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Pooja Makhija shares some useful tips to deal with anosmia or loss of smell post-Covid

Covid-19 has brought with it several side-effects that last for months at end. Yes, this is even after you have supposedly recovered! Anosmia or loss of smell and taste is a common symptom, but can be dealt with, as explained by celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija. Here’s all you need to know!
Pooja Makhija tells you how to deal with anosmia. Image courtesy: Pooja Makhija | Facebook
Published by Geetika Sachdev
Published On: 11 May 2021, 09:30 am IST
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Covid-19 might not be novel anymore, but it certainly manifests in ways that are out-of-the-ordinary. That’s what makes this virus so dangerous, because you don’t know what to expect even after supposed recovery. Yes, that’s exactly what long-covid looks like — in this case, symptoms last for more than 12 weeks, and can’t be explained by another diagnosis. 

This is what celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija discusses in her latest Instagram post. Here’s what she writes, “The lingering symptoms of the loss of smell (anosmia) and taste are classic to ‘long covid’ along with other symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. Speak to your health practitioner to include these supplements that may help alleviate the symptoms.”

Pooja goes on to say that anosmia can even last up to five months, as revealed by a study published in the American Academy of Neurology

So, without further ado, let’s find out about the supplements recommended by Pooja to deal with this situation:
1. Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid or ALA is a naturally occuring compound that’s made in the body. It is responsible for some critical functions in the body, including energy production. Some studies also go on to show that ALA might have a positive effect on those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. That’s because the supplements may enhance the body’s ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in such patients.

Pooja says this supplement helps with nerve health, and is effective in tackling post-covid symptoms. Some of the good sources of ALA are rice bran, potato, spinach, broccoli and peas. If not in the natural form, you can have 200 mg of this supplement for one to two months, in consultation with your doctor.

2. Vitamin A

This particular vitamin is beneficial for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth. There are two kinds of vitamin A — retinoids and beta-carotene. Pooja recommends consuming 2000 iu for a month, but she has a piece of advice for those who are pregnant. She recommends they check with their doctors, before making this supplement a part of their routine. That’s because it could do more harm than good!

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Besides that, Pooja believes training is required for the nasal epithelial cells.

“Olfactory training involves repeated and deliberate sniffing of a set of odorants (commonly lemon, rose, cloves, and eucalyptus) for 20 seconds each, at least twice a day for at least three months (or longer if possible). Studies have demonstrated improved olfaction in patients with postinfectious OD after olfactory training,” she concludes.

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About The Author
Geetika Sachdev
Geetika Sachdev

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town.

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