There’s no cure for Epstein-Barr Virus. This is a true statement in regards to EBV (mono, aka herpesvirus 4).
However, there’s a lot you can do to actually thrive again after an initial bout with mono.
Here’s what I’ve learned since having mono in 10th grade.
Chronic underlying infections, like EBV, rob our health and are a mystery to many.
Most think, once you have a virus there’s nothing you can do about it. Sure, there's chronic reactivating EBV and we can test for EBV antibodies (I have for myself and others) to see how triggered the immune system may be. It you're chronically fatigued and suspecting it's an EBV flare, I just don't find a lot of benefit in testing to prove it's there or not.
I personaly found it more beneficial to start with proper immune support and look to the gut, but more on that in a minute.
Having a virus meant I had to find ways to support my immune system continually, so it could keep the EBV dormant.
The way I see it now is, my immune system is constantly battling EBV to try to keep it at bay. This constant battle means my immune system needs extra support and it doesn’t need extra stress.
So what does that look like? I’m glad you asked!!
My favorite immune support comes in the form of mushrooms. Yep, that’s right!
Mushrooms are excellent immune support. They’re versatile and very well respected for traits like protecting the liver, anticancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral just to name a few.
Several research groups have reported that cordycepin has antiviral activity against several common viruses like the flu, HIV and yes, even EBV.
One of my other favorite immune supporters is vitamin D.
99% of people I test are deficient and usually not just a little. It makes sense too, vitamin D is aka the sunshine vitamin. GET OUTSIDE.
Or you can supplement with high quality vitamin D3 in a liquid oil suspension (since it’s fat soluble) for best absorption.
Email me directly at: chris@doctorchrisjones.com with "mushroom and vitamin D immune support" to learn about my favorite supplements.
Finally, I would say it’s just as important to avoid added stress on the body. The following are all stresses on the body and therefore the immune system:
- Processed foods
- Too much sugar
- Gluten
- Lack of sleep
- Too much exercise
- Not enough sunlight
- Excessive alcohol
Bacterial/fungal overgrowth
70-80% of the immune system is in the gut, depending on which research article you're reading. There's no better place to look than the gut microbiome when it comes to gauging gut and immune system health. The GI Map stool test is what I recommend to determine if chronic pathogens like bacterial, fungal or viral overgrowths are present in the GI.
If digestive symptoms are present and on the level of more than annoying, then I recommend stool testing to help determine the underlying problem.
If you'd like to finally achieve good gut health and a healthy balanced immune system, then lets talk about how the GI Map stool test can change your life.
Click here for a Free Discovery Call with me.
In summary...chronic underlying viruses, like EBV, never stop attacking so it’s important to support the immune system.
Mushrooms, especially cordyceps, are excellent antiviral immune support. Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D is also important as is mitigating any external stressors.
A thorough stool test like the GI Map can help uncover gut microbiome imblances that must be addressed in order to achieve long-term immune system health.
This approach has worked great for me and helped keep me in peak health and my immune system strong.
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