Hiya Gorgeous,
A few years ago, I went through a long bout of fatigue. And, I’m talkin’ bone-tired, 24/7 kind-of-fatigue. During that time, I did a lot of exploring “under the hood” with my Integrative, M.D. One possibility we looked into was Epstein-Barr virus. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to talk with you about this incredibly common infection. Well, today’s that day.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is part of the herpesvirus family. Other infections in this family include herpes, shingles and chickenpox. Mononucleosis (aka mono or the “Kissing Disease”) is probably the most commonly-known way EBV manifests itself. You might be surprised to learn that up to ninety-five percent of the population is infected with EBV. It’s just that the majority of these people are going through life as carriers. Typically, carriers are symptomless (the virus just hangs around—dormant). The problem is, if the virus reactivates (we’ll talk about that in a moment!), it’s a real drag. You’re exhausted, achy and feel under the weather—all the time.
Are you experiencing fatigue that no amount of sleep, nourishing food, exercise or caffeine can shake? Do you often come down with persistent “flu-like” symptoms? If this is the case and you haven’t been able to get to the root of the issue, you may want to look into EBV with your doctor.
To help us understand EBV, I’ve turned to our fabulous friend, Doctor Aviva Romm. Aviva is a Yale-trained M.D. and Board Certified family physician, midwife and herbalist who is focused on helping women not only heal their bodies and minds, but transform their lives. Her upcoming book, which covers Epstein-Barr virus, is called The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution.
Now, let’s dig into my conversation with Aviva…
Kris: How is EBV infection transmitted and how prevalent is it?
Aviva: EBV is transmitted through intimate contact, which includes “sharing” saliva (this can happen through drinking out of the same cups, kissing or passing joints or cigarettes). It’s highly prevalent. As you read above, about ninety-five percent of people worldwide have been infected with the virus.
Kris: Who is most likely to be infected by EBV and how is it diagnosed?
Aviva: Anyone can become infected by EBV. Symptomatic infections with mono seem to be most common in the late teenage years and early 20’s. Most of us have been exposed and are asymptomatic carriers by our adult lives. Women going through major life changes, including the death of a loved one, a major move or job change or menopause, for example, may be particularly susceptible to reactivation of the virus, and therefore a symptomatic infection. To diagnose, your healthcare practitioner can do an Epstein-Barr Virus Panel to include: Viral capsid antigen (VCA)-IgM, VCA-IgG, D early antigen (EA-D) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA).
Kris: What is EBV reactivation and what are its symptoms?
Aviva: EBV reactivation can persist for months, much like mono can, though it’s usually significantly milder. Reactivation of the virus often happens in times of prolonged stress. Symptoms typically include fatigue, which can be quite intense, aching muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes and other persistent flu-like symptoms. It can also cause malaise and even depression. A physical exam may find a swollen liver and spleen, and liver function tests may be abnormal.
Kris: What is chronic EBV infection and what are the signs and symptoms?
Aviva: While chronic EBV infection is considered rare, the symptoms are similar to those with reactivation, and may be mild to severe. Although, liver and spleen abnormalities may be not be observable or found in this case. Chronic EBV occurs when the infection remains persistent rather than going dormant, as it should when the immune system is able to keep it under wraps.
Kris: Has EBV been connected to any other health issues, like cancer or autoimmune disease?
Aviva: EBV has been associated with numerous autoimmune conditions, from Lupus to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and is also associated with certain lymphomas (types of cancer affecting B-cells of the immune system).
Kris: What treatments are available for EBV infection (conventional and holistic)?
Aviva: While supportive treatments are available for mono, no specific conventional medical treatments have been established for treating recurrent or chronic EBV. Many holistic doctors use an antiviral medication called Acycovir, which is also used in the treatment of herpes and shingles. While this treatment is considered “off label”, meaning not intended for this purpose, patients have reported that it helps with symptoms and shortens the duration of their illnesses. It is also considered relatively safe.
Kris: What plant-based foods, herbs and supplements would you recommend to prevent and treat EBV infection?
Aviva: In my medical practice, I emphasize good nutrition, healthy sleep habits and relaxation techniques to keep the immune system in optimal condition, along with smart basic hygiene practices. I also love the adaptogen herbs, such as ashwagandha, holy basil and reishi for general immune support (see my blog for more on this).
For treatment, I recommend a combination of immune-supportive foods, especially plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin-A rich carrots and sweet potatoes, dark blue and black berries, nuts and seeds and good quality protein, along with immune supportive, antiviral and anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements that have been shown to be effective in fighting against EBV (or viruses in the herpes family). Here are some examples of those:
Top 5 Herbs & Supplements for Epstein-Barr Virus
*All can be taken daily for up to 3 months. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before adding new supplements to your life.
- Zinc Citrate: Immune supportive; in excess of 60 mg/day can be toxic. Take 30-60 mg with food daily to avoid nausea.
- St John’s Wort: Antiviral and relieves depression. Take 300-600 mg/day of products standardized to 0.3% hypericin and/or 3-5% hyperforin.
- Lemon Balm: Antiviral and relieves stress and anxiety. Take 300-1200 mg daily in tea or capsules, or 40-60 drops of tincture 1 to 3 times daily.
- Licorice: Antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an adaptogen. Take 150-300 mg daily.
- Echinacea: Anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Take 300-500 mg up to three times daily.
Kris: Thanks, Aviva!
Hello. I had dx of EBV almost 30yrs ago. I had excellent infectious disease md who put me on tagamet believing histamine blocker helped. It did some and I really fought to get better. Took over a year. Last week I was dx w reactivated Active EBV. I’m 60 and feel quite vulnerable And sick! My question: do u think L Lysine is effective? I’m Very sensitive to herbs supplements so I can’t experiment but I’ve taken lysine in past for cold sores (herpes). Sorry for long email… Also what about zinc lozenges?? Thank u
Kris! I was lucky to see you speak at the Dream Camp this last weekend and just stumbled across this interview. After returning home I received blood work that shows my antibodies are super high but my igm is negative. Do you think a >600 on the antibody test need to be treated? I’m entering my third month on a nearly vegan diet (no sugar, gluten, eggs, soy, dairy, peanuts). My Doctor wanted me to take Olive Tree Extract to kill it, but I haven’t heard it’s possible?
Do you have any recommendations?
Hello,nice share.
I have EBV and Hashimooto’s. I make a morning smoothie with fruit,Hawiian Spirlina,Barley grass powder,Dulse and cilantro.Also i take B12,Selenium. and L-lysine.
I have recently been having some health problems. In and out of hospital, felt awful for the last 6 weeks and have had severe muscle weakness and fatigue with an almost tremor like shakiness in my hands, arms, and sometimes neck. Recently received some blood work back showing I tested positive for EBV. Provider told me it could be a reactivation or old (not sure which way to tell I guess). Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this shaky muscle feeling while infected with the virus. My joints sometimes hurt too. Even the bottoms of my feet. My knees, especially my elbows. Almost feels like when you hit your funny bone and it zings your arm. Also experience severe bouts of dizziness. To the point where I couldn’t work, get up. The room didn’t spin, but it would disorient me and make me feel very foggy.
Hey Taylor, I’m writing in response because I had a very similar experience. I started doing intense measures against EBV, including celery juice and a smoothie similar to what Carole said above. I experienced some detoxing at first, but then was sent into a viral flare. I couldn’t stand up or move quickly without getting dizzy or blacking out. I had tested positive for a reactivation earlier in the year, so I know its in my system. I had tremors and tachycardia (elevated heart rate) that came from an inflammation of my heart, which EBV can also cause.
I’m getting better slowly but surely, but I’ve had to rest A LOT, bail on a lot of commitments or plans, and invest time in restorative things like yin yoga and yoga nidra. The immune system needs a lot of support, so stress-reduction is key. I eat a plant-based diet with no coffee and lower but healthy fats to give the liver a break. Staying up past 10 should really be avoided, as well as any late-night plans. I’ve arranged with my employer to take 2 days of home office per week and will be reducing my hours to 80%.
It can take 6 months to a year to get past this, so its really worth it to learn how to care for yourself and take a break. I’m a holistic nutrition consultant and love working from the heart with people on chronic issues; I know how it feels to go through this, but if you go through it mindfully, it can actually be a rewarding process of personal development 🙂
I had EBV in 2013 which turned into a diagnosis of Lupus. I had long periods of prolonged stress and depression. As of 2016 I no longer have either. I believe in the power of essential oils, Epsom salt detox baths, antioxidant smoothies, yoga and sleep regimens. All of these lifestyles changes and faith to fight gave me hope that my health is much better than it was. I’m blessed to have my health back.
What kind of supplements did you use? Do you believe in Chinese herbs?
Hello, i am just in need of some advice. I was diagnosed with ebv 9 months ago. I had fatigue,sore throat, headaches, and loss of appetite. I had to take months out of work. About 5 months in I went for bloodwork and the ebv was no longer active. But my symptoms never fully went away. The sore throat has stuck around the while time along with some eye pain, tonsil stones, and post nasal drip. I went to the ENT and I am supposed to have my tonsils removed in 2 weeks. Idk if this is safe and i am wondering if anyone else has had this done. I am also on a zpac right now for my throat but i feel like i am now having a flare up and I’m worried. Idk if the tonsillectomy is too risky but I need some relief. Please any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you so much and good luck to everyone.
Hi Courtney! I’m the nutrition director here so I’ll chime in for Kris. My advice would be to go get a second opinion on the tonsillectomy, or even the EBV. If possible, you may want to check in with an integrative doc as he/she may encourage you to explore alternative therapies before surgery. Sending you big healing hugs! xo – Jen
Hello, I was wondering about your thoughts on Chinese herbs and acupuncture ? I have been sick for a year now and dont know where to turn.
Thank You for your post. June 2018 I was diagnosed with EBV that I know I have had for now 31 years. Sadly even my NP missed the diagnoses but finally did the right testing after 5 yrs. with her.
I have taken EBV drops and some UNDA’s that were helping. I still have high EBV levels, and now am experiencing severe muscle & bone pain. I have been on a special diet for 6 yrs. now also.
I am looking for relief in my bone pain mostly. I can be severe with weather pressure changes also.
What about lauracidin said to kill EBV ? its from coconuts so I can’t take it but wondered if you have tried it and why you did not recommend it to your readers. I also have hashimotos disease caused by EBV
Hey there, Diana! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy and I got a terrific response from our Nutritionist that might be able to help: “There is a variety of herbs, supplements, and natural options to help address Epstein-Barr Virus. Monolaurin or lauric acid, one of the components of coconut oil, is an option that may help support the body’s ability to suppress EBV. For those that tolerate coconut oil, a few tablespoons a day may be helpful. Since each person will react differently to lauric acid and the other natural treatment approaches for EBV, it’s important for those with EBV to work with an integrative practitioner on which treatment options are best for them. Addressing EBV may help manage Hashimoto’s. Also, a gluten-free diet is one that seems to have a positive effect in Hashimoto’s management.” Hope this helps and good luck!
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Thank you! Is it safe to take echinacea & licorice when you have hashimoto’s & EBV?
Hi Omercy! I’m Mindy, a Dietitian here at team Crazy Sexy. Immune supportive, antiviral and anti-inflammatory herbs such as echinacea and licorice, can be helpful at fighting against the EBV virus. Addressing EBV may help manage your Hashimoto’s. However, there is some caution recommended when using echinacea supplements long term in those with autoimmune diseases. Hashimoto’s in one person, can be different than Hashimoto’s in another. Since echinacea boosts your immune system, it could potentially cause flare ups in some people with autoimmune diseases. Since autoimmune diseases are complex and highly individualized, each person may react differently to herbal therapies including echinacea and licorice. It’s important for those with EBV and Hashimoto’s to work with an integrative practitioner on which natural treatment options are best for them!
What about Lysine
Here is what I want someone to study: the link between allergies and the reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus. I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS in 2015, and each year after that, I experience relapses or pseudo-relapses during the seasonal transition from summer to fall. Right now, I am experiencing double vision and numbness in my legs, and it began as soon as the leaves fell. When I go to my MS doctor, she’s going to tell me that I have to take a course of corticosteroids, even though the steroids never make me feel better. In fact, steroids make me feel worse. I have read that Epstein-Barr does not respond to steroids, so I have to ask: why, when virtually everyone who has MS also has Epstein-Barr, are steroids the typical treatment for relapses? I feel like I’m on a hamster wheel. I was tested for Lyme Disease (negative) simply because I didn’t feel that the MS treatment was helping me and I wondered if I’d been misdiagnosed. Now that I’ve been educated about Epstein-Barr, I have to wonder why the neurologist didn’t test me for this from the getgo.
As a child, I took allergy shots — I am allergic to a long list of things… At some point before my teenage years, I was exposed to Epstein-Barr, and I firmly believe that this virus is activated anytime I experience seasonal allergies. But does my neurologist want to hear about this? No. She just wants me to take my Copaxone (which also doesn’t seem to do any good) and then treat relapses with steroids which I do not intend to take this time around because the recovery time for me is not worth it. It always takes two courses of steroids, sometimes three. Why should I put my body through that when the research says that Epstein-Barr isn’t affected by steroids?
Is there ANY neurologist out there who has a different procedure for treating MS that takes into consideration the Epstein-Barr virus and its reactivation? I don’t care how far I have to drive or fly — I want to meet them.
I’m looking forward to hearing any responses to your post!
I am not a doctor, but I’d say if it’s coinciding with allergies, then you have gut healing to do! Just my 2 cents!
Thank you, Carlita. I’ve been fasting, hoping to stabilize my gut. I think you’re right about that! The only time I feel good is when I’m fasting. Hopefully there will be some answers soon…