Chronic Inflammation After COVID: How Functional Medicine Can Help
03
Sep
Chronic Inflammation After COVID: How Functional Medicine Can Help
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vitamin C became one of the most talked-about supplements worldwide. People rushed to pharmacies and online stores to stock up, hoping that this humble nutrient could “boost immunity” and protect them against the virus. Social media and news outlets amplified the message: Vitamin C is essential, cheap, and widely available, so why not take it?
But now, in 2025, many people have stopped taking it entirely. The panic has faded, the pandemic is behind us, and Vitamin C supplementation has quietly dropped off most people’s health routines. At Midas Wellness Hub, we often hear patients say, “I took Vitamin C daily during COVID, but now I don’t bother anymore.”
The real question is: Why did people stop, and why is this a missed opportunity for long-term health?
The Role of Vitamin C in Your Body
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and a potent antioxidant. It plays several critical roles in the body:
1. Immune Support – Vitamin C supports white blood cells, helping the body respond to infections more effectively.
2. Collagen Production – Essential for healthy skin, hair, nails, and wound healing.
3. Antioxidant Protection – Neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic disease.
4. Iron Absorption – Improves the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant-based foods.
5. Stress Resilience – High stress and chronic illness can deplete Vitamin C, making supplementation important for recovery and overall wellness.
During COVID, people intuitively understood one of the biggest benefits: immune protection. But Vitamin C isn’t just for viral infections, it is a cornerstone for overall health, daily cellular function, and long-term disease prevention.
Water-Soluble vs Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin C is part of a group of water-soluble vitamins, which have unique properties important to understand:
Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and circulate in the bloodstream. Excess amounts are usually excreted through urine, which means the body does not store them for long periods. This category includes:
- Vitamin C
- B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
Key benefits: Daily intake is important, and they are essential for immunity, energy production, skin health, and nerve function.
In contrast:
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed with dietary fats and stored in the liver or fat tissues. They can accumulate in the body over time and do not need to be consumed daily in large amounts.
Why this matters: Because Vitamin C is water-soluble, skipping supplementation, or not consuming enough through diet, can quickly lead to suboptimal levels, leaving the body without this critical immune and antioxidant support.
Why People Stopped Taking Supplements After COVID
Several factors explain why Vitamin C supplementation dropped after the pandemic:
1. Perceived Threat Decreased – During COVID, the virus was an immediate danger. Once cases declined, the urgency faded.
2. Lifestyle Fatigue – Many relied on supplements temporarily and returned to old habits, believing a balanced diet was sufficient.
3. Overexposure to Information – Conflicting advice led to supplement fatigue; some stopped because they were unsure what to trust.
4. Invisible Benefits – Unlike medications that relieve pain instantly, vitamins work subtly over time. Many stopped taking them because the effects were not immediately noticeable.
Even after COVID, modern life continues to challenge the body. Processed foods, stress, pollution, and lack of sleep all increase nutrient demands, especially for water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C.
Why You Should Start Again
Here’s why it’s important to reintroduce Vitamin C and other essential supplements into your daily routine:
1. Ongoing Immune Support – Even in post-pandemic life, the immune system faces daily challenges from seasonal viruses, pollution, and stress. Regular Vitamin C ensures your immune cells are functioning optimally.
2. Anti-Aging and Skin Health – Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, helping maintain skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote wound healing.
3. Combat Oxidative Stress – Daily exposure to environmental toxins, processed foods, and UV light generates free radicals. Vitamin C neutralizes these harmful compounds, protecting your cells from damage.
4. Energy and Stress Management – High stress depletes water-soluble vitamins. Regular supplementation helps your body cope with physical and emotional stress more effectively.
5. Nutrient Insurance – Modern diets may lack consistent, high-quality sources of Vitamin C and other water-soluble vitamins. Supplements act as insurance, ensuring your body always has what it needs to function optimally.
Dr. Shibani at Midas Wellness Hub says:
“Even after COVID, the body still faces daily stressors that can deplete essential nutrients. Restarting supplementation is a simple yet powerful step toward long-term health, immunity, and vitality.”
Functional Medicine: The Missing Link
This is where functional medicine plays a crucial role. Unlike conventional approaches, which treat illness as it appears, functional medicine looks at root causes, long-term prevention, and overall wellness.
Dr. Shibani explains:
“Supplements like Vitamin C are not just temporary tools; they are part of a larger strategy to optimize immunity, reduce chronic inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Functional medicine helps us personalize this approach for each patient.”
Functional medicine considers:
- Individual nutrient needs
- Underlying inflammation
- Lifestyle and stress patterns
- Digestive and hormonal health
For example, while one patient may need Vitamin C primarily for immune support, another may benefit from it for skin health, oxidative stress, or energy. Testing and evaluation allow supplements to be targeted, effective, and safe rather than taken randomly.
Supplements Are a Foundation, Not a Replacement
A common misconception is that taking Vitamin C or other supplements replaces healthy habits. In reality, supplements enhance and support the body when combined with proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Here’s how functional medicine integrates supplements into daily life:
1. Identifying Gaps – Testing reveals which vitamins and minerals your body is missing or not utilizing effectively.
2. Personalized Plans – Dosage and combination of supplements are tailored to your specific needs.
3. Lifestyle Integration – Supplements work best alongside a nutrient-rich diet, stress management, and proper sleep.
4. Monitoring and Adjusting – Regular follow-ups ensure supplementation remains effective and safe.
At Midas Wellness Hub, Dr. Shibani often works with patients who previously relied solely on vitamins during COVID. Through functional medicine, she transforms short-term supplementation into a long-term wellness strategy, supporting immune health, skin, and overall vitality.
Practical Tips for Restarting Supplementation
1. Choose Quality Supplements – Look for clinically tested, high-quality products.
2. Pair With Food – Water-soluble vitamins are better absorbed when taken with water and a balanced meal.
3. Consistency Matters – Daily intake is more effective than sporadic high doses.
4. Regular Monitoring – Functional medicine testing ensures the right dose for your needs.
5. Holistic Approach – Combine supplements with nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep for maximum benefits.
Conclusion
COVID-19 highlighted the importance of supporting immunity, and Vitamin C became a symbol of proactive health. However, stopping supplementation after the pandemic is a missed opportunity. Modern lifestyles, stress, and dietary gaps continue to challenge our bodies every day.
At Midas Wellness Hub, Dr. Shibani emphasizes that functional medicine is the key to turning short-term supplementation into long-term health gains. By understanding your body, supporting it with targeted nutrients, and integrating healthy lifestyle habits, you can maintain immunity, reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and enjoy overall wellness.
Vitamin C and other water-soluble vitamins are not just emergency tools, they are part of a strategic, personalized plan for lifelong health, and functional medicine ensures you get the right support at the right time. Restarting supplementation now is a proactive step to safeguard your body against daily stressors, support optimal function, and maintain long-term wellness.