You may have heard of the Epstein Barr Virus. Also known as EBV, this virus causes mononucleosis. Some people call it the “kissing disease.” There is a good chance you contracted this virus as a child or adolescent without even knowing it! Furthermore, this virus often goes undiagnosed. You may not know this, but EBV and autoimmune conditions share a strong connection.

EBV can remain dormant in your body for years before reactivating. When it reactivates, it can then trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions. The good news is that you can send EBV back into dormancy and remain symptom-free. This can help reverse your autoimmune condition naturally.Let’s take a look at what EBV is and how it may be playing a role in your autoimmune condition. In addition, I’m also going to show you how supplements and stress relief practices help support your immune system.

What Is the Epstein-Barr Virus?

The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is part of the herpes family. Herpes is the same group of viruses that can cause cold sores and genital herpes. It also causes chickenpox and shingles. EBV is most known for causing mononucleosis, or “mono”. It spreads through body fluids such as saliva, hence the name “kissing disease”. It also spreads through sexual activities, organ transplants, and blood transfusions.1,2

It might surprise you to know how common EBV is. Up to 95% of US adults have contracted the virus by the age of 40. Most contract it as children, teenagers, or young adults. Half of all children have it by age 5. 3

You may be scratching your head right now if you can’t recall having mono. The truth is that while most people have EBV, many never develop mono or show any symptoms of it. Oftentimes doctors misdiagnose it with the flu or strep throat.

If you are among the 95% who have antibodies for EBV, it means that you’ve had exposure to the virus. Unfortunately, EBV can remain inside your body for the rest of your life.

How EBV Can Trigger Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases affect over 23.5 million Americans.4

There are even more people on the Autoimmune Spectrum®. These people are at risk of developing an autoimmune disease. Having the Epstein Barr Virus correlates to autoimmune conditions including lupus, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto’s. Graves’ disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) also have ties to EBV reactivation. 

Possible Triggers

No one knows exactly how EBV and autoimmune diseases relate. There may be several factors involved. Three leading theories that explain the connection are:

  • Molecular mimicry: This happens when your immune system attacks the infection. It may accidentally attack your tissues as well. This is because it mistakes tissues for the structurally similar infection.5
  • Bystander activation:When this happens, the virus invades your organs. As a response, your immune system sends immune cells to kill the infections. However, the immune cells also end up injuring your own tissues in the process. This creates inflammation that leads to a cycle of immune responses.6
  • Cryptic antigens: Some refer to this as the ‘hijacking theory’. The infection hijacks your cells’ DNA to hide from your immune system. Your immune system can still identify the virus. However, it ends up attacking your cells along with the virus.7

One study also found a connection between EBV, genetics, environmental factors, and autoimmunity. It turns out that the Epstein Barr Virus within cells may turn on certain genes. Some of these genes contribute to autoimmune conditions. As B lymphocytes fight viral infections, virus proteins can bind to the human genome. This increases the risk of autoimmune diseases. The virus may also be able to take control of your immune system through these proteins.8

You may wonder why 95% of the population has EBV, yet far fewer people have an autoimmune condition.

One way to explain this is the Autoimmune Spectrum®. Even if you don’t have an autoimmune condition, you may be at risk of developing one depending on your health history, diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environment. More often than not, autoimmune conditions go undiagnosed for many years because of seemingly unrelated symptoms and get lost in the conventional medical system. Lastly, after the initial infection, EBV becomes dormant and may or may not be triggered later on.

Testing for Underlying Infections

Your doctor can order a test for EBV antibodies to see if you have an infection. Conventional medical testing includes two panels. One is a complete Epstein Barr Virus acute panel, and the other is a chronic EBV. Both help ensure reliable results.9

It is also possible to check for the presence of the virus. Usually, though, the emphasis is generally on acute and chronic infections. This helps practitioners understand whether the virus is currently replicating.

Along with an EBV Antibody Panel and EBV DNA, this test also checks for other antibodies. For example, it checks for Lyme disease antibodies and the Herpes virus (HSV ½ IgG and HSV 6 antibodies). It also checks for cytomegalovirus antibodies. Not only that, but it also tests for chlamoydophila pneumonia antibodies. All these play a role in the development of an autoimmune condition. You can order this test for yourself online. Then, find a registered dietitian to review your results for you.

The Conventional Treatment for EBV Latent Infection

Conventional treatment for EBV latent infections includes antiviral drugs, steroids, and immunosuppressive drugs. Unfortunately, conventional treatments are not very effective for chronic EVB.10

These harsh medications also cause harmful side effects, leaky gut, and other complications. The true solution to overcoming autoimmunity is to support your immune system. Don’t suppress it. That way, it can regain optimal function and stop attacking your body’s own tissues.

The good news is that it is possible to send the Epstein Barr Virus back into dormancy. By remaining symptom-free, you can reverse your autoimmune condition in the process. If you are someone who has EBV and autoimmune issues, I understand how you feel. The effects of the Epstein Barr Virus have not escaped me either. I developed mono during adolescence. It definitely contributed to my development of Graves’ disease during medical school.

I went through harsh treatments and a thyroid ablation. After years of searching, I finally discovered how to reverse my autoimmune condition. This method also helped me tame my EBV and regain full health! It then became my mission to help others reverse their autoimmunity for good. I don’t want people to experience what I did. I’ve helped thousands of patients at my clinic overcome their autoimmune conditions. I’ve also helped tens of thousands more around the world. Part of that involves addressing underlying infections such as the Epstein Barr Virus.

How to Tackle EBV Naturally

Supporting your immune system is key to effectively handling viruses. The good news is there are many natural remedies for EBV virus. By making a few diet and lifestyle changes, you too can send the Epstein Barr Virus back into dormancy. Additionally, these changes can also reverse your autoimmune symptoms.

Supplements

You can support your body with supplements that protect your immune system. Doing so will also discourage the development or exacerbation of autoimmune conditions. These supplements are the ones I recommend to keep EBV virus in check. They can also help address other underlying infections.

  • Lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for growth and tissue repair. It also helps produce hormones, antibodies, and digestive enzymes. Take one capsule (750 mg) once a day to prevent an outbreak. If you’re currently dealing with an outbreak, take three capsules (3 x 750 mg) per day.
  • Lauricidin: Lauricidin helps treat infections including the cold, the flu, herpes, and EBV. It helps to boost your immune system and combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Start with ¼ teaspoon two to three times a day. Work your way up to one teaspoon two to three times a day.
  • Humic Acid: Humic acid can provide an abundance of minerals to help fight viruses.11

Start with one capsule (750 mg) twice a day and work up to two capsules (1500 mg) twice a day.

Stress Management

Stress weakens your immune system. Furthermore, chronic stress makes latent infections more likely to activate. In today’s modern world, most of us are dealing with chronic stress. Oftentimes, it’s due to tight deadlines, busy schedules, and never-ending commitments. While stress may not be avoidable, you can reduce its impact on your health. Start by managing and relieving your stress in a healthy way. This can allow your immune system to calm down. It can also help reset your nervous system, enabling your body and mind to regain balance. Together, your immune system will be better prepared to handle EBV latent infections.

Stress-Relieving Strategies

Adopting stress-relieving strategies can make a huge difference in your life. With regular practice, you will see the results! Here are a few of my favorite stress-relieving strategies:

  • Breathing: Take a moment to connect with your breath and focus on deep, steady breathing. Counting your breaths helps you tap into your brain’s “emotional control regions”. This can help tame your fight-or-flight response during stressful situations. 12
  • Music: Even the simple act of listening to calming music can reduce your cortisol levels. Playing your favorite song can enhance your happiness and calm your mind.13
  • Gentle exercise: Pilates, tai chi, and walks in nature will help you lower your stress levels. Connecting with nature is an excellent tool for relaxation. It also helps you to learn to be more present at the moment.
  • Meditation: This supplement supports your adrenal glands while you manage your stress. Adrenal Support promotes a balanced physical and emotional response to stress with adaptogenic herbs, Vitamin C, L-Tyrosine, and key B vitamins in their most bioavailable forms.
  • Adrenal Support: This supplement is a tool to support your adrenal glands while you address the root cause of your stress. Adrenal Support promotes a balanced physical and emotional response to stress with adaptogenic herbs, Vitamin C, L-Tyrosine, and key B vitamins in their most bioavailable forms.

Now you understand the connection between EBV and autoimmune conditions. This knowledge can help you address the root cause of your symptoms. Supplements and stress relief are key to recovering from infection and autoimmune disease. You can find more resources and tips on tackling EBV and autoimmune diseases in my Autoimmune Solution Program. You can also grab a hard copy of my best-selling book, The Autoimmune Solution.

The Final Word on EBV and Autoimmune Connection 

The majority of the adult population have the Epstein Barr Virus. You may have contracted it during childhood or adolescence. Either way, it’s a virus that can go dormant for years and reactivate under certain conditions. 

The connection between EBV and autoimmune conditions is not well understood. However, like all diseases, factors such as stress, medications, and a compromised immune system all play a role. These factors also help determine whether EBV latent infections become active again. If you’d like to learn more, check out my podcast with Izabella Wentz. Together, we discuss the importance of testing for, identifying, and treating infections that make autoimmune symptoms worse.