“Long COVID” is defined as having symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain and fatigue that last longer than three months. The CDC also reports that 1 in 5 Adult Americans who have had COVID-19 will go on to develop “long COVID” and experience these types of symptoms that can be frustrating and in some cases debilitating.
Researchers analyzed data from over 32,000 female nurses who have taken part in the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study II with regard to healthy lifestyle measures, and whether they play a role with regard to developing long COVID. There were six lifestyle factors that were taken into consideration including regular exercise, not smoking, high quality diet, adequate sleep, moderate consumption of alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight. Could focusing on improving these lifestyle measures actually have an effect? In a word – YES!
The study found that women who had 5-6 of these lifestyle habits in place were 44 percent less likely to develop long COVID. Of these factors, getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) and maintaining a healthy weight were considered the most protective. This study went on to suggest that one possible explanation for the favorable effects of healthy lifestyle choices was that they address chronic inflammation which has been associated with long COVID.
The takeaway here is that we have many choices with regard to our daily lifestyle habits. The question is, are you doing everything you can to support the healthiest, best version of you?
In Health & Wellness – Erica ♥️
Source: jamanetwork/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2800885
