Post-Covid Gut Microbiome Considerations

Inner Garden

Greetings, Friends –

I have recently had a loved one experience an array of physical symptoms that resulted in hospitalization and catalyzed my investigations into peer-reviewed scientific research publications so to illuminate possible root causes. What sprang forth was the discovery of multiple research efforts that have demonstrated the wide array of possible physiological implications that can arise after having Covid. This blog post serves as a Public Service Announcement to consider Covid as a possible factor when investigating new or more acute physiological symptoms weeks to months post-Covid. Long-Covid is now being defined by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine as “an infection-associated chronic condition occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection that is present for at least 3 months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that can present as singular or multiple symptoms and/or diagnosable conditions.” (1) The featured image of this blog (above) and the figure to the right provide examples of the many systems that can be impacted. I am including a list of papers at the bottom of this post for further information.

As you may know, I am very focused on the importance of caring for our gut microbiomes (Inner Gardens) as a central driver for our overall well-being and so was eager to understand how the Covid virus interacted with our gut. Thus, I’m sharing the crux of what I’ve learned in hopes that this understanding can support you on your own health journey.

While every individual has a unique health profile, we all rely on the proper functioning of a protein that lines the surface of many cells (thus, organs) throughout our bodies called Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 helps our body in maintaining internal balance, particularly helping our body modulate inflammation throughout the body. There are many ACE2 receptors within our  gastrointestinal tract (gut) which help regulate inflammation and nutrient absorption.

 

Figure from Davis, H.E. et al. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 21, 133–146 (2023). Click HERE to see the full ‘Featured Image’ of this blog which is from J Gen Intern Med. 2025 Jul;40(9):2024-2027.

The Covid virus’s spike protein has a shape that precisely connects to the ACE2 enzyme – much like a lock and key scenario. Thus, a problematic consequence of this spike protein connection to ACE2 receptors is the reduction or down regulation of available ACE2 receptors on our cells’ surface. With fewer ACE2 enzymes available, Angiotensin II (a hormone that serves as a blood vessel constrictor) builds up in the local tissue environment. This imbalance of Angiotensin II directly contributes to inflammation and possible damage in the infected organs/systems. The distribution of ACE2 throughout our body explains why Covid can affect multiple organs and systems…not to mention that any impacts to the gut (the primary driver behind many of our digestive, neurological, hormonal, and circulatory processes) can impact communication to all of our body’s systems. See ACE2 figure below.

Figure from Rastogi, Amit. (2020). Covid 19 and its Cardiovascular Effects. Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. 23. 10.4103/aca.aca_237_20.

As you may also know, I work with my angelic team on a daily basis through channeling and focused writing to support myself in taking my next best steps… from the mundane to the bigger life decisions. After I had Covid a few years ago, my guides shared a post-Covid protocol with me to support my gut microbiome in rebalancing… and now I better understand the importance of having followed through on this guidance. Sharing the protocol below for you to run by your own body & heart to see if it is in your best interest to follow it (and to check with your primary care provider if you are on other medications to ensure that these supplements would not interfere). You can also download this print-friendly version of the protocol and research links.

May science continue to catch up with what the collective is experiencing and may each of you continue to strengthen your heart and body-listening skills so that you can make the best choices for your well-being regardless!

À votre santé,

Megan

This post brought to you by the Beach Boys song, “I Know There’s An Answer“.

 

Post-Covid Related Research

  1. Chu L, Bishof K, Dumes AA, Wesley Ely E, Joseph PV, Troxel AB; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine (NASEM) Committee on Examining the Working Definition for Long COVID. The 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Long COVID Definition: What Clinicians Need to Know. J Gen Intern Med. 2025 Jul;40(9):2024-2027. doi: 10.1007/s11606-025-09415-8. Epub 2025 Mar 10. PMID: 40063321; PMCID: PMC12325811.
  2. Davis, H.E., McCorkell, L., Vogel, J.M. et al. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 21, 133–146 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2
  3. dos Santos Pinto et al. Persistent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Long COVID: clinical and laboratory insights from a 2-Year Cohort. Dec 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7375668/v1
  4. Gubatan, M. Gastrointestinal Issues Post-Covid and Their Management. Presentation. May 29, 2025 YouTube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyvfI0rIfyg
  5. Lesgards, J.-F.; Cerdan, D.; Perronne, C. Do Long COVID and COVID Vaccine Side Effects Share Pathophysiological Picture and Biochemical Pathways? Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 7879. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167879
  6. Xu, E., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Long-term gastrointestinal outcomes of COVID-19. Nat Commun 14, 983 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36223-7
  7. Xu, E., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Long-term neurologic outcomes of COVID-19. Nat Med 28, 2406–2415 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02001-z
  8. Xie, Y., Xu, E., Bowe, B. et al. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19. Nat Med28, 583–590 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01689-3