Addressing Microclots in Long Covid
October 6, 2025
Building a healthy microbiome before conception is one of the best gifts you can give your future child. Here’s how to get started.
Feed Your Microbes: Eat for Diversity
Your microbiome thrives on variety — especially plant-based fibres that beneficial bacteria ferment into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dietary fiber supports bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzi (and many others )which help maintain a strong gut barrier and immune function.
Try to include whole grains and legumes daily. Add plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget nuts, seeds, and an abundance of fresh herbs and spices.
Support Beneficial Bacteria — Especially Bifidobacterium
Women with higher Bifidobacterium species before and during pregnancy are more likely to pass them to their babies, supporting healthy immune and metabolic programming2.
Try:
- Consuming probiotic-rich foods – yogurt with live cultures is a really easy way to do this
- Discuss a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium with us or, better still, test your microbiome to see exactly what you and your baby need!
Balance the Vaginal Microbiome
Your vaginal microbiome, mostly made up of Lactobacillus bacteria, plays an important role in protecting against infections and shapes the initial microbial exposure a baby receives during birth. The mode of delivery plays a key role in establishing the newborn’s microbiome, with vaginal birth allowing contact with the mother’s vaginal and fecal bacteria and promoting the transfer of beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to the infant’s gut3.
Tips:
- Try to avoid any harsh cleansers or fabrics near the area, cotton underwear is a good choice
- Manage stress — cortisol fluctuations can alter vaginal microbial balance
- Discuss targeted probiotics (or testing) with us if you’re prone to BV or yeast infections
Move and Rest — for Microbial and Metabolic Balance
Regular physical activity increases microbial diversity, while good sleep helps blood sugar regulation in pregnancy, plus you can bank some precious hours of rest before baby arrives!
Reduce Ultra-Processed and High-Sugar Foods
Refined foods feed pro-inflammatory bacteria and reduce beneficial diversity. A diverse gut is a healthy gut!
Swap:
- Sugary drinks → water or pregnancy safe herbal teas like ginger
- Processed snacks → nuts or fruit – i.e. snacking on almonds instead of crisps
- White bread → whole grains, swap your Brennan’s bread to a good sourdough from your local baker
Support Breastfeeding and Early Microbial Exposure
Breastmilk gives your baby an early boost. It contains Bifidobacterium and special sugars called oligosaccharides that feed good gut bacteria 4. Interestingly, exposure to nature, pets, and family microbes (via touch and skin contact) also supports this and helps build immune tolerance.
Consider Microbiome Testing
If you have chronic digestive issues, recurrent BV, or metabolic imbalances, personalised testing and guidance can help you target the right interventions before pregnancy.
You can also test your microbiome during pregnancy – tracking all the essential bacteria that you should pass during birth to your baby!
Your microbiome isn’t just about digestion — it’s a foundation for fertility, pregnancy health, and your baby’s long-term immune resilience. By nourishing your gut and vaginal microbiota with food, lifestyle, and mindful choices, you’re investing in generations of health.
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