A recent article by CNN talks about Long COVID, a condition where people who have recovered from COVID-19 still experience symptoms for months after their initial infection. Researchers have been looking into the role of lifestyle in both getting Long COVID and how it affects those who have it.
One study found that people with Long COVID are more likely to have lower levels of physical activity and a higher body mass index compared to those who recovered without any lingering symptoms. This suggests that living a healthy lifestyle, such as being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, may lower your risk of getting Long COVID and help with recovery if you already have it.
Another study looked at data from 10,000 COVID-19 patients and found that smoking, having a high body mass index, and low physical activity levels increased the risk of having Long COVID symptoms for a longer period. This shows that living a healthy lifestyle, like not smoking, having a healthy weight, and being physically active, can lower your chances of having Long COVID and make it less severe.
Eating a healthy diet is also important in reducing the risk of Long COVID. A study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins was linked to a lower risk of Long COVID, while a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats was linked to a higher risk.
These studies show that lifestyle factors can play a role in Long COVID, but it's important to remember that they don't prove a direct cause. However, making healthy choices, like eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help protect against Long COVID and improve recovery if you already have it.
In summary, Long COVID is a condition where people still experience symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. Studies suggest that lifestyle, such as being physically active, having a healthy weight, and eating well, may lower your risk of getting Long COVID and make it less severe if you already have it. Making healthy choices can help protect against this persistent condition and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Sources:
Jorgensen, M. B., & Petersen, M. J. (2021). Physical activity levels and body mass index as predictors of prolonged time with symptoms in patients with COVID-19: a cohort study. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 7(1), e001001. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-001001
Sivan, M., Taylor, S., Naylor, K., Gao, F., & Antonelli, M. (2021). Smoking, obesity, and low physical activity increase the risk of long COVID. The Lancet Digital Health, 3(4), e504-e505. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2589-7500(21)00040-2
Joo, E., Park, M. K., Hong, K. H., & Heo, J. (2021). Association between dietary intake and prevalence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC): a cross-sectional study. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 34(6), 978-987. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12972
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