First content based on the poll from two weeks ago. A deeper dive into Brain Fog and Memory problems. (written 02/02/2025)

Thanks to everyone who filled out our questionnaire two weeks ago! We appreciate your input and are committed to delivering the content you’re asking for - if you haven't shared your views about the Long COVID support you value most, you can still input today! 

To the Questionnaire

Today, we’re sharing a quick tip to help manage symptoms like brain fog and memory problems, using our framework: What, Why, and How.

What are the symptoms?

Brain fog and memory issues are common symptoms of post-infection conditions, along with over 200+ other symptoms reported. 

Why can these appear in people with Long COVID and post-infection conditions?

Post-infection conditions can cause inflammation due to lingering immune system activation for various reasons, affecting the body, brain, or both. We also know that infections like COVID-19  can result in damage to neurons and impact their ability to send signals and function as they should. Here, we are going to look at the impact of neuroinflammation, which refers to inflammation within the brain and central nervous system (CNS). This process is often triggered by an overactive immune response to infection, injury, or stress. In Long COVID and post-infection conditions, neuroinflammation can lead to symptoms such as brain fog and memory issues by disrupting normal brain function and cognitive processes. These issues can be even harder to manage if there was direct damage to neurons from the initial infection. In both cases, your body’s communication pathways are not functioning as they should. Fortunately, your body is very good at rebuilding lost or damaged connections - called neuroplasticity. 

How does Katie manage these symptoms?

At ThriveNinety, we’ve developed the PEDAL™ Approach to symptom management. This includes steps to help boost nervous system performance, reduce inflammation and help your body and brain to build new neural connections. 

To keep tips simple and actionable, we’re sharing one tool you can use almost anytime and anywhere. Today, we focus on the “A” in PEDAL: Aligning the nervous system.

Your tool: “Palming”
Palming involves covering the eyes to block out light, which promotes relaxation by reducing sensory input and calming an overactive nervous system. For those with brain fog and memory issues, palming can enhance focus, relieve mental fatigue, and reduce eye strain—all of which support cognitive function.
Here’s how to do it:

1. Sit comfortably and rub your hands together to warm them.

2. Close your eyes and gently cup your palms over them, without pressing.

3. Ensure no light comes in, then relax and focus on your breath or the darkness for 1-2 minutes.

Palming helps your body to enter a state of rest, and activates resources for the brain's immune functions to repair itself.

Bonus Tip:
We couldn’t resist sharing one more tool from the “D” in PEDAL™ — Diet. Consider adding a high-quality Omega-3 supplement containing DHA and EPA to your routine. DHA makes up approximately 15-20% of the brain's total fatty acids and is a key component of brain cell membranes, supporting cognitive function and overall brain health. EPA complements DHA by helping to manage inflammation and maintaining a healthy environment for optimal brain function.

While the Alignment tool, Palming, can offer immediate relief, the right Diet supports brain health over time.

Take 5 Minutes to Help Us Help You:
If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to fill out our 5-minute poll to let us know:

• What challenges you're facing

• What kinds of resources you’d love to see

• How we can better support your journey

As a thank you,  you can download a printable, two-page nutrition overview with a list of anti-inflammatory foods that you can pin on your fridge. If you’ve already completed the questionnaire, please reply to this email so we can send it your way.

Thank you again for your participation! To the poll. 

Warmly,  
Katie & Andrea

PS: We genuinely value your input, and the content shared in this email was created based on the feedback we received from your responses to our poll so far! If you haven’t filled it out yet, please take just 5 minutes to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps us develop more of the tools and resources you need to manage your symptoms effectively. We’re here to support you on your journey! Take the Poll and let us know how we can help in the future. 

PSS: The complete PEDAL™ Approach includes: Pacing; Exercise/Activity; Diet; Aligning the Nervous System; and Loosening.