Post-COVID Fatigue: 68% Improvement with ‘This’

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Red Ginseng shows Promise in Alleviating Long COVID Fatigue and Inflammation

A new study reveals that consistent red ginseng consumption considerably improves chronic fatigue and anxiety while reducing inflammation levels in individuals experiencing long-term symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a debilitating condition characterized by persistent and overwhelming fatigue lasting more than six months, has seen a marked increase in diagnoses since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic. Ofen accompanied by “brain fog“-a cognitive impairment affecting concentration and memory-CFS also manifests in symptoms like sleep disturbances and muscle pain. The rise in cases is directly linked to Long Covid, where symptoms linger long after the initial infection subsides, with chronic fatigue being one of the most prevalent aftereffects. data from the Journal of the Korean Medical Society indicates that over 55% of COVID-19 patients experience Long Covid, and more than 32% of those report chronic fatigue.

Did you know? – red ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, valued for its potential health benefits, including boosting immunity and reducing fatigue.

To investigate potential interventions, a team led by Professor Jeong Dong-hyuk at the Department of Family Medicine at Yongin Severance Hospital conducted a rigorous, randomized, double-blind study involving 216 adults aged 35 to 60 who had previously tested positive for COVID-19.Over a 12-week period, researchers monitored changes in Long Covid symptoms, chronic inflammation, and immune cell activity. Participants were divided into two groups: a red ginseng intake group (108 people) and a placebo group (108 people). Each group consumed either 2g of red ginseng extract powder or a placebo daily. Assessments, including a CFS-COVID19 questionnaire and blood tests measuring chronic inflammation, were administered at 3, 6, 9, and 12-week intervals. The questionnaire evaluated eight key symptoms: headache, non-restorative sleep, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and anxiety. A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome requires the presence of four or more of these symptoms for over 12 weeks.

Pro tip – When considering herbal supplements, discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take medications.

The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the red ginseng group. Symptom scores improved by 68%, decreasing from an initial average of 2.78 to 0.62 after 12 weeks, while the placebo group showed no notable change. This suggests a tangible benefit of red ginseng in mitigating the debilitating effects of Long Covid-related fatigue.

Beyond symptom relief,the study revealed positive immunological effects. The ratio of immune helper cells (CD4) to immunosuppressor cells (CD8)-indicators of chronic inflammation and immune aging-remained stable in the placebo group but increased by 35% in the red ginseng group.Furthermore, T cells, crucial immune cells responsible for suppressing inflammatory responses, decreased in the placebo group but were maintained in the red ginseng group. These findings indicate that red ginseng not only alleviates symptoms but also actively modulates the immune system, potentially controlling excessive immune responses and reducing chronic inflammation.

Reader question – Have you experienced Long Covid symptoms? What strategies have you found helpful in managing fatigue and inflammation?

“This study shows that continuous consumption of red ginseng safely and effectively relieves the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, a representative symptom of Long Covid,” stated Professor Jeong Dong-hyuk.He further anticipates that red ginseng could offer relief not only for post-COVID conditions but also for individuals suffering from other viral aftereffects and pre-existing chronic fatigue syndrome.

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