Interventions for an Acid-Base Imbalance in Long Covid | With Vicky Van der Togt & Dr Jeremy Rossman

[@I_am_Spartacus]

Cheers for the video Gez, very insightful and quite a relief that this is being looked in to. I'm going to sound like a smart arse now, but I kinda came to this conclusion partly in March last year after contracting Covid. I'm a rock climber and runner with super endurance and I noticed that my arms really struggled on easy routes. They were pumping up with lactic acid so quickly that I couldn't climb. When LC kicked in in April 22, I also had that strange hypoxia even though the Oximeter said my O2 stats were normal. I've had LC just over a year now and I have finally seen the switch taking place in my body from anaerobic to aerobic, it's been slow, but it is happening. I think/hope that I am 95% recovered, but it's always hard to say. Without doubt I can say this, my LC kicked in the day after I was sick and I believed my microbiome had been effected by the covid virus in some way. After later finding out that there's an abundance of ACE2 receptors in the gut it's not surprising this has happened. Also, recent studies have discovered that Bifidobacterium has been depleted. Whether this turns out to be the root cause I don't know, but it's a great starting point. I believe the majority of issues/symptoms we are suffering are stemming from this alone. Why? In March this year I decided to try and increase and overload good bacteria in my gut. For a whole week I ate Sauerkraut and Kimchi, like a jar of each. By the end of the week, I had an upset tummy and I had the most bizarre pooh I've ever had. All my symptoms stopped from this moment on. Prior to this I was suffering with pretty bad brain fog, vision problems with my left eye, tinnitus, broken sleep, odd breathing and fatigue. Was this a coincidence, I don't believe so. I have also read peoples accounts that something similar has happened to them whilst taking various antibiotics, all their symptoms vanishing for a day before returning, and we all know that ABs kill all bacteria in the gut. I don't believe in coincidences and I found it pretty fascinating that this stopped my brain fog of all things. Some of my symptoms came back 5 days later, but very minimally, but instantly things improved. It felt like my body went into a high fatigue stage, but I was finally sleeping the whole night which made a world of difference to my recovery. Leading up to xmas I was suffering v bad with anxiety and chest pains amongst many others, to the point that my Dr insisted I tried some beta blockers, I was on these for 5 days but came off due to the weirdness of them. My chest pains haven't returned since. I believed it broke and reset the link between the brain and point of pain. My Vagus nerve node behind my right ear was also swollen and painful for months. It has now returned to normal. I could go on... My advice to anyone struggling with this is to try and keep calm which is the hardest aspect of this given the multitude of frightening symptoms and lack of help and understanding from our GPs. Mine have buried their head in the sand and prefer it when I don't go to the surgery. Rest as much as possible, get proper sleep, use herbal sleeping pills intermittently if you must, do not over do exercise and pacing might not be a good idea. Do not try cold shower autophagy on an already stressed body. Hot baths are great. Breathing exercises in through the nose only. Change your diet, consume higher amount of veg and fermented food/kefir, limit alcohol. These are kinda obvious, but you are looking for that moment when your body stops the doom loop. I believe it's in a constant battle of trying to heal itself whilst all these weird signals/symptoms persist and if 70% of your immune system is in your gut, then it has to be the best place to start in your fight against this. Good luck ppl! xx

[@Franklytiredout]

I completely agree. I’ve gone the probiotic route but I am intrigued by the idea of the big dose of kefir etc that breaks the cycle. Less excited by what awaits in the toilet afterwards…but that’s small beer compared to the nightmare of LC. Thanks for the post.

[@Franklytiredout]

Re antibiotics I read a paper and watched a video by an Italian prof who had run these types of tests and used antibiotics plus something else to treat it. What his findings seemed to reveal is that the virus infects not only the stomach lining but also the actual bacteria living in your gut. I will try ad find it.

[@I_am_Spartacus]

@@Franklytiredout You're welcome and I hope it works for you. It might not work for everyone. I do think I've had gut issues all my life, so it could be specific to people like me... I suffer with bloating a lot.. I certainly overdid it on the probiotics on purpose, just to see if it would cause a purge.. I don' think any harm could come of it...

[@robertwilliams8553]

I have been having the same issues and especially gut issues...and not getting any help with hospital doctors....

[@robertwilliams8553]

If anyone has any more suggestions...please let me know...God bless

[@wheredear4474]

Fascinating! I have been struggling with LC since early 21. Switching to a vegan diet in August 22 DRAMATICALLY improved my CFS flares. Before the switch, I could exercise but frequently crash, and those crashes would last 4-6 weeks at a time. Crashes consisted of severe fatigue, muscle fatigue, PEM, tingling of the limbs, strange-smelling urine, trouble breathing, excessive thirst, low BP, amongst so many other symptoms. After the switch, I am fully back in the gym; flares are very brief, usually a day or two, and only consist of fatigue. I had no idea why going vegan helped so dramatically, though this theory explains why. I will try the other suggestions as well!

[@Feirin332]

I'm really glad that has worked for you. I was already on a vegan diet when I got sick :-(

[@theancientsancients1769]

​@@Feirin332 If you have gastrointestinal problems...you may test for SIBO bacteria breath test which many with long covid test positive for

[@NoelsChallenge]

Amazing! That’s a breakthrough research. I knew that I have long Covid. This explains why I’m feeling what I’m feeling and to make it more interesting, I started to develop kidney problem like high creatinine. Now, I know why I’m pissing a lot - acidosis!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Thank you for bringing their point of view! Gez, you actually look in better health. We're getting there, slowly, but we're getting there!

[@nyrreal8764]

Yes but reinfections are very hard.... 3years + and no treatment. Crazy...

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

@@nyrreal8764 It’s a real thing. Look at the FLCCC prevention protocol. The prescription medicine you may have to get from abroad, but it’s well worth it. I’ve been on it for more than a year now and I’ve steered clear of getting reinfected 🤞

[@nyrreal8764]

@@teddybearroosevelt1847 I am not healed so I cant take prevention protocol, but thank you very much. I saw FLCC protocol.

[@anacecilianfmat]

Gez thank you so much, really. You have been an awesome helper for our community. I think, all my recovery is thanks to all the people you have interviewed and then i have followed them and try their recommendations. As you know, typical medicine only treats the symptoms but nothing more. Thanks so much again.

[@RUNDMC1]

My pleasure Cecilia, glad to hear you’re recovering!

[@marcusw3891]

I have struggled with Long COVID for over 2 years now and my skin can get to the point where it feels like it is burning and stings. I decided to do a month of doping my breakfast with Garlic Powder no salt. I did this for thirty days and coincidence or not my BP had gone up with COVID symptoms and has now dropped 15 points. I also changed the water I drink to a higher quality and for the first time in years am starting to feel better. I am just glad to be out of scary territory as for myself I always felt like I was not recovering but just trying to stay out of crisis - feels so good to be out of crisis for those who pray, pray that I stay in the low symptom category.

[@theancientsancients1769]

The lower your symptoms it means you are entering recovery mode. Just make sure you don't get COVID again as it causes relapse

[@frankclark7282]

Have you been vaccinated ?

[@hollyeverhart5496]

Yes thank you all of you guys ! Especially Gez for continuing searching for answers for us , and you're book I've almost got it all read . Great book ! I appreciate all you're help ❤❤

[@AncientAstroAthlete]

Logically, micro-clotting would concentrate in arterial capillaries causing loss of oxygen to cells and their mitochondria, thus forcing the cells into anaerobic operation, whilst damaging the mitochondria. I, therefore, see lactate as an effect of micro-clotting. Key is to prevent/cure micro-clotting. Lactate testing would be a way of checking when one has recovered.

[@stephangauthier911]

The acidity would explain muscle and bone deterioration, which in turn have their own cascades and symptoms. I was athletic and am now very very weak. My breathing is very shallow. Muscles disappeared completely. My posture changed and I can hear my spine creak and grind when I move. My pelvis sits much lower and my shoulders way higher because of poor muscle tone.

[@41hulas82]

Try high dose benfothiamine or Alpha GPC. Both of them facilitate nerve to muscle connection (via acetylcholine synthesis). At first I used only GPC but then I found Elliot Overton and started taking benfothiamine, which is upstream of GPC. It resolved my tremor, intermittent paralysis and spasticity. I was able to stand up in the shower again. Also helped my gut and mood. Thiamine and choline get sucked down by extreme, chronic inflammation and supplementing with the right forms of them can radically help.

[@41hulas82]

One other note - the doctors thought I had myasthenia gravis, which is a disorder of acetylcholine synthesis that causes muscle weakness / loss of muscle tone. I had all the symptoms. But the tests were negative and I resolved it myself using benfothiamine and GPC as I explain above. But you might want to get tested for MG.

[@stephangauthier911]

@@41hulas82 how much benfo you take per day? I take 300 benfo + 150 thiamine.

[@41hulas82]

A LOT. Not saying everyone should do this, but it worked for me. I took 4x300mg pills 4 times per day of benfothiamine. Less than 1200mg at a time did nothing for me, but there was a radical change at 1200. Then it would wear off after a few hours and I'd need to take more. After 6 months of that I'm down to 1200mg twice per day. I know it sounds crazy but if you're anything like me, you're willing to try pretty much anything. I also take the other b vitamins (esp B2) and a liposomal glutathione that had molybdenum in it. They all work together. Prior to starting the benfothiamine I had been taking alpha GPC - 600mg 4x/day. It was the alpha GPC that allowed me to walk again. But now I think benfothiamine is better because it is upstream on the choline system and therefore has broader (helpful) effects.

[@zigspik]

@@41hulas82 thanks for that info

[@natasjaoverbeek8379]

Thank you again Gez!!! This is such an interesting topic. I participate in a study in the Netherlands in which this mechanism has already been investigated and could be confirmed at the cellular level for a large group of the Long vovid people. I don't know what I am able to say about it so I can't go into details. Hopefully the study will be published soon. The nice thing about this story is that it thinks from the patient's point of view. I know that the drivers behind the mechanism are being investigated, but that all takes so incredibly long. I can use this. I participate in the Susy Bolt program and stretching and breathing is an important part of the lessons. I'm moving forward and maybe incombi with the diet mask even more progression. Thanks for giving hoop every time.

[@Els-se6ky]

Hi Natasja, I've got Long Covid too. In which study do you participate? I would be interested to take part. Els, Holland

[@RUNDMC1]

Great news! Looking forward to hearing more Natasja :)

[@natasjaoverbeek8379]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@Els-se6ky Ik zit in het AMC waar de studie al 1,5 jaar loopt. Ze hebben daar werkelijk een spierbiopt gedaan voor en na inspanning en zagen enorme verzuring in een groot gedeelte van de long COVID patiënten en bij de “gezonde” groep was dit heel veel minder. Ze verwachten deze zomer de studie te publiceren en testen nu 3000 eiwitten in het bloed. Daar verwachten ze in September uitslag van. Dit zal naar verwachting in Nederland mogelijk tot een advies in medicatie kunnen lijden. De studie is van Rob Wüst en Brent Appelman. Er is op KZbin een filmpje van. VU long COVID.

[@Els-se6ky]

Dank je wel. Ik ga zoeken

[@leovanmontfoort7114]

Dank! Fijn deze info. Hopelijk nieuws waar we wat aan hebben. En weten jullie wat de electrolytes zijn die in het water gaan?

[@anson.meadows]

Hi brother…35 y.o. military veteran here, living in a nursing facility in NYC now with a complex neuro-immune diagnosis now from what seems to be LONG CVD. Before succumbing and worsening, I was hired to be a special agent…very fit and active. The VA has deemed me terminal and isn’t offering any more support, unfortunately. I’ve turned to charity organizations. Wanted to say I appreciate your work and have read or watched most of your material and so many others.

[@DaylanTheAngrySauerkraut]

Aussie Veteran here too with extreme neuro hyperinflammation through the 2nd C jab. Fingers crossed for you mate and wishing us both a speedy recovery (i used to be a marathon runner, motorcycle chic and hot shot engineer now i cannot move much, paralysed chest muscles and MECFS)

[@GritCityMarathon]

Really liked Jeremy's answer to the research question. I like the leaky boat analogy with Long Covid. We need to plug enough leaks in the boat (our body), so it can raise high enough to heal rather than drown.

[@olivertruswell]

I like the enthusiasm and the theory could well hold true. But without clinical trials then this is all hear say. I always get a bit worried when I feel researchers are reaching for an answer. People are desperate for an answer. Best of luck to you both in the next phase of your research.

[@risecopeman5409]

Low risk possibilities are desperately needed by many long haulers. My daughter can not wait for NHS type research. Common sense and logic is needed now. Each individual patient has to have the information and try if they decide the risk verses benefit is worth it.

[@jamiesmith4141]

No harm in trying!

[@olivertruswell]

@@jamiesmith4141 Good point and I'm sorry if that came across as negative. Medical research and science has the need for enthusiastic researchers. The evidence through clinical testing with always speak for itself and I hope they get to do large scale trials to test their theory.

[@Franklytiredout]

If you urinate on a ph strip you can get a basic answer as to what your pH is at a given time. Doing it systematically will make things clearer. I have read many of Vicky’s tweets and it’s very useful as other people already doing it are sharing their experiences + products they’re using for electrolytes that come with the pH sticks. I have mine on order. Plus other links etc regarding diet. It’s not exactly dangerous stuff when you consider the types of medications etc that folks are being prescribed off licence. Well worth a try. Also on twitter people talking about how much it has helped them, there’s a hashtag for the process (something like theacidtest I think.) She emphasises that she is only sharing her own experience not giving medical advice.

[@roonbooks3227]

DUDE!!! With all due respect....the medical system has been ignoring this, not since covid19, but since the beggining of time....THATS CORRECT....me/cfs appears to be the same as long cv.ive been ill for decades and can tell you ,I'm almost certain, the medical system is a FRAUD!!! GEARED ONLY TOWARD PROFITABILITY!!I'm thoroughly convinced

[@francesnance9110]

I did the things she did since I was slightly acidic while in long covid. I do believe it all helped.

[@lauralricci]

March 2020 Long Covid: This video coincided with my signing up for a program called Wildfit. The explanation of gently moving to a more alkaline diet is very similar to what Wildfit uses. And sure enough, the last of my Long Covid has finally arrived. So happy to be back to normal after so many years of the Long Covid Coaster!

[@benfordmusic]

I could happily have listened to this for an hour. So useful, grounded and optimistic. Thank you🙏

[@mrfunkyman6860]

For me I took full spetrum amino acids, after 2 weeks the fatigue I'd had for over five months lifted. I continued the amino acids for a few months then stopped taking them recently, the fatigue came back, started taking them again, after a week I felt better. Not conclusive but that's working for me.

[@valeriemcdonald440]

I'll throw in my 2 cents from what I've tried as a chronic fatigue sufferer. I was aware of the lactic acid build up problem, but I found a different angle to approach it. It's about increasing ATP to clear the acid (if I understand correctly). I take D-Ribose which creates the ATP. I also drink a lot of water and take electrolytes. I have not tried this diet because I can't digest fibre well, so I can't comment on that. I have read before that taking baking soda helps relieve PEM for some but I haven't tried it, but it makes sense to me after watching this video.

[@KylieBling1]

I think the input from the ME/CFS community is so valuable in this! Could you please tell me what electrolytes you take?

[@valeriemcdonald440]

@@KylieBling1 I usually take the nuun tablets, but I recently ran out of Ribose and when I went to the store I found an electrolyte/ribose mix by ATP Lab called Electrolytes XL. It includes 3g of D-Ribose per serving and it's advertised as pH balanced. I'm going to use it for a while instead of supplementing both separately and see how it goes. I actually had a good experience with it in the past but it went out of stock for a while. I supplement on the conservative side because I have been firmly in the mild category for a few years now and I'd just like to increase my baseline.

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

Yeah, I take d-ribose as well. I’ve tried baking soda on an empty stomach and I did feel an effect, but it’s not part of my whole treatment regiment (yet). On the Phoenix rising forum there is a threat in which the OP basically summarizes all the things that can help prevent and combat PEM. All of these things combined have helped me get to the point where I am fairly highly functioning again. It does mean I take some three dozen supplements and a few medicines every single day (and it costs me a few hundred euros a month).

[@KylieBling1]

@@valeriemcdonald440 Happy to hear you're in the mild category!! thank you for your input! :-) i'm definitely going to look into ATP Lab!

[@mathieusynnott8915]

I had no idea of the PH imbalance but without knowing im already drinking 2L+ of water with H1 H2 anti histamine and my diet was already low acid without knowing. So i don't understand what she did differently. To me is seems she just healed naturally over time.

[@LibbyRal]

She warned that just because this worked for her, didn't mean it would work for everyone. She carefully added stretches - some movement therapy, which we all know is tricky. I've found that ambling around in my front yard; gentle puttering in the garden; sitting in the fresh air and sunshine is making a tiny difference for me.

[@carolenmarch7445]

Dietary advice reminds me of experiments we did at uni on shifting venous blood pH. Eating natural yogurt then doing a venous blood draw predictably shifted it towards alkalinity. Diet DOES alter blood pH ,as does ventilation . Even if this isn't the cure for everyone , eating a diet high in alkalising plant materials and lower acid promoting foods, will assist in helping the body with its daily fight against acidity at the cellular level, and simultaneously provide good nutritional input, which we could all probably improve upon. And what's more , it's a relatively inexpensive treatment available at your grocery store ! Another well produced and delivered video , thank you Gez, may well try this myself .👍😊

[@Fuertisimodos]

It's worth noting Dr. Rossman mentioned in addition to not knowing if the hypothesis will pan out, it could be that only certain cohorts of patients may have this issue. With the different subtypes of LC and the wide array of symptoms it wouldn't be surprising at all if there wasn't a single intervention (or single problem caused by Covid).

[@paillette42]

Adding my thanks to the pile, especially after a discouraging month of doctor's appointments after new symptoms popped up for me. Looking forward to the next vid on microclotting!

[@wendylorimer5663]

Eating raw garlic really helps me when I have blood clot problems, loads of other folk have said the same.

[@41hulas82]

Hm. 3 year sufferer here. After reinfection i was FORCED to go carnivore, ie high acid diet. Any carb, incl spinach, potato, etc would cause immediate spasticity in my face and right leg. So this doesn't resonate with me. I do believe their lactate theory though. Taking high dose benfothiamine and beta alanine has radically helped me, and both of them help to clear out lactate. Elliott overton has a ton of information on this in his KZbin channel. His advice has been the most important part of my healing journey (health is still up and down but I am back at work). Highly suggest checking him out.

[@AJansenNL]

That's what makes these kinds of diseases (post-infectious) so complex and difficult to treat. They all affect individuals differently. What works for one, may not work for another.

[@deethompson3592]

Strangely enough I've been Gluten Free and Lactose Free since contracting Covid and going into Long Covid. I've been diagnosed with having G.E.R.D too all my issues have arose since April/May 2020 Coeliac Disease, G.E.R.D ,Gastroenteritis etc etc - I have improved- I'm no longer bed bound however, I'm far from recovered. Fatigue is still a major factor for me . Thank you so much for all your podcasts Gez - they're all very useful in their own way .I've taken something positive from each and everyone ❤🙏

[@scrapbagstudios]

Thank you so much for this guys! I appreciate all the research you are doing and the answers you are bring us Gez. Still so many questions, but every bit of information helps. ❤❤

[@IVFRegulation]

As far as I know, excessive urination can potentially reduce blood pH levels, especially when combined with high fluid intake even if it contained electrolytes...because not all electrolytes are absorbed efficiently from the fluids like bicarbonate. Moreover, things like blood proteins and enzymes also help buffer blood pH. Excessive urination can contribute to losses of these other buffering systems over time.

[@HauntedHawker]

What's interesting about this is that the brain is usually protected from systemic accumulated acidosis by cerebral brain fluid. If there's a decrease in CNS fluid due to tethered cord, CCI, or chiari as mentioned in previous videos, it would create an environment for the accumulation of lactic acids- for me this is remarkable bc it could be one theory to explain my seizures early last year when I have no history of prior seizure activity. I wonder what effects H1 and H2s have on lactic acids? A quick Google search lacked any specific studies to this question, but I did find one stating the long term benefits one receives from exercise are absent when the cohort was given H1 and H2 blockers over a 6 week period. H1H2 recipients saw no improvement in exercise efficacy, heart rate variability, insulin, and other markers.

[@elizabethtencer7950]

Could you explain what are H1 and H2 in this context? Thanks!

[@dst1279]

@@elizabethtencer7950 H1 and H2 are two different types of histamine blockers

[@regina6838]

I don't understand well your point but I just started H1 blocker and it's helping my breathing a lot. Long-term could it make my PEM worse?

[@roxyiconoclast]

Thanks for bringing us this information. It is frustrating though that this hypothesis leaves patients without any remedies to try. I hope their research leads to commercialized tests and treatments asap.

[@LibbyRal]

Ms van der Todt did mention couple of remedies that worked for her, with the very responsible warning that they were initiated slowly and carefully.

[@carolenmarch7445]

Roxy , this reminds me of experiments l did at uni ( Medical Physiology) , imbibing different foods e.g. natural yogurt. A blood draw after this shifted the .venous blood oh towards more alkalinity . Others had to imbibe meat products which shifted it towards acidity . So , what you eat does REALLY work in changing the blood pH . To shift it towards alkalinity , as Viki said , you need to reduce meat intake and increase vegetable intake . Yoghurt does seem to shift it favourably towards alkalinity but she did mention diary as being an activities...maybe that means cheese , cream etc. Go look up foods classified as low acid( designed for kidney patients with reduced abity to excrete acid) , look up alkaline diet. Books such as pH Miracle etc (online purchases) can give further information on quantities but go slow at first. This is something you can start straight away , and is at your grocery store !

[@regina6838]

She gave many LIFESTYLE things to try! You can't rely on pills Lymphatic drainage and gentle stretches throughout the day. Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Try only a small amount to not disrupt your digestion. Water and electrolytes. PRAL diet.

[@qqpol]

After listening to the videos, I practiced more breathing which I did more when I was more sick but kind of forget to do now. The breathing really helps to get rid of the onset symptoms in my head. This confirms the effectiveness of breathing and sort of showing the hypothesis makes some sense.

[@regina6838]

What type of breathing specifically? Conscious breathing but didn't change the time you inhale or exhale?

[@punditgi]

Excellent video! 😊

[@allisonsmith487]

Yay! Thank you Gez!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Allison!

[@AnitaCorbett]

I love your description of slowly slowly rebalance !

[@kristen1441]

I have been on a lot of meds, but found that napping 3times a day and doing diaphragmatic breathing really helped. Then I over did it.

[@qqpol]

Is there a connection between acid-base imbalance to MCAS? I suspect there is. Antihistamine works for me, but it seems it only inhibits histamine impact but does not solve the root cause of excessive histamine generation. Hopefully tackling the acidity actually solves the histamine problem.

[@Leon-te1gx]

Thanks for this excellent video, Gez!

[@Turtledove2009]

Yes, thank you to all of you for your hard work and dedication. Let's hope you get the funding you need, or the ability to encourage those who are currently studying long Covid to also investigate the acid-base hypothesis. Oh, this is a tricky virus!

[@ninja2388]

Thank you Gez - you are looking much better - I have what I call 'death face' days when I do too much!!

[@RUNDMC1]

Same!!

[@sksteigerwald3649]

I also do the death face when I am really tired in the afternoons

[@LizBrownYoga]

This makes no sense to me. I’m a non-drinking, no caffeine, non smoking, whole-food veggie eating, hydrated, yogi, who stretches and breathes a LOT and yet I’m still tired 5 months post covid. There has to be more to it than this! Thanks though Gez - I usually enjoy and find your videos useful. Hope you’re well.

[@RUNDMC1]

I think like with a lot of the picture I’ve talked about so far (MCAS / metabolism (niacin) / dysautonomia) each component is a bigger or lesser part of the puzzle for each individual long hauler. So what makes a massive difference for one won’t do much with another.

[@wendylorimer5663]

Have you tried taking Niacin and NAC? I’m vegetarian and realised (after the Niacin helped massively) that I was probably always short of it in my diet. I never feel the cold now either after being always chilly. All the information I have found useful has been on this channel, you just need to find what things work best for you. Good luck!

[@LizBrownYoga]

@@wendylorimer5663 that’s very nice of you to reply. Can you tell me about those supplements? Any side effects??

[@wendylorimer5663]

@@LizBrownYoga here is the video that talks about the Niacin and a loads more nutrients ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4LPc6CvYrlljZo If you buy some Niacin it is the version that makes you flush, it can be very uncomfortable at first so take a tiny amount, a few grains even until you get used to it. The NAC ( nac n-acetyl cysteine) I tried after reading that it was being trialled for Covid and Long Covid. I didn't expect much but it kicked in after a few days then after about 10 days I had so much more energy, it got rid of most of the bit of fatigue left. I don't take either of them every day now, although I try to remember if I know I will be really active. Hope this helps!! x

[@SugaplumFairy]

Seee I've tried all that , my Dr's said my pH levels was fine .. I tried with the electrolytes cut out all the other stuff , as I have probs with my kidneys anyways way b4 covid ... so 18 months down the road with long covid just proves that we are all different as well as the same when it comes to LC , love ya book by the way and good luck to everyone who tries this theory ❤️

[@PerformanceThroughHealth]

the pH level is not the issue, that can be normal as it becomes compensated by increase or decrease of bicarbonate. Hence you really need to look at lactate, bicarb and electrolyes

[@theancientsancients1769]

For kidney issues vegan diet has been proven to be the best for!

[@SugaplumFairy]

@The Ancients Ancients I am a vegan I have been since I was born :)

[@regina6838]

Did you really try lymphatic drainage throughout the day?

[@nomebear]

Dealing with COVID and long haulers for three years, this is incredible news that makes absolute sense.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

A lot of things have made sense in the past and didn’t work out. Research is nice, but I don’t get my hopes up.

[@nomebear]

@Max Maker It's been a roller coaster ride for certain. It's a complex puzzle with missing pieces. And, we'll all get a different image when its finally assembled. On top of it at I was recently diagnosed 'vaccine damaged', which triggered PMR. So, I'm now on steroids. Google COVID and PMR. What next!

[@jfrm334]

This resonates with my long hauler nightmare the most out of everything else others have said! I believe it affects the liver and kidneys who are responsible for ph and acid in body but for what ever reason the damage does not come up in blood work.

[@becomingapegazebracorn]

SOOO many questions. 1) Did they see if someone without LC also has lactate levels that varied during the day? 2) Did they see if the AGAP was elevated? 3) What about the pH of the blood and or urine? Yes, the body compensates for chronic acidosis, but it compensates by changing other markers in the body. Were those markers changed? I don't understand how one person's recovery is getting so much press.

[@LibbyRal]

This recovery is not being presented as THE answer. Before they even discussed the hypothesis in the first video, and before sharing what treatment helped in this video, there was much emphasis on it being anecdotal, that controlled studies were needed, and that this was just one, carefully initiated routine. Why it's getting attention is because we are desperate? Since they are putting all those qualifiers before even introducing the theory, and aren't out there promoting a line of 'cures', I don't see the harm in discussing it. Hopefully, researchers with funding will hear about this and conduct studies like they plan to do

[@becomingapegazebracorn]

It's because people are so desperate that I think putting so much emphasis on one person is irresponsible. Desperate people do desperate things. Could the theory be true? Sure. Could they have had someone without LC, one single person (friend, family member, etc) check their lactate throughout the day as well to see if changed? Yes. From my read of the paper, they don't even have a baseline for what a non-LC person normal lactate is throughout the day. They provide no data to back up their theory.

[@carolenmarch7445]

Blood pH varies not only diurnally but in response to diet. Given that dietary changes to shift blood pH towards alkalinity have been done to ameliorate several medical conditions including CKD and GERD, with success in lowering acid load with negliable side effects, but also probably improving a patient's nutrition, on these grounds alone it could bring improvement .As a healthy student , experiments l did at uni on shifting venous blood pH included eating yogurt several hours before a blood draw. As predicted , it shifted the pH towards greater alkalinity . Similarly the opposite with ( healthy ) students imbibing meat products. So , yes , healthy subjects can get the same response. I get your concern over desperate people trying anything and everything but simple dietary changes , introducing more vegetables is something we can all benefit from , is fairly inexpensive , and requires no doctors visit or fee. It's a win win !

[@LibbyRal]

@@becomingapegazebracorn and they spent the first part of both videos full of caveats. Anyone listening and paying attention heard all the qualifications.

[@vanjacalantropo]

Thank you Gez, lots of long haulers report improvement with increased fluid/electrolyte intake. Acid-base dis balance may definitely play the part in LC. However, like they said this is a long term strategy and viral persistence is most likely the actual cause. Dr.Tom Bunker is an immunologist who is currently working on autophagy trial. Lots of long haulers benefited from his LC protocol!!

[@ToursofScotland]

Its weird because they say the body tries to heal itself now I'm 3 years plus and the first few months i was urinating every 5 minutes it felt and always thirsty like my body was trying to flush the acid itself

[@RBT2012]

Been doing bicarb in 2cm of water past two years. It helps a bit. Nice to see finally getting picked up. Ignored previously.

[@karmenashikian2479]

What about MCAS/ histamine issues??

[@CarolAnnBarrows]

Thank you for this! Does Vicky still follow her treatment protocol relative to breathing, gentle movement and diet?

[@SteveRichfield]

Use a bicarbonate solution, e.g. Magnesium bicarbonate as in Waller Water to increase your pH without risk of pushing it up higher than you want. Bicarbonates are good at neutralizing acid without using a (strong) base.

[@quasarhi]

Kudos for trying things Gez - sounds like a theory...about it at the moment.

[@softcat2004]

Does this explain POTS then?

[@shiftyparadigm7049]

The pH of the blood should remane stable. We need to monitor the interstitial/extracellular fluids, they are more variable because they have less buffers than blood. pH strips are $2 for 80, pee on one around 7am and 7pm, or more often so you can determine what food or activities make you acidic. Ideally the pH of urine should be similar to the blood 7.4, personally i am still happy if my urine pH is 8. Also monitor other factors of the extracellular fluid including redox potential (ORP or Eh or also known as oxidative stress), osmotic pressure (ec) and temperature. A water tester that can measure ORP, EC, temp and pH will be more expensive than simple litmus paper. Regarding Eh, Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant and N acetyl cystein (NAC) is a building block of glutathione. Another option is grounding, walk barefoot on the damp beach or lawn in the morning light. For pH adjustment a ready made antacid is: Phour salts, it has a combination of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium bi/carbonates. Some people need to be careful with sodium and potassium and that is one reason why we should monitor the osmotic pressure. Avoid antacids that have aluminium. Marunaka has done excellent research on food for example in part 5 of this paper. www.atlantis-press.com/journals/efood/125918568/view

[@mcford620]

Prior to initial covid at age 58 was in best shape of my life. Had a significant Infection Oct 2020 with 10 mo.long covid including multiple undiagnosed illness, headaches, fevers, tachycardia, brain fog, 1st ever panic attacks, debilitating fatigue.. with FLCCC Dr, started on iverm, bacopa, fish oil and vit D and limiting inflammatory foods( tomato, strawberry, avocado etc) with decent improvement esp cardiac/ brain..also supplemented with Lymphatic drainage and Breathing awareness/ exercises ( i am a therapist ).. Was re infected May 2022 but barely noticed any symptoms and dietary wise had essentially eliminated any bread or grain products about 2 months prior to that infection.. Was once again infected March 2023, ( was no longer limiting grains), now still struggling 4+ mo later with low endurance, brain fog, depression..pretty sure diet plays a big part for me and this was a good reminder to return to lymphatic massage and breathing awareness too

[@honorburza9110]

Somewhere along the line in the past six months I came to the conclusion that I had post Covid acidosis. I even saw a couple of people sharing on twitter their CPET test results and Jo’s they’d acid was so high the doc told them to go to A&E (and A&E told them to go home drink water). In the weeks after my infection I could not walk normal pace, it had to be a short gait and very slow as though I was treading ice. Because if I dared walk normally I had lactic acid like feeling in my legs, if I carried on regardless then it would take days to go away. And made me feel like I was not well and like I could even die at it’s worst (although I was never besbound or housebound). I did the drinking bicarbonate but didn’t stick to it. I did drink lucozade for the electrolytes. Eventually after maybe two or more months it went away but my partner’s legs still aren’t normal seven months post infection plus other symptoms. We both recall needing to wee frequently in the weeks after Covid, maybe that was out bodies trying to rid of excess acid. Oh I also a few months ago tweeted Dr Seheult from MedCram asked if he knew why did I have tingling in my finger tips on a deep outbreath or sighing at night or yawning. He said sounds like my breathing is wrong (he is a pulmonologist) and that I may be hyperventilating! He made this diagnosis just in those symptoms! I still have it but mostly in the evening I wonder why. Back in Dec I braved it and had a flu jab...the tingling in my fingertips spread to my hands and arms and lasted a couple of days,could my acid imbalance have dysregulated more due to the jab? It occurred that same evening. Did pass two days later. Fascinating video and findings thank you.

[@PerformanceThroughHealth]

This all makes sense. When you overbreathe for more than a couple of hours, the kidneys start to compensate by reducing bicarbonate. So if someone is anxious during the COVID period, and also then catches the virus which leads to increases in respiratory rate. Then may become fixed if continued for roughly 5 days. Months later as the body adjusts, the problem then becomes metabolic acidosis - the compensatory mechanism here is then hyperventilation. The result is early onset lactate accumulation and potentially reduced oxygen deliver to working muscles.

[@honorburza9110]

@@PerformanceThroughHealth What I would like to know is why does the tingling in the fingers on out breath only really happen at night. I've now bought the lactate meter should have it this week. If anything I'm more relaxed in the evening so my breathing should be calmer. I wonder if it's to do with being still. During the day I'm not in one position very long. I also sit on the floor for a good while to so kids' bedtime, maybe circulation related too. My partner is much more debilitated than me by his symptoms, he doesn't have the tingling. My leg symptoms are almost gone (we had covid in Oct). I don't feel that I'm breathing any differently either, so I think it's an involuntary unconscious thing. It's all fascinating and very important research topic.

[@PerformanceThroughHealth]

@@honorburza9110 I think as you become still you may then overbreathe for you metabolic state. Compensation the acidosis. This may lead to reduced CO2 and thus the tingling is from over breathing. Look up symptoms of hyperventilation or hypocapnia. Also slow your breathing and keep your mouth closed when it comes and see if the tingling goes. Please let me know.

[@honorburza9110]

@PerformanceThroughHealth Thank you I looked up hypocapnia and interestingly it mentions asthma. I didn’t mention this but later in my Covid infection, maybe even after the acute infection, my asthma worsened. It sensitised my asthma so I ended up using the reliever inhaler excessively. Did try see the asthma nurse but I was told as long as the inhaler is working it’s not an emergency. This is something my partner didn’t do hence maybe him not having the tingling in the fingers. I feel like an idiot but I was having a choking cough so had no choice maybe the GP should have helped 😔

[@marky5493]

@@honorburza9110 your blood pressure drops at night time, and sometimes its not enough pressure to get to the furthest points of your body ie finger tips. it doesnt help to bend your joints either while your sleep as the blood vessels get partially restricted in the joint areas. during the day you more active so the blood pressure is increased.

[@bryanmorton5504]

I'm Bryan from North Carolina and I've been suffering from long COVID for almost 2 years and still struggling and unable to work. I'm 58 years old and I'm not sure if I will ever get better. I'm desperate to get into a long COVID study to be able to get a treatment and support from other people going through the same struggles as me. My life is a disaster and I never thought my life could get any worse. Please can someone please help me

[@tacoyaco2418]

First thing: pray to god within your body, to heal, 2 forgive yourself for this happening, 3 love yourself, 4 ask for guidance, we are walking through hell without a flashlight and must trust the path

[@Ex-expat]

Well, I think this was, well, nicely put, too early and speculative based on a researchers own experience.

[@arieltai23]

What do people like myself do who developed serious GI issues due to LC and don’t digest all those vegetables and fruit so well?

[@kristen1441]

Same

[@leaperrins8373]

Add fermented foods and consume homemade smoothies or juices, not shop bought. Whilst keeping the fibre intact is ideal, when the gut is compromised, starting with juices, particularly green ones can be a great way to get the nutrients and alkalising benefits without stressing the gut. Slowly add smoothies and more fibre.

[@leaperrins8373]

@@kristen1441 Add fermented foods and consume homemade smoothies or juices, not shop bought. Whilst keeping the fibre intact is ideal, when the gut is compromised, starting with juices, particularly green ones can be a great way to get the nutrients and alkalising benefits without stressing the gut. Slowly add smoothies and more fibre.

[@RBT2012]

I have been having regular blood gas test. Which is showing increase in lactic acid.

[@Hajoos461]

This is an amazing video im gonna start the steps the lady spoke about So what makes the body not be able to buffer the access acid like how it use to pre covid

[@elwayen20]

Good one Gez

[@I_am_Spartacus]

On a separate note, did anyone witness just what happened this weekend at the 3rd Covid summit held in front of the EU parliament? A lot of Doctors and scientists have spoken out now about the vaccines.

[@ms-jl6dl]

Wrong channel dude.

[@I_am_Spartacus]

@@ms-jl6dl It's called awareness, which is something you clearly lack.

[@kristen1441]

@@ms-jl6dlas someone that has long Covid from the vaccine, it is not the wrong channel!

[@risecopeman5409]

So grateful for Gez and these thinkers!!Any recommendations for finger prick test brands or suppliers?

[@PostApocalypseWildflower]

I hope you expand this research into Fibromyalgia/ CFS /ME (diagnosed) I have had nearly all symptoms of LC and have been expanding my knowledge on all of the above for the last 8 years. I believe an EBV virus is part of F/CFS/ME, maybe CoV too. Microbiologist Dr Robert Young, author of PH MIRACLE and related books may offer more information as he has been studying this topic for decades. Also August Dunning writes about cell break down and using supplements like Fisetin and Resveratrol to sort of mop up the excess debris.

[@IVFRegulation]

Is a high intake of salt affect acidity?

[@carolenmarch7445]

No , salt is sodium chloride it's neutral .

[@carolenmarch7445]

High salt intake puts an additional excretery load on kidneys as sodium levels have to be kept within narrow limits or it can affect nerve transmission and this cardiac activity , and in extreme cases if very high or very low load , death . But best to reduce salt intake as it can exacerbate blood pressure problems ( high ).

[@melanievesters5473]

If you have POTS which is very well likely if you have LC than salt is a good thing. If you lessen salt if you have POTS/dysautonomia, your symptoms will likely get worse.

[@IVFRegulation]

@@melanievesters5473 I totally agree with you Melanie, I have LC and feel terrible when I don't take a lot of salt...literally a lot!

[@lgmnowkondo938]

I notice when I am feeling my long covid symptoms, my urine is less yellow...and almost tints a bit toward green. WHen I feel good and normal, my urine is yellow as it has been all my life. Could this indicate this acidic scenario?

[@jamiesmith4141]

I cut all meat & dairy last summer prompted by a study showing vegans are 70% less likely to get moderate/severe covid. But it intuitively felt right for my body as well. Big lumps of my favourite Stilton just made me feel terrible. Cut coffee out as well as it wasn’t helpful. Can’t claim any miracles but I think it may have helped a bit (alas hasn’t stopped me getting infected again).

[@MrKelso85]

Listen at 4:36 for how she did it

[@Hjordisthorey]

I don´t know if you can answer me, Vicky, so many comments, but would you think that re-vaccination is a good idea for long-COVID sufferers, if only to try to avoid reinfection?

[@ms-jl6dl]

50/50. You can get better and you can get worse (from MedCram channel). Vacvines do not prevent infections,and were never tested for that.(Pfizer official). Vacines cause LC like symptoms + much more heart/blood vessels issues than covid.

[@emeraldbrown692]

My chloride levels were high on a few of my tests over the last two years. Some people I know have gotten better by adding bicarbonate potassium.. but they had low potassium levels so they were out of range. I know I have kidney inflammation from this causing metabolic acidosis from high chloride.. should I be adding more electrolytes or increasing water?

[@inczeistvan1518]

Wooooow. That is so contrary to my experience. Long Covid for the last 2,5 years with severe fatigue. For the last month I feel phenomenal. Going back to training this week. I also found that food is the key. But for me, it is 85% fat eggs and meet..... 15% vegetables. No sugar at all.... Not even fruits.... No potatoes etc. And I am well only of I literally hunger... But for sure they on to something.

[@RUNDMC1]

Great to hear you’re doing better!

[@inczeistvan1518]

@@RUNDMC1 Thank you man. You have done more work and gave more hope than anybody I heard from so far. My well beings is absolutely tight to my diet. If I eat something that causes acid burn for sure I get heavy breathing, fatigue and a headache like after heavy drinking. For sure, they are on to something. Wish everybody all the best! And big thanks for your work.

[@davidkohl8962]

How much baking soda per day would be typically appropriate?

[@svharken6907]

does this have something to do with having a latent mg deficiency... maybe an underlying condition that can lead to acidosis with covid

[@dukeofstonehaven4039]

Hi Gez, thank you for your great work. I watched your video today on nervous malfunction from last year. In my case the virus seems to persist in nerve endings (toes, bottom of the eye, liver). Also some people's experience of getting paralysis seems to indicate a neural effect on the virus. My theory for the long persistance and slow recovery in my case is that all this time my body hasn't run fever more than one degree. I was super active and in the best athletic condition of my life. Is it possible that the virus is able to trick an immune system that is stronger than normal? Before my infection I had a light cold once every three years. Recently I caught another bug that gave me fever properly and the few hours that the fever was running high (maybe 38-38.5 °C), I felt I recovered more in those few hours than in two years time. Now I need to find a way to induce fever artificially or by contracting another disease.

[@TheRandom108]

Just use an infrared mat - you don’t need to get infected!! 😮

[@SisterFromAnotherPlanet]

What's interesting is there are also studies that suggest that people on plant-based diets handled COVID much better. There seems to be a correlation with inflammation and animal intake, especially dairy.

[@Alieortwo]

No other way around. Lots have histamine problems now and fruits and vegs make the inflamation sooo bad and the allergies. But it is in a lot of meat also. so there is not a lot to eat 😂😂

[@Lenastar23]

This feels like its also connected to POTS

[@IVFRegulation]

I asked an AI bot if salt increases or decreases the ph of human blood, and its answer was the following - it would be appreciated if any expert verifies the information provided below: """Excessive salt consumption, above recommended guidelines, can lead to higher blood pH (more alkaline or basic). This is because excess salt pulls water into the bloodstream, ultimately raising the bicarbonate levels and making the blood more alkaline. So in summary: - Moderate salt consumption: little to no impact on blood pH - High salt consumption: can potentially increase blood pH (make blood more alkaline) - Low salt consumption: can potentially decrease blood pH (make blood more acidic)"""

[@Fuertisimodos]

Question; could I buy PH acid testing strips for urine and over time get an idea if I'm removing a higher level of acid than normal or is it more complicated than that?

[@risecopeman5409]

It seems like liw sodium electrolytes and minerals would be beneficial. Like lower salt homemade bone broth. Lots.

[@rlwings]

Girl beats Long Covid twice! - Here's me running out to buy some Baking Soda! - (Bicarbonate).

[@deathveteranxd6650]

If the body turns acidic, can the virus proteins even survive in that type of environment?

[@kristen1441]

Yes

[@Mau365PP]

So is this basically the warburg effect? 🤔

[@kristen1441]

Yup. Hence cramps after working out, so does it happen in the brain.

[@mq46312]

How is your own recovery Gez?

[@RUNDMC1]

Slower than I’d like!

[@annsan1722]

Well, I‘m just the opposite: looking at my blood gas analysis brought the result (twice), that I am in metabolic alkalose and my breathing pattern fits to it very well (6-7/min usually) compensating for it by increasing my CO2 levels in the blood. Guess what, nobody can explain it to me 🤷🏼‍♀️ Maybe this is also helpful for you to know?!

[@MorgannaRoseannaDanna]

it's possible to have both metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis at the same time, which is called a mixed acid-base disorder

[@annsan1722]

@@MorgannaRoseannaDanna Wow, how can this be? Do you have a link to something that might explain it to me?

[@digger663]

Hey Gez are men getting the long lasting fatigue to or just women?

[@RUNDMC1]

Men very much get it too, but the ratio is skewed female (likely due to autoimmune component) about 70/30.

[@L8dyJuStice]

Has anybody recovered yet?

[@RUNDMC1]

Yes - we’ve seen quite a few people recover

[@RBT2012]

Venous blood gas tests would be useful. Doesn't have to be arterial.

[@RUNDMC1]

Readings on these tend to be v low. I’ve registered as low as 28% O2 saturation, frequently in the 30%s. And this is commonly reported

[@RBT2012]

@@RUNDMC1 have you checked pa o2 and co2 levels?. Along with pH and lactic acid levels? I have been recording to collect meaningful data on myself I have been taking serrapeptase, nattokinase and Spermidine. Along with a few other things to reduce microclotting and acidosis.

[@RBT2012]

@@RUNDMC1 Capnography maybe something you want to look at personally or for your videos. It is a non invasive way of looking at checking for acidosis.

[@RBT2012]

@@RUNDMC1 you need a series of venous blood gas tests to get any meaningful data. As it is more variable than arterial. Capillary blood gas tests are usually more accurate. Although blood test on nattokinase and serrapeptase always gives surprising effects when taken.

[@randolphwilliams2365]

Chronic acidosis?

[@arieltai23]

These people have more to offer than the NIH with their billion dollar budget

[@tilosagulp6534]

If there are less vegans amongst long haulers, than in the normal community, then you already have an indication that this theory is valid.

[@Feirin332]

I don't believe this study has been done. I'm a 10+ year vegan who has been struggling with LC for the past 3 years. My investigations have basically led me in a different direction. I believe my diet, while probably extremely healthful and helpful over a shorter term, has left me depleted in some key areas that has caused me to be MORE affected by long Covid.

[@tuathadedanann195]

Shouldnt that be From Wuhan With love?

[@nickspitzer1896]

Sign me up as a Guinea Pig.

[@timmyschannel5]

Get in touch with Elon, who knoes, he might help

[@bellelacroix5938]

They are so full of s***. Thanks for trying though, man.

[@jsquire5pa]

Leeches .. that’s where it’s at …

[@LibbyRal]

Really? That's your thanks?

[@MaryinOmshanti]

Agree, I wouldn't t give them a cent but still grateful for Gez doing videos.

[@Turtledove2009]

Boy, that was rude.

[@musaire]

Plant-based diet has always been an obvious solution. Long covid does not even almost happen (*there is some) in people eating plant-based. There is no quick fix because it is also related to gut flora which takes time to develop. And immune memory that is connected to flora.

[@Feirin332]

I wonder where do you get this statistic from? Vegans tend to hype health benefits of the diet so I'm really wary of these types of claims. I'm speaking here as a 10+ year mostly WFPB vegan who has been faced with an immense health battle for the past 3 years because of long Covid.

[@musaire]

@@Feirin332 I'm sure there is outliers. 100% veganism not important, but plant-based-ness is a good idea. Our immune system is complicated. If you think you have long covid, definitely try to make sure gut flora is healthy - because even vegans can have their food too sterilised, bacterial species lost in past generations already, and complex immune interactions between the gut and the immune system. There could be specific solutions for every individual with these problems - we all have bottle necks at different locations. But, yes, there is studies showing way lower problems in plant-based people during covid. I think I can't link here but if interested I can later copy the titles of the research here.

[@jamiesmith4141]

Study title: Plant-based diets, pescatarian diets and COVID-19 severity: a population-based case-control study in six countries

[@jamiesmith4141]

Obviously no diet will give complete protection against and illness

[@will-bi4pj]

16 minutes of blather and bs. Eat right, exercise and dont' listen to people who talk, talk, talk...then one should be ok