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Epstein Barr and Fatigue
According to a recent article published by the CDC, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) affects millions of people around the world. People with CFS/ME are often not able to do their regular activities, and may even be confined to bed. People with CFS/ME often have severe fatigue and sleep problems along with brain fog, pain and dizziness. In 2015 the CDC reported an estimated 836,000 diagnosed cases of CFS/ME and as many as 2.5 million sufferers in total with many cases going undiagnosed.
Why are so many people experiencing fatigue?
There’s an increasing body of evidence to suggest that Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and/or other viruses may be responsible for the intense fatigue described by patients with CFS/ME. A recent article titled “Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origins of CFS/ME says that a large number of individuals that have been diagnosed with CFS/ME have a history of viral infection prior to the onset of symptoms.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Fatigue
According to the US Census Bureau, of the roughly 320 million people in the US, over 225
million Americans have some form of EBV. And just because your symptoms go away doesn't mean the virus does. Dr. Mobeen Syed of drbeen.com explains in a recent medical lecture on YouTube, that EBV has 4 stages and how stage 1 Epstein-Barr retreats into the bone marrow until circumstances are right for it to re-emerge in its next stage. The first infectious stage of EBV can manifest like strep throat or a mild flu or cold and often goes undiagnosed. The second stage is more-well known and diagnosed as Mononucleosis. This second stage creates more intense and prolonged symptoms including fatigue. At the end of stage 2 EBV retreats into the liver/and or other organs, symptoms clear up, and it awaits the opportunity to emerge again.
What can you expect next?
The EBV virus may lie dormant in the liver and/or other organs for years waiting for the perfect storm like a traumatic event, large exposure to toxins, serious acute illness (like Covid-19) or a period of prolonged stress to re-emerge. In Stage 3, EBV grows, evading detection by the immune system. It produces toxins that inflame the surrounding tissues and nervous system and congest the liver impeding its function. During this phase the liver becomes sluggish and digestion is compromised. You may experience constipation, bloating and food sensitivities. If the virus finds its way to the thyroid you may be diagnosed with a thyroid condition. You will likely develop chronic inflammation and some fatigue during this time which can result in a diagnosis of Lyme Disease, Lupus. and/or Hepatitis C. EBV in the thyroid puts a tremendous strain on the adrenals, contributing further to fatigue. By stage 4, the virus and its toxins are wide-spread resulting in an enormous variety of symptoms, including severe inflammation and fatigue, and can include diagnosis such as Fibromyalgia, Tinnitus, Vertigo, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and more.
Why Doesn't EBV Show Up On Tests?
During stages 3 and 4, when the doctor tests for Epstein-Barr Virus, he or she will find
antibodies and take these to indicate a past infection, when EBV was in its mono stage (stage 2). The doctor will not find the EBV present in the bloodstream because it's hiding in the organs. This is how the virus has slipped through the cracks undetected. EBV is in fact still alive and causing new symptoms, only its hiding in the organs and eluding the tests.
What Can I Do If I Think EBV Is Causing My Fatigue?
Fortunately much is known about how to combat EBV with food and herbs, proper hydration, supplements and lifestyle changes.
Start by bringing more fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices into your diet. Plants are powerful medicines capable of killing pathogens and strengthening the immune system. They also have easily assimilable nutrients that will give the body what it needs to create more energy.
Hydrate with lemon water and fresh pressed celery juice first thing in the morning, and drink plenty of clean water throughout the day. Proper hydration is paramount for proper immune system function, nutrient delivery, and waste removal.
Eat small meals, including fruit every 90 minutes to 2 hours instead of big infrequent meals. This will keep proper amounts of sugar in the blood that the body needs for energy without taxing the adrenals further.
Avoid eggs, dairy, wheat, processed foods and caffeine. Viruses like EBV have adapted to feed off of eggs, wheat and dairy. Caffeine taxes the adrenals and put a terrible burden on the liver that is already sluggish from EBV toxins. Processed foods are full of chemicals that tax our liver further and contribute to an environment favorable to EBV.
written by Connie Salgado
To learn more about how to eliminate EBV and recover your energy and vitality, contact Connie at conniesalgadowellness.com
@empoweringwellness.com on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Connie is a Master FootZonologist and Health Coach. She made a complete recovery from years of pain, fatigue, and all her chronic symptoms. Connie has been helping clients recover their health and vitality since 2012.