If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms after a virus or a vaccine, you’re not alone. Many people report fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and strange, hard-to-explain issues that don’t go away. This guide lays out a practical, step-by-step protocol to support recovery. 

These are the tools I personally use, combining published research with personal experience. The protocol targets key problem areas like histamine overload, spike protein debris, nutrient depletion, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also includes two optional additions that may enhance recovery further. 

You can use this protocol to explore options with your doctor or practitioner—and adjust based on your unique needs. 

1. Use H1 and H2 Antihistamines for Mast? Cell Support 

Studies show that many long-covid and vaccine-related inflammatory symptoms are due to overactive mast cells [1]. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that release histamine and other substances during inflammatory and allergic reactions (2). When your mast cells are overactive, they release way too much histamine, causing a variety of symptoms including rashes, rapid heartbeat, flushing, gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure, fainting, nasal stuffiness, and more [3]. 

To address this, I recommend taking antihistamines that work on two types of histamine receptors – H1 and H2. Claritin (loratadine) is an H1 blocker and Pepcid (famotidine) is an H2 blocker. Take both twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Continue this regimen for six months, the typical time it takes your body to regenerate mast cells. 

Pepcid blocks stomach acid production but you need stomach acid to digest your food. Always take Betaine HCl with your meals when you’re doing this protocol.  

2. Take Enzymes to Tackle Spike? Protein Fragments 

Enzyme blends like nattokinase, serrapeptase and lumbrokinase help break down leftover spike?protein fragments and prevent excess blood clotting [4] [5]. Enzymes will also help with brain fog because better blood flow means getting more oxygen and nutrients to your brain. Take systemic enzymes on an empty stomach, away from food, so your body directs them toward circulation and repair instead of digestion.
 

3. Take Fat-Soluble Vitamins 

Stress depletes your vitamin and mineral levels [6]. Diet alone won’t give you everything you need.  The fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins D,A,K, and E) are especially important for immunity and post-viral recovery [7].  Studies show many people who have long COVID have low vitamin D levels [8]. The best strategy is to take a combined fat-soluble vitamin (DAKE) supplement since they work best together. Everyone responds differently to vitamin D supplements, so if you need to, you can take extra D3 until your blood levels reach 70-90 ng/mL which is the level most anti-aging doctors recommend. I take Vitamin DAKE from my company, Suppgrade Labs.  

4. Don’t Forget Your Minerals 

Minerals power every reaction that goes on in your body. They’ll support your recovery from long-COVID. I take Minerals 101 from Suppgrade Labs since it has all of the right minerals in the right forms that your body needs. 

5. Take Mitochondrial Stimulators 

People with long COVID have mitochondrial dysfunction [9]. Some of the best mitochondrial stimulators are urolithin A [10], L-carnitine, MitoQ, and alpha-lipoic acid [11]. Follow dosing from the supplement manufacturers.  

6. Extras: 

Look into Low-Dose Nicotine Therapy 

First of all, this is not smoking. Smoking is bad for you. We are talking about pure, low-dose pharmaceutical-grade nicotine. Here’s how it works: Studies show COVID proteins bind to specific receptors in your body and impair the cholinergic system [12]. This is a system that helps control things like thinking, memory and bodily functions. Nicotine binds to the same receptors within this system that viral proteins bind to. Scientists believe that nicotine can displace the viral proteins at this site which then restores normal function of the cholinergic system [13]. Start slowly. Between 1-6 mg per day is the sweet spot for most people. More is not better. You can use a nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges. If you choose gum or lozenges, make sure they’re from a reputable brand and don’t have any artificial ingredients or microplastics.   

Quercetin  

Quercetin is a mast cell stabilizer meaning it prevents mast cells from releasing histamine and other inflammatory compounds [14]. It also helps clear senescent cells aka “zombie cells” which accumulate in long-COVID [15]. Take 500-1000 mg per day. 

TL;DR 

1. Antihistamines 

• Claritin (H1 blocker): AM + PM for 6 months 
• Pepcid (H2 blocker) AM + PM for 6 months (take Betaine HCl with meals) 

2. Enzymes 

• Nattokinase, serrapeptase, lumbrokinase daily on an empty stomach 

3. Vitamins 

• Vitamin DAKE (fat-soluble blend) – daily 
• Vitamin D3 until blood levels reach 70-90 ng/mL 

4. Minerals 

• Minerals 101 – daily 

5. Mitochondrial Support 

• Urolithin A, l-carnitine, MitoQ, alpha lipoic acid daily  

6. Extras: 

• Nicotine: 1-6 mg daily (patch, additive-free gum or lozenge) 

• Quercetin: 500-1000 mg per day 

References: 

1. Weinstock LB, Brook JB, Walters AS, Goris A, Afrin LB, Molderings GJ. Mast cell activation symptoms are prevalent in Long-COVID. Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Nov;112:217-226. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.043. Epub 2021 Sep 23. PMID: 34563706; PMCID: PMC8459548. 

1. Christ P, Sowa AS, Froy O, Lorentz A. The Circadian Clock Drives Mast Cell Functions in Allergic Reactions. Front Immunol. 2018 Jul 6;9:1526. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01526. PMID: 30034393; PMCID: PMC6043637. 

1. Frieri M. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2018 Jun;54(3):353-365. doi: 10.1007/s12016-015-8487-6. PMID: 25944644. 

1. Tanikawa T, Kiba Y, Yu J, Hsu K, Chen S, Ishii A, Yokogawa T, Suzuki R, Inoue Y, Kitamura M. Degradative Effect of Nattokinase on Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2. Molecules. 2022 Aug 24;27(17):5405. doi: 10.3390/molecules27175405. PMID: 36080170; PMCID: PMC9458005. 

1. Wang KY, Tull L, Cooper E, Wang N, Liu D. Recombinant protein production of earthworm lumbrokinase for potential antithrombotic application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:783971. doi: 10.1155/2013/783971. Epub 2013 Dec 12. PMID: 24416067; PMCID: PMC3876685. 

1. Lopresti AL. The Effects of Psychological and Environmental Stress on Micronutrient Concentrations in the Body: A Review of the Evidence. Adv Nutr. 2020 Jan 1;11(1):103-112. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmz082. PMID: 31504084; PMCID: PMC7442351. 

1. Samad N, Dutta S, Sodunke TE, Fairuz A, Sapkota A, Miftah ZF, Jahan I, Sharma P, Abubakar AR, Rowaiye AB, Oli AN, Charan J, Islam S, Haque M. Fat-Soluble Vitamins and the Current Global Pandemic of COVID-19: Evidence-Based Efficacy from Literature Review. J Inflamm Res. 2021 May 21;14:2091-2110. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S307333. PMID: 34045883; PMCID: PMC8149275. 

1. di Filippo L, Frara S, Nannipieri F, Cotellessa A, Locatelli M, Rovere Querini P, Giustina A. Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated With Long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 Survivors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Sep 18;108(10):e1106-e1116. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad207. PMID: 37051747; PMCID: PMC10505553. 

1. Molnar T, Lehoczki A, Fekete M, Varnai R, Zavori L, Erdo-Bonyar S, Simon D, Berki T, Csecsei P, Ezer E. Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches. Geroscience. 2024 Oct;46(5):5267-5286. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01165-5. Epub 2024 Apr 26. PMID: 38668888; PMCID: PMC11336094. 

1. Andreux PA, Blanco-Bose W, Ryu D, Burdet F, Ibberson M, Aebischer P, Auwerx J, Singh A, Rinsch C. The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans. Nat Metab. 2019 Jun;1(6):595-603. doi: 10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4. Epub 2019 Jun 14. PMID: 32694802. 

1. Molnar T, Lehoczki A, Fekete M, Varnai R, Zavori L, Erdo-Bonyar S, Simon D, Berki T, Csecsei P, Ezer E. Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches. Geroscience. 2024 Oct;46(5):5267-5286. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01165-5. Epub 2024 Apr 26. PMID: 38668888; PMCID: PMC11336094. 

1. Leitzke M, Roach DT, Hesse S, Schönknecht P, Becker GA, Rullmann M, Sattler B, Sabri O. Long COVID – a critical disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission? Bioelectron Med. 2025 Feb 27;11(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s42234-025-00167-8. PMID: 40011942; PMCID: PMC11866872. 

1. Kopa?ska M, Batoryna M, Bartman P, Szczygielski J, Bana?-Z?bczyk A. Disorders of the Cholinergic System in COVID-19 Era-A Review of the Latest Research. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 8;23(2):672. doi: 10.3390/ijms23020672. PMID: 35054856; PMCID: PMC8775685. 

1. Weng Z, Zhang B, Asadi S, Sismanopoulos N, Butcher A, Fu X, Katsarou-Katsari A, Antoniou C, Theoharides TC. Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans. PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e33805. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033805. Epub 2012 Mar 28. PMID: 22470478; PMCID: PMC3314669. 

1. Wissler Gerdes EO, Vanichkachorn G, Verdoorn BP, Hanson GJ, Joshi AY, Murad MH, Rizza SA, Hurt RT, Tchkonia T, Kirkland JL. Role of senescence in the chronic health consequences of COVID-19. Transl Res. 2022 Mar;241:96-108. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.10.003. Epub 2021 Oct 22. PMID: 34695606; PMCID: PMC8532377.