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Antioxidants for Long COVID

As we age and are bombarded with solar radiation, chemicals in our environment and natural biological processes, our bodies are exposed to free radicals.  Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules that have an unpaired valence electron.  This imbalance makes them very reactive, and they tend to steal electrons from cells in our bodies which can damage cells and cause inflammation.  While free radicals have some uses, if your body has too many of them that electron stealing process subjects your body to oxidative stress which has degenerative effects such as accelerated aging.  Studies associate excess free radicals with aging, diminished health and with diseases of the central nervous system, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer and more. Recent studies suggest long-COVID is partly caused by oxidative stress and a shortage of antioxidants in the body.

My long COVID recovery team suggested that I have a diet very high in antioxidants, as they are believed to be helpful for nervous system disorders.  There is also a growing belief among nutrition and longevity specialists that high antioxidant diets could possibly slow aging (slightly).  Since there are lots of tasty ways to ingest antioxidants, in addition to supplements, this is an easy recommendation for me to follow.

Common Antioxidants and Foods  

  Here are some examples of common antioxidants and foods that they are contained in:
  • Vitamin C: fruits and berries, especially tart citrus, pineapple, etc.
  • Beta-carotene: the compound that causes the orange color in salmon, carrots, sweet potatoes and apricots
  • Vitamin E: whole grains, nuts, meat, vegetable oils and more 
  • Lycopene: tomatoes (especially cooked tomatoes and sauces)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: fat-rich fish (salmon, halibut, sardines, tuna, etc.), walnuts, flax seed
  • Omega-6 fatty acids: eggs, poultry, nuts, cereals, vegetable oils
  • Polyphenols and Flavonoids:  green tea, red wine and grapes, coffee, pure dark chocolate, berries, apples
  • B-vitamins: seafood, eggs, vegetables, dairy and poultry

How I Consume Antioxidants to Fight Long COVID

In order to boost my antioxidant levels, I use primarily three methods:

  • Eating more antioxidant-rich foods and juices
  • Creating daily antioxidant-heavy tisanes and teas by steeping dried fruits in hot water along with green matcha tea
  • Supplementing with Vitamin C and L-Glutathione and plant phenols such as Pterostilbene, Resveratrol and Quercetin.

The herbal tea infusions are my favorite as they taste fantastic, are based on real foods, and are very refreshing. I will share some of my favorite recipes in a future post.

For more Information About Antioxidants:

 © 2024 All rights reserved. This blog reflects the personal experience and opinions of a long COVID and CFS survivor and is not qualified medical advice. Consult a doctor for your situation.


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