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 the Epstein-Barr virus. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to talk with you about this incredibly common infection. Well, today’s that day.
What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is part of the herpes virus family. Other infections in this family include cold sores, herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Infectious Mononucleosis (aka mono or the “Kissing Disease”) is probably the most commonly-known way EBV manifests itself.
Infectious Mononucleosis, also referred to as “Glandular Fever” manifests originally with these symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Headache/body aches
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Enlarged liver and spleen
The symptoms of Epstein Barr Virus are usually mild. Because EBV symptoms overlap with other illnesses (sore throat, fever, rashes, etc.), children are commonly misdiagnosed with strep throat or another virus.
And, up to 95% of the population is infected with the Epstein-Barr Virus. The majority of these people are going through life as unknowing carriers. Typically, carriers are symptomless (the virus just hangs around—dormant).
EBV Becomes a Problem When it Reactivates and Attacks the Immune System
The problem is if the virus reactivates due to a stressed immune system (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. Many people can be misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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.
Understanding the Epstein-Bar Virus from the Lens of a Professional
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. She covers the Epstein-Barr virus in her popular book, The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution.
Now, let’s dig into my conversation with Aviva…
How is the EBV Virus Transmitted and How Prevalent is it?
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.
Other modes of transmission can include:
- Blood transfusion (blood is not tested for the Epstein-Barr Virus)
- An infant can contract the initial infection if the mother has the virus
- Food contaminated when someone is cut
- Bodily fluids through sexual contact
You can even be exposed to Epstein-Barr from coming into contact with toys that have been drooled on by an infant that has the virus.
Who is Most Likely to be Infected by EBV and How is it Diagnosed?
Anyone can become infected by the Epstein-Barr Virus. Symptomatic infections with mono seem to be most common in the late teenage years and early 20s. Most of us have been exposed and are asymptomatic carriers in our adult lives.
Women going through major life changes, including the death of a loved one, a major move, a 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 a simple blood test called a “Complete EBV Acute Panel,” which includes: Viral capsid antigen (VCA)-IgM, VCA-IgG, D early antigen (EA-D), and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA). They can also run a chronic infection panel.
What is EBV Reactivation and What are its Symptoms?
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 chronic fatigue, 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.
What is Chronic EBV Infection and What are the Signs and Symptoms?
While chronic Epstein-Barr is considered rare, the symptoms are similar to those dealing with reactivation and may be mild to severe. Liver and spleen abnormalities may not be observable or found in this case. Chronic infections occur when the infection remains persistent rather than going dormant, as it should when the immune system is able to keep it under wraps and you’d remain symptom-free.
There are a variety of chronic symptoms, some of which are:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Migraines
- Consistent fatigue
- Dizziness/Blurred vision
- Restless sleep
- Numbness of the hands and feet
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
There are many more seemingly unrelated symptoms associated with Epstein-Barr.
Is EBV Connected to Other Chronic Infections, like Cancer or Autoimmune Disease?
EBV has been associated with numerous autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lyme Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and is a trigger for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV is also associated with certain lymphomas (types of cancer affecting B-cells of the immune system).
Why Does EBV Cause Other Infections?
There are a few hypotheses as to why EBV causes other autoimmune conditions:
Bystander Activation
Also known as the “Bystander Effect,” this happens when the immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells alongside the virus. The virus can also lead to the activation of immune cells that attack the body itself.
Molecular Mimicry
Molecular mimicry occurs when your immune system attacks the virus. Some of your tissues may mimic the molecular structure of the virus, which can confuse the immune system, leading it to attack healthy tissue.
Dysregulation in the Immune System
If your body is constantly combating viral infections, it can activate the adrenal glands and lead to adrenal fatigue. In turn, this can lead to immune dysfunction.
Autoimmune conditions are on the rise and it appears that EBV can be linked to decreased immune function.
This is so helpful Kris! So many women suffer from symptoms that don’t get treated. I had mono when I was 18 and it was horrible…I literally couldn’t move. I had horribly swollen glands. It happened in between high school and college and I had to take a month off from work. Even after that, I tired easily for a long time. I can honestly say it was about a year till I really felt like myself. I consider myself fortunate that it never reappeared. I definitely follow Aviva’s dietary recommendations, and do take adaptogens (I like maca and tulsi) from time to time. Thanks for all you do!!!
I was diagnosed with chronic Epsteirn Barr virus syndrome in the mid-80’s, when it was first discovered. Since the doctors could not tell me what to do about it, I took it upon myself to do everything possible to optimize my immune system (healthy eating, mild exercise, sleep-I nap every day-and supplements.). I still keep up those practices today. I became a health coach, because I wanted to help women who were discouraged about having this condition. Thanks, Kris, and Dr. Aviva, for sharing this very important information.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, I’m sure they are very helpful to anyone out there looking for answers. xo, kc
I have this too
I wonder could be get in contact
I was first diagnosed with EPV in 1977- I was a sophomore in college. My liver and spleen were severely enlarged and my white blood count was way off. I have been in and out of remission ever since. A wonderful doc started treating me with Acyovir in 1987 and the results have been dramatic. The same doc recommended that I take 500mg Lysine daily and increase that dosage to 4x a day when my EBV is active. I have also found coconut oil to be effective
Joan – for the Acyovir, do you take that all the time or just when you are showing symptoms of EBV?
In addition to the great herbal supplements listed above, another way one can treat EPV using Rife Digital Machines with this frequency set programmed into the digital machine:
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections: 0.07, 0.52, 0.70, 0.93, 372.50, 375.00, 380.00, 382.85, 519.34, 791.28
When these subtle electro-therapy frequencies enter the body, the pathogens associated with the EPV are gradually destroyed.
https://go.kriscarr.com/blog/epstein-barr-virus-symptoms-treatment/#comment-777401
Epstein Barre Virus (EBV) is a mysterious disease because in spite of building up antibodies, it attacks repeatedly. EPV is seen only in persons who also have Eurytrema (pancreatic fluke) in the pancreas. When the fluke is gone, one can no longer find EBV in the white blood cells. This suggests that the virus comes from the fluke. As each fluke dies and is finally removed, the body’s white blood cells can catch up with the viruses and you begin to feel better again, which can be as quick as one day. But reinfection with an EBV-carrying Eurytrema (plus a wood alcohol containing beverage to allow the fluke to go to the pancreas) can spark the next recurrence.
Due to the toxicity of wood alcohol in foods and beverages, Dr Clark proved that EBV infections could re-occur. One must look at all aspects of diet. which can be a contender for reinfections of the EBV virus. Rife user must also run Detox frequency sets:
Detox: (Toxin extraction) 0.20, 0.14, 0.33, 0.42, 0.44, 0.55, 0.52, 0.76, 0.78, 1.86
At least 14 days on Detox set to assist with the elimination of toxins such as Eurytrema
Followed by a 21 day Parasite treatment focused specifically on Parasites flukes pancreatic:
Parasites flukes pancreatic: 0.17, 0.32, 0.85, 2.75, 17.50, 47.30, 75.50, 97.50, 151.07, 451.04
So where does one find access to this Rife machine? I did have treatments in Northern California, however I live in SW part of Montana now..ay suggestions on this location search? thanks.
RE the Rife Digital machine, what kind of practitioner would have access to one for treatment? A chiro? Naturopath? Thanks!
RE the Rife Digital machine, what kind of practitioner would have access to one for treatment? A chiro? Naturopath? Thanks!
How do I find out more about this?
I had my epv on my last blood test and the results came back 6.8. My Dr. Said it looks like you had mono and I did.
Normal or high?
It is possible to rid the body of EBV completely through a detoxification process called homotoxicology. Its not well known, but extremely powerful and both my daughter and I have been healed by this process. I would encourage anyone to find a practitioner!! This type of medicine is our future, I believe!
Hey Erin! I checked in with Aviva on your question. Here’s what she had to say: “To my knowledge, it is not possible to fully rid the body of the virus; however it is possible for it to stay dormant without ever having a recurrence.” – Aviva Romm, MD
This is not something most MD’s know about though my pratitioner says that every time she goes to a conference, more and more MDs are there. So I’m hoping it becomes better known. My daughter is living proof. After 4 years of pure hell (pardon), we have given up on traditional western medicine. Their best advice was that she see a psychiatrist. She has missed most of her high school years due to this illness and to see her improve, in direct relation to the treatment, has been a godsend. I respect the view of the MD, but no one person can know everything. I hope that in the future, western medicine becomes more open to things that they don’t understand. Energy medicine is very powerful. All said with respect to everyone involved.
What is the energy medicine your daughter is using please?
Many thanks!
Homotoxicology ?
Hi Erin! This is so inspiring!
Can I follow up on some questions that I have via email? I’m thinking of doing it.
Thanks a lot!
Hello Erin,
Could you tell me more about the process of homotoxicology?
Thank you 🙂
Wow, finding this made my day, thank you! Was diagnosed with EBV earlier this year, and haven’t tried all these awesome natural remedies yet. I’ve mostly managed to get my symptoms under control through a very healthy, unprocessed, whole foods vegan diet and lots of sleep/rest. I started with daily a.m. smoothies of kale and blueberries with maca and dulse flakes. Even when I was too weak to exercise, eating healthy felt so good, emotionally. I also take SAMe, daily, to help lift mood. To anyone else reading here who has EBV, hang in there, it gets better. This is some pretty comprehensive info- how awesome of you to share, Kris. 🙂
So great to hear that you’re feeling better and this blog is helpful to you! xo, kc
Hi Chris:
First, thank you for your positive and inspiring messages. I really enjoy your newsletter and motivational teachings/writings. You are truly a bright light in the world!
Regarding Epstein-Barr and, indeed, any of the herpes family of viruses, a plant-based diet is typically NOT recommended due to the high levels of the amino acid argenine found in many of the protein sources (nuts, seeds, certain legumes) and grains (wheat, oats) that figure so largely in vegetarian/vegan diets. In fact, many who are herpes positive find that adopting a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle drastically INCREASES their outbreaks/symptoms. Recommended is a diet high in the amino acid lysine to balance argenine levels since both compete for the same molecule in the body. Animal products contain the highest amounts of lysine, specifically, dairy, fish and meat. The argenine/lysine ratio is important because argenine is used by the virus to replicate and lysine prevents viral replication. There is a big, long scientific explanation for this that I am sure your readers/researchers can find online, and loads of information, holistic and otherwise, to support this recommendation. Also, zinc supplementation should be managed by a healthcare provider as high levels of zinc are not only toxic but can cause copper deficiency in the body. My personal experience as a person positive for some time with HSV2 is that people who are prone to outbreaks find that the big four–stress, coffee, nuts and chocolate–have to be managed with care (or as regards coffee, nuts and chocolate eliminated) at least in the early years of the virus. Antivirals offer some relief to some people, but they do not prevent outbreaks; they only shorten the duration and decrease (but do not prevent) viral shedding.
Thank you for letting me share!
Would like to know more about your foundation/premise for this treatment/regime? I have sleuthed and researched in earnest, since being diagnosed with CAEBV in July 2015. (Currently am taking Reishi, Maca, Zinc, magnesium, Fish and Borage Oil, Vitamin A, D, B12, Pilocarpine for lack of moisture in lacrimal and mouth glands, avoidance of gluten, low dairy products (but I have to have a cup of coffee in the am), low to no processed food, and organic as often as possible..)
I would be grateful to know where is best place to research (where I have not been (-: )…the fatigue and mental confusion are strong most every day, some days better than others, Xerostomia and Sicca are kicking my butt, yet also fatigue post (light-weight) workout or walking outdoors. Thank you for providing more information, wishing the best for you and continued good health!
Charlotte, have you been tested for Sjogren’s Syndrome? It’s a systemic autoimmune disease which I have and is the secon most common one affecting women in the U.S. And you have all the symptoms. You’ll want to ask your doc to refer you to a rheumatologist and/or test for SSB and SSA autoantibodies, as well as testing to see if you have a positive ANA and/or rheumatoid factor. Best wishes!!
Lack of moisture in mouth glands makes me think Sjogren’s Syndrome is a possibility as well.
xoxo
Thank you for sharing…I too have found this out just this year…no coffee, chocolate and am surprised no nuts…..
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was diagnosed with EBV last March & there are SO many ideas here for me to try! I am seeing a functional medicine Dr, but need more self care and holistic treatments. Your timing is perfect, Kris Carr!!!
What a blessing you are! Yurt Grrl ???
I’m very familiar with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). I was diagnosed back in 1998 with chronic fatigue. Luckily, I found a holistic D.O. who helped me get better via nutrient IV drips, supplements, homeopathic remedies, herbs, etc. Truth was, I wasn’t feeling good since I was aged 15 and there, 11 years later, they found I had tested with severe EBV. I was in my mid-20s and it changed my entire life’s direction. At the time, I was a bicycle racer and so, I quit doing that, along with my career as a paralegal. I began a healing journey that led me to heal my thyroid, adrenals, hormones, depression, anxiety, and fatigue that continues on to this day. As I write this, I’m 44 and I don’t have children or a high-powered career, but I have a husband who loves me dearly, my art and music, sweet backyard animals, and true, genuine happiness. I’ve had relapses of EBV and adrenal fatigue over the years and each time, it’s taught me to slow down, be gentle with myself, love myself more, take better care of myself, let go more, set boundaries more, and stop trying to “earn my keep” on this planet. I have done multiple courses of intravenous nutrients and they have really helped me, along with yoga, meditation, gentle walks in nature, and self-acceptance. I really believe so much of the immune system is our relationship to our sacred, precious self. When we’re hard on ourselves or push ourselves too hard, the body will let us know. I still struggle at times with trying to be “perfect,” but really, as I’ve approached so-called “middle age,” I’m the healthiest and happiest I’ve ever been. All the things folks write about self-care: time in nature, journaling, counseling, yoga, meditation/prayer, and relaxing…yep, do those! 🙂 I also recommend taking good care of your gut. Lots of your immune system is in the gut! I avoid white sugar, gluten, dairy, and eat plant-based 99% of the time, along with doing things to support my tummy like probiotics, HCL, enzymes, L-Glutamine, etc. I’m a sensitive person with a sensitive body and I now see my body as a gift, not something to overwork or punish. Blessings to all on their healing journeys who might read these words. xo
Thank you Lisa! I am on the same round, just a few miles back! This is VERY encouraging! Yurt Grrl???
ROAD not round. Eek! YG???
Aww, Kari, sending you much love and healing on your path. xo
Omg Lisa I feel you are a kindred spirit! I am 35 and am going through so much of what you have been through, especially with regards to my adrenals. I also have an autoimmune disease. I’ve tested with high titers for EBV but my doc said I don’t have an active infection. But I don’t understand how they can tell. Could I email you privately for more info on what you’ve done and what’s worked? I’m supposed to start working with an integrative doc soon who does IV nutrients but I’m a little nervous and would love to hear more about your experience with it and other things that have worked for you. I already practice with gong, mindfulness, journaling, prayer, and a whole foods organic diet. Also, I love your peace about not having kids but having a wonderful marriage and home life. I’m in the same boat!! Hugs, Casey
Aww, hey, Casey! I feel that too…kindred spirits are a good thing in our world! You’re not alone. I’m definitely not an expert, but happy to share. I know everyone’s path is different, but I’d be willing to share…as long as you promise to take your doc’s advice b4 mine 🙂 xoxo You can find me on the interwebs as Lisa Selow.
Hi, I love what you wrote. I too have a very sensitive body (and soul). I just found out today that I had unknown EBV in the past and I’ve been struggling with thyroid, adrenal, skin itch, and immune system issues the past 2 years. Its been really awful and I had to quit my job in order to function. I am breaking through and getting better, but want to really fine tune what I do now that I know about EBV. I’d love to contact you as well. Everything you said really resonated with me. My name is Jen Schwartz. I’ll FB message you. xoxo
They can tell from the bloodwork. Check out this link. It tells you how to read your bloodwork and know what kind of infection you have…active, inactive, etc.
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ebv/tab/test/
My 3 year old is a liver transplant patient and got EBV from the donor(this is pretty normal). She gets regular labs to keep track of her EBV count. She takes an anti-viral called Gancyclovir(valcyte) to keep it at bay–it brought her serum count from over 100,000 to 5,000. When she was over 100,000 I had to keep track of lymph nodes swelling, etc. Now that she is at 5,000 we may be able to take a break from the anti-viral. I also think that I may have it now as well, I do kiss and snuggle the heck out of my little! So I’ve been trying to boost my immune system and am going to get myself tested to see 🙂
I’m hoping you can tell me if the immune supportive supplements recommended are generally safe to take while breastfeeding?
Hi Elizabeth, Here’s Aviva’s response to your q: “Great question! In this case, yes, they are, but of course, monitor yourself closely and check-in with your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your regimen.” – Aviva Romm, MD
I’m so happy that this is getting attention. Thank you so much Kris! I have chronically active EBV. I was diagnosed three years ago.
I found that going vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free helped tremendously. I emphasize a lot of dark leafy vegetables with every meal. I also found that yoga works wonders for me when I want to exercise, but I have no energy.
Currently I’m on a viral tincture that is helping support my immune system because my liver is not functioning correctly. Other than that, I take vitamins.
Vitamin C is helpful. I find taking 3000 mg day helps.
With me, my doctor and I found sleep to be the best thing for me when I’m having a particularly hard day. My body heals during this time.
The other thing I do is limit environmental factors because, at this time, my immune system is completely wiped out. This included a change from working in the veterinary field to working at home.
Can you get a home test for EBV and if so do you have recommendation
Sarah (Liverpool UK)
Blood test. This link will tell you more. I’m not an MD, just researching on my own. Good luck! https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ebv/tab/test/
I was diagnosed with EBV 30 years ago. At first all I could do is sleep when I needed. I seemed to have energy in afternoons. I would walk outside and do deep breathing in and out. Dr. checked my thyroid and I went onto thyroid medication. Within 5 years my Dr. put me onto another medication veneflaxion. I learned to meditate and became a Reiki practitioner. I have had a few relapses within these 30 years. Always felt better when I ate natural foods and vegetables. I went onto Nature Thyroid 7years ago and this helped with both my T3 and T4. Needed to avoid white foods, flour, milk, cheeses, chocolate and sugar. About two years ago i was under a lot of stress due to my last sister dying and had changed my eating habits to eating keto diet foods . A big relapse occurred and Dr. gave me a strong pain reliever medicine to use when the muscle aches /pains persisted and the fogginess was too much…..Now I again have gone back to step one, lots of sleep(9-12hours a night) and sometime an hour or so during the day. I also learned to say “NO” to invitations without explaining why. IT IS WHAT IT IS! I know I am not going to die because of EBV/Chronic Fatigue and that this too shall pass. I was a type A personality and now know my limit and accept me for me…..I hope this gives each of you some insight to assisting you in discovering yourselves. A good listening Dr. helps..Blessings to all.
Thank you for sharing your experience!! It gives me hope! 🙂
A kinesiologist diagnosed the EBV with me and channelled it with a combination of kinesiology, homeopathy and bioresonance.
Bettina, can you explain what you mean by “channeling it” ?
I’m working with my kinesiologist, and we have just today begun trying to use biofeedback to understand my (possible) EBV….but, that said, I’ve in the past as a kid had Chicken Pox, and as an adult, 2 bouts of Shingles…so it’s not out of the real of possibility that I have EBV.
Hmmm…so the part I’m confused about is the EBV labs. My doc tested me and my titers were high BUT she said there was no active infection. How do you know if EBV has been reactivated based in labs then? Wish the doc would have explained that one because I have an autoimmune disease and adrenal fatigue so it’s kinda hard to tell if EBV is playing a role right now or now…one thing at a time, I guess. Thanks Kris!!?
I have been dealing with adrenal fatigue for almost 3 years now and have finally been tested for EBV and it is confirmed that I have reactivated EBV. I tried colloidal silver but it did not help. I am now trying Monolaurin and Takuna to see if it will help to make it dormant. Thank you so much for talking about this!!! Not many people are proactive in their health care and know what to ask for when they run tests.
Jennifer, I’ve been suffering from adrenal fatigue for about 2 years minimum. I just went to an alternative health care practitioner and she said I have EBV and an autoimmune disorder. I am also on colloidal silver and about 15 other supplements as well. She said that by the end of December, it is now mid September, I will feel like a new woman. I am hopeful! She has me taking Lysine, Ester C, B12, D3, Spirulina, Barley Grass, Silica Organo, Zinc and a few other things. I will stress that everybody’s body is different and has specific requirements.
Nancy, what brand of colloidal silver worked for you?
Silver biotics
What i cant understand is why when a – professional – says something it is true yet an ordinary person like myself it is hypochondriac when some one like me says it.
Hi Kris, I had Mono as a teenager – around 13 or 14 years old – and was really sick for about 6 weeks. After graduate school, I was diagnosed with chronic EBV. I was 35. It has been a nightmare to find the right practitioner to help me navigate the health issues that have followed. I became a health coach, started working with holistic practitioners, and, through experimentation, I’ve found that many of the suggestions from Dr. Romm are helpful for me. Thanks for bringing attention to this issue. So many people are affected and left without answers when their healthcare providers aren’t knowledgeable or motivated to look beyond the obvious.
Forgot to mention that I take 500 mg of Berberine 2x a day for liver function in addition to the supplements mentioned in this post.