Long Covid

The emergence of Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms long after the acute phase of the illness, has presents a significant challenge for sufferers. Among its debilitating manifestations are shortness of breath, neuropathy, low energy levels, vascular complications, inflammation, and coagulopathy, which contribute to morbidity and impaired quality of life.

Those suffering from Long COVID may also exhibit dysautonomia in which there is dysfunction or dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system leading to a wide range of symptoms such as fluctuations in heart rate, palpitations, intolerance to heat or cold, difficulties in regulating body temperature, difficulty in maintaining blood pressure and heart rate.

To address these symptoms of Long COVID, Regenesis offers a variety of therapies. These include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone infusions, stellate ganglion block, general vascular bone marrow stemcell (BMSC) infusions with nebulized BMSC, and supplements such as Nattokinase and nitric oxide.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Shortness of Breath. Shortness of breath, a hallmark symptom of Long COVID, significantly impairs pulmonary function and diminishes patients' functional capacity. HBOT involves breathing 95% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, thereby increasing oxygen delivery to tissues. HBOT enhances oxygenation, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair, all of which are pivotal in alleviating respiratory distress. By augmenting oxygen availability, HBOT aids in restoring lung function, relieving dyspnea, and improving exercise tolerance in Long COVID patients.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Neuropathy. Neuropathy, characterized by nerve damage and dysfunction, is an aftereffect of COVD and one of many symptoms of Long COVID. Peripheral neuropathy manifests as pain, tingling, and numbness in the extremities. It can be progressive, it can profoundly impact mobility and quality of life. HBOT exerts neuroprotective effects by enhancing oxygen delivery to nerve tissues, stimulating angiogenesis (the process through which new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing blood vessels), and modulating inflammatory responses. Clinical evidence suggests that HBOT mitigates neuropathic pain, improves nerve function, and may accelerate nerve regeneration. Thus, HBOT can be valuable as a therapeutic intervention for lessening neuropathic symptoms in Long COVID patients.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Low Energy Levels. Fatigue and low energy levels are pervasive complaints among individuals grappling with Long COVID. These symptoms not only impair physical function but also impede cognitive performance and emotional well-being. HBOT combats fatigue by optimizing cellular metabolism, enhancing mitochondrial function, and reducing oxidative stress. By augmenting energy production at the cellular level, HBOT restores vitality, improves cognitive clarity, and enhances overall functional capacity. Long COVID patients undergoing HBOT often report a notable improvement in energy levels, enabling them to reclaim active and fulfilling lives.

The multifaceted benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy make it a compelling therapeutic modality for addressing the diverse symptoms of Long COVID. By enhancing oxygen delivery, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, HBOT offers a holistic approach to symptom management. Particularly in mitigating shortness of breath, neuropathy, and low energy levels, Regenesis offers HBOT in which client breath 95% oxygen within a chamber operating at pressures of 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 atmospheres (ATA). Typically, clients require a series of HBOT sessions twice per day and 30 to 60 minutes in duration.

Ozone Therapy. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation found with Long COVID necessitate novel therapies. To address these symptoms, Regenesis offers ozone therapy to modulate oxidative stress, immune function, and antimicrobial activity.

Ozone enhances oxygen metabolism, stimulates antioxidant enzymes, and attenuates oxidative damage, thereby restoring redox balance. Redox balance, short for reduction-oxidation balance, refers to the equilibrium between oxidants (molecules that accept electrons) and antioxidants (molecules that donate electrons) in biological systems. It is a crucial aspect of cellular function and overall health, as it influences numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, signaling pathways, and immune responses.

Ozone also modulates immune responses, promoting anti-inflammatory pathways and regulating cytokine production. Cytokines are signaling molecules produced by immune cells that regulate inflammation, immune responses, and communication between cells in the body. During the acute phase of COVID-19, dysregulated cytokine production, often termed as a cytokine storm can occur in severe cases, contributing to tissue damage and systemic inflammation. Similarly, in Long COVID, alterations in cytokine profiles may persist and contribute to the ongoing symptoms experienced by patients Finally, ozone's antimicrobial properties combat secondary infections, augmenting the body's defense against opportunistic pathogens.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy in Long COVID. Long COVID is characterized by immune dysregulation, marked by persistent inflammation and impaired immune responses. Ozone therapy modulates immune function by regulating cytokine profiles, enhancing immune surveillance, and promoting regulatory T cell activity, thereby restoring immune homeostasis and attenuating inflammation.

1. Oxidative Stress Management: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Long COVID, contributing to tissue damage and exacerbating symptoms. Ozone therapy mitigates oxidative stress by stimulating antioxidant defenses, scavenging free radicals, and enhancing cellular resilience, thereby protecting against oxidative damage and promoting tissue repair.
2. Respiratory Support: Respiratory compromise, including dyspnea and pulmonary fibrosis, is prevalent in Long COVID patients. Ozone therapy improves oxygenation, reduces inflammation-induced pulmonary damage, and enhances tissue oxygenation, thereby promoting respiratory recovery and alleviating respiratory symptoms.

Regenesis offers ozone therapy for ameliorating the diverse manifestations of Long COVID. Its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and respiratory-supportive properties make it a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of Long COVID symptoms.

Autohemotherapy with Ozone. Autohemotherapy involves withdrawing a small amount of the patient's blood, mixing it with ozone, and then reintroducing it back into the bloodstream to enhance the body's oxygen utilization and immune response. We perform autohemotherapy in three steps:

1. Blood Withdrawal: A healthcare professional withdraws a small amount of the patient's blood, usually around 500 milliliters, using a sterile syringe and needle.
2. Ozone Mixing: The withdrawn blood is then mixed with ozone gas. This can be done in different ways, such as through a specialized machine that ozonates the blood or by bubbling ozone through the blood in a sterile container.
3. Reintroduction: Once the blood has been ozonated, it is reintroduced back into the patient's bloodstream through intravenous infusion, typically in the arm.

The benefits of autohemotherapy with ozone for long COVID include:

1. Improved Oxygenation: Ozone therapy can enhance the delivery and utilization of oxygen in the body, benefiting individuals with long COVID who experience symptoms related to poor oxygenation or respiratory issues.
2. Immune Modulation: Ozone therapy can help regulate and balance the immune system. In long COVID, where immune dysregulation is a concern, this can potentially help restore normal immune function and reduce symptoms.
3. Antioxidant Effects: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent, but paradoxically, it also stimulates the body's antioxidant defense systems. This dual action could help reduce oxidative stress, which is implicated in various aspects of long COVID pathology.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ozone therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit individuals experiencing chronic inflammation as a result of long COVID.

Stellate Ganglion Block. To address dysautonomia which can also be an aftereffect of Long COVID, Regenesis offers Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) to reset the autonomic nervous systems. Stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) are minimally invasive procedures that involve the injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves located in the neck. These blocks can provide therapeutic benefits for patients with dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, by modulating sympathetic nervous system activity and alleviating symptoms associated with autonomic dysfunction. At Regenesis, our objectives in offering SGB are:

1. Sympathetic Modulation: The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature control. Dysautonomia often involves overactivity or dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, and vasomotor instability. SGBs can help modulate sympathetic activity by blocking nerve signals in the stellate ganglion, thereby reducing excessive sympathetic tone and restoring autonomic balance.
2. Pain Relief: In addition to its role in autonomic regulation, the stellate ganglion is involved in sensory innervation of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Patients with dysautonomia may experience associated symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, and upper limb discomfort. SGBs can provide analgesic effects by blocking pain signals transmitted by sensory nerves in the stellate ganglion, thus reducing pain intensity and improving overall comfort.
3. Vasodilation: Dysautonomia can cause abnormalities in vascular tone and blood flow regulation, leading to symptoms such as cold extremities, Raynaud's phenomenon, and abnormal blood pressure responses. By blocking sympathetic input to blood vessels, SGBs can induce vasodilation and improve peripheral circulation, alleviating symptoms related to vascular dysfunction.
4. Improved Autonomic Function: Dysautonomia can affect multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and sudomotor systems. SGBs may exert systemic effects on autonomic function by modulating sympathetic activity at the stellate ganglion level, leading to improvements in heart rate variability, gastrointestinal motility, and sweat gland function.
5. Quality of Life Improvement: By reducing symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance, pain, and autonomic dysfunction, SGBs can significantly improve patients' quality of life and functional capacity. Patients may experience enhanced mobility, tolerance to upright posture, and relief from debilitating symptoms that impact daily activities and social interactions. It's important to note that while SGBs can provide symptomatic relief for patients with dysautonomia, the duration of benefit from SGBs may vary among individuals, and repeated treatments may be necessary to maintain therapeutic effects.

General Vascular Therapy (GVT). When systemic damage to the pulmonary, nervous, or circulatory system is a concern, we offer our patients infused or nebulized therapy in which we provide a patient s bone marrow stem cells back to them with the goals of:

1. Symptom Relief: Targeting specific symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive difficulties, or joint pain to improve the patient's quality of life.
2. Improvement in Functional Capacity: Enhancing the patient's ability to perform daily activities and return to work or other responsibilities.
3. Reduced Inflammation: Stem cells could potentially help modulate the inflammatory response associated with long COVID, leading to a reduction in inflammation and related symptoms.
4. Tissue Repair: Stimulating tissue regeneration and repair in organs or systems affected by long COVID, such as the lungs, venous system, or heart.
5. Immune Modulation: Modulating the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation or autoimmunity, which are common features of long COVID.

Nattokinase to Counter Spike Damage and Clotting. Among the diverse manifestations of Long COVID are vascular complications, inflammation, and coagulopathy, which contribute to morbidity and impaired quality of life. In this context, Regenesis offers patients Nattokinase, a natural fibrinolytic enzyme dietary supplement derived from fermented soybeans.

Nattokinase exerts its therapeutic effects through the breakdown of fibrin, a key component of blood clots. By enhancing fibrinolysis, Nattokinase promotes blood flow, reduces platelet aggregation, and mitigates thrombotic events. Moreover, Nattokinase exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by modulating cytokine levels and attenuating oxidative stress, thereby addressing the inflammatory cascade characteristic of Long COVID.

Nattokinase in Long COVID presents the following benefits:

1. Vascular Health: Long COVID is associated with endothelial dysfunction and microvascular thrombosis, predisposing individuals to cardiovascular complications. Nattokinase's fibrinolytic activity improves endothelial function, enhances blood flow, and prevents the formation of thrombi, thereby safeguarding vascular integrity and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
2. Respiratory Function: Respiratory compromise, including dyspnea and pulmonary fibrosis, is prevalent in Long COVID patients. Nattokinase's ability to dissolve fibrin deposits in the lungs promotes alveolar ventilation, mitigates inflammation-induced pulmonary damage, and facilitates respiratory recovery, thereby improving pulmonary function and alleviating respiratory symptoms.
3. Neurological Well-being: Long COVID is often accompanied by neurological sequelae, including cognitive impairment and neuropathic symptoms. Nattokinase's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties confer neurologic benefits by attenuating neuroinflammation, preserving neuronal integrity, and enhancing cerebral blood flow, thus ameliorating cognitive dysfunction and neuropathic symptoms. Nattokinase s multifaceted benefits in promoting vascular health, enhancing respiratory function, and preserving neurological well-being position it as a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of Long COVID symptoms. and to alleviate the burden of Long COVID and improve the prognosis of affected individuals.

Nitric oxide (NO) for Improved Oxygen Profusion. NO is a key signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes, including vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), neurotransmission, immune response, and regulation of inflammation and blood pressure. Changes in NO production can impact cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. NO is naturally produced in the body. Unfortunately, NO production decreases by about 85% between age 25 and age 60. NO is mainly produced by endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Endothelial function decreases with age contributing to a decrease in NO. To offset the effects of aging, Regenesis offers its patients Nitric Oxide Support to supplement natural NO production in the body. While COVID-19 and its associated Spike protein have been implicated in endothelial dysfunction, research on the action of Spike on NO production is ongoing. None the less, due to its manifold benefits, NO supplementation can potentially benefit most patients including those suffering from long COVID. Here's how NO may be beneficial:

1. Vasodilation: Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. Long COVID patients often experience symptoms related to impaired blood flow and oxygenation, such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Oxygen is vital for cellular respiration in which cells break down glucose to produce energy for various cellular processes, including cellular growth, repair, and maintenance. Without sufficient oxygen, energy production is reduced leading to fatigue and reduced physical and mental performance. Inadequate levels of oxygen delivery to the brain can result in reduced cognition, concentration and brain-fog. Inadequate profusion of oxygen to organs impairs tissue repair and healing. Increased NO levels have the potential to help alleviate these symptoms by enhancing blood flow to affected tissues.
2. Anti-inflammatory: NO has anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate the immune response. In long COVID, where chronic inflammation often results, NO may help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. By dampening excessive immune activation, NO can potentially alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and malaise.
3. Antiviral Activity: Nitric oxide exhibits direct antiviral activity against a wide range of pathogens, including respiratory viruses like coronaviruses. By inhibiting viral replication and spread, NO may help control persistent viral infections associated with long COVID and prevent disease progression.
4. Improved Respiratory Function: Nitric oxide is also involved in regulating pulmonary function and can enhance lung function by relaxing smooth muscle in the airways and improving oxygen exchange in the lungs. Long COVID patients with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough may benefit from NO supplementation to improve pulmonary function and alleviate respiratory distress.
5. Neuroprotective Effects: NO plays a crucial role in neuronal signaling and neuroprotection. Long

   COVID patients frequently report neurological symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, and
   neuropathic pain. By promoting neuroplasticity and neurotransmitter balance, NO may help alleviate
   these symptoms and support cognitive function and mental well-being.

As with Nattokinase, nitric oxide is taken daily, typically two capsules in the morning.

At Regenesis our focus is upon harnessing your body’s natural healing processes. As a response to Long- COVID we offer a range of supplements, oxygen therapies, therapies to regain normal function of the autonomic nervous system, and to foster repair of damaged tissues. To learn more, schedule a consult with Dr. Charles Lee.