Long Covid: A Functional Medicine Approach to Lasting Recovery

Have you—or your patient—continued to experience symptoms weeks or even months after a COVID-19 infection? You may be dealing with Long Covid, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). This condition affects an estimated 10 to 30% of individuals after infection, regardless of the severity of the acute phase. Symptoms can persist or fluctuate over time, often impacting daily functioning and quality of life.

What Is Long Covid?

Long Covid is a multisystem condition with a wide range of symptoms that can affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Common complaints include:

• Persistent fatigue and physical exhaustion
• Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Muscle or joint pain and general weakness
• Sleep disturbances and mood changes
• Autonomic dysregulation (e.g., palpitations, POTS)
• Sensory hypersensitivity (to light, sound, or smell)
• Worsening of pre-existing conditions (e.g., IBS, hormonal issues)

These symptoms may severely affect work, relationships, and overall health. Because Long Covid affects multiple systems simultaneously, a comprehensive, integrative and individualized approach is essential.

Functional Medicine: Addressing the Root Causes

At DNA Care, we approach Long Covid through the lens of Functional Medicine—a science-based, systems-oriented model that seeks to identify and address the root causes of chronic dysfunction. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we investigate the biological imbalances that may be blocking recovery.

Key underlying mechanisms we often assess include:
• Chronic low-grade inflammation or immune activation
• Autonomic nervous system dysregulation (e.g., POTS, orthostatic intolerance)
• Endocrine imbalances and HPA axis dysfunction
• Mitochondrial dysfunction (reduced cellular energy production)
• Neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances
• Reactivation of latent viruses (such as EBV or herpesviruses)
• Nutrient and antioxidant deficiencies
• Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability

This list reflects the complex, multisystem nature of Long Covid and illustrates how various physiological imbalances can interact to prolong or intensify symptoms.

Advanced Diagnostics: Functional, Not Just Structural

To uncover these imbalances, we use targeted diagnostics tailored to each patient’s history and symptom profile. These may include:

• Organix Comprehensive Profile (mitochondrial function, oxidative stress)
• GI-MAP stool analysis (gut flora, inflammation, and immune markers)
• Advanced blood work (inflammation, micronutrients, thyroid, clotting, immune activity)
• HPA axis and stress profiles (autonomic nervous system regulation)
• Genetic and epigenetic screening (optional, for predisposition analysis)

These insights allow us to create a personalized treatment plan that may involve dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, mitochondrial and immune support, stress regulation, and neurovegetative recovery strategies.

Who Is This Approach For?

This integrative approach is well-suited for individuals who:
• Experience ongoing symptoms more than 12 weeks post-COVID infection
• Have been told “everything looks normal” but still feel unwell
• Have not responded to conventional treatments or rehabilitation
• Wish to take an active role in their recovery
• Are seeking a comprehensive, individualized, and evidence-based care model

Our work is designed to complement conventional medical care—not replace it. We regularly collaborate with referring physicians, including primary care providers, neurologists, cardiologists, and integrative specialists.

Collaborative, Root-Cause-Oriented Care

At DNA Care, we understand that Long Covid requires time, insight, and coordination. Our clinical model is based on the latest research in Functional Medicine, epigenetics, neuroimmunology, and lifestyle medicine. We take the time to listen, assess, and support recovery—body and mind.