By Dr. Josh Redd, Chiropractic Physician, RedRiver Health and Wellness Center
Epstein-Barr (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in humans and causes mononucleosis (also known as “mono”.)
When the infection is symptomatic, the most common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. In most cases, the condition resolves in a few weeks, and the person goes back to normal. In other cases, the fatigue lingers, and the virus may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple autoimmune conditions—including Hashimoto’s.
In a person with vulnerabilities and poor nutrition, the virus may deplete and defeat the body’s immune response, resulting in a low-grade infection, as well as multiple imbalances and deficiencies that pave the way for the autoimmune process to take hold.
Also, specific immune cells known as CD8+ T cells are needed to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus. Hashimoto’s patients may have a low baseline level of these types of immune cells. When levels of these fighter cells are insufficient, the Epstein-Barr virus may move to our organs (such as the thyroid) and multiply and expand.
If you have Hashimoto’s or other chronic autoimmune or health disorder, addressing the virus may be helpful to you and reduce your symptoms.
Here are some things to support your EBV treatment:
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Recent studies have found that NAC may be helpful against EBV. It has been associated with alleviating chronic inflammatory pathologies.
- Adaptogens (ashwagandha, schisandra, astragalus): Helps to boost the immune system.
- Vitamin D: 5,000 IU per day to help virus-fighting CD8+ cells.
- Vitamin C: Vit c reduces viral antibody levels.
- Massage therapy can boost CD8+ cells and reduce stress.
- Lysine: This amino acid maintains healthy arginine production, promotes healthy protein synthesis, and boosts immune function.
- Other natural antiviral protocols for Epstein-Barr may include the use of colloidal silver and immune-supporting mushrooms
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