilized questionnaire. We looked at all of this and thought about:

• “Why were these things chosen?”
• “What have we seen in terms of our own use when there are competitive products?”
• “How do those things compare?” 
• “How do we take something like this and maximize the value but still individualize for the patient?”

Therapies 

We walked through different therapies, like Arterosil®, and compared them to Endocalyx™. Is there a capsule difference? Is there a price difference? What's happening with them on the glycocalyx in terms of being a part of the picture of status post COVID? 

Formulas

We looked at formulas, like ITIS formula and examined its potential as an anti-inflammatory use, like curcuminoids, boswellia and bromelain, at the same time combining it with Chinese skullcap. We know one of the mechanisms for Chinese skullcap is that it decreases TNF alpha. One of the markers that we look forward to establish “Is this a diagnosis of long COVID?” is also TNF alpha, so making good logical sense but having an additional benefit, Chinese skullcap, of binding to glucocorticoid receptors. 

Cortisol & Adrenal Fatigue

We also know that cortisol is abnormal status post COVID. It's part of what contributes to the fatigue. That leads us back to the adrenal fatigue picture. It's also part of what contributes to POTS, for example, because if there's more adrenal fatigue, we're not making adequate epinephrine and norepinephrine to tell that vessel to constrict appropriately to keep us from getting dizzy when we go from sitting to standing. 

Protease Inhibition

We looked at Tollovid™ and protease inhibition. We talked about various ways to build the gut in terms of probiotics—why this is meaningful. It decreases a TH 17 response, which is that highly inflamed branch of the immune system that's responsible for more of a cytokine storm.

Functional Medicine Approach

And we examined the functional medicine approach in terms of “Yep, this is where we shine,” resetting circadian rhythms, working on the gut, minimizing stress, encouraging exercise, and all of the research around that. 

Conclusion

So, there’s strength in numbers. It was great to come together today and think about where we're seeing shift, especially when we're dealing with something that is relatively new. And always in functional medicine clinical practice, we're dealing with something that's new to us as we handle each patient individually. You're never in a position where you just do the same thing, person after person. Having that community to think with, to bounce ideas around with is really affirming. Part of being involved in integrative medicine is finding that community because it can seem isolating. You're doing something different; you're doing something outside the norm. Having that community that is supportive, that can advocate for us, and as I mentioned, that can affirm what we're thinking is deeply valuable.