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Naturopath Doctor for Epstein-Barr Virus in NYC

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a viral infection that affects up to 95% of the population, worldwide. It is a type of herpes virus that easily spreads through saliva and other body fluids. Most of the time EBV doesn’t cause symptoms. Many people have EBV and don’t even know it. It is a viral infection that may cause fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms.

EBV is most known for causing mononucleosis (mono), or “the kissing disease” in adolescents and young adults. Mono causes severe fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms that can last for several weeks.

Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC takes a two-pronged naturopathic approach to EBV. We focus on killing the virus while strengthening the body’s natural ability to heal. 

We work closely with each patient to establish your health and well-being to eliminate EBV from the body and create conditions for your body’s innate healing ability to thrive for good. 

The doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC are experts in treating patients with EBV. We offer naturopathic care for hair loss in-person (in NYC) and online nationwide!

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Healing that Addresses the Root Cause

Understanding Epstein-Barr Virus

EBV is a type of herpesvirus called human herpesvirus 4. It is one of eight viruses in the herpes family that affect humans.  While each type of herpesvirus causes different symptoms, they are all spread in the same way, through intimate contact.

EBV is very contagious. It is commonly referred to as “the kissing disease”, as it is transmitted through saliva by kissing, sharing food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes. But EBV can also be transmitted through blood and semen.

Sometimes a person can become infected, but they don’t get symptoms, yet they can still pass on the infection to others. This person is called a carrier.

Also, like with all herpes viruses, EBV can go dormant for the rest of your life. The virus can reactivate at any time in our lives and cause symptoms, although usually there is a trigger. Events that may cause reactivations include:

 

  • Stress, including trauma and burnout
  • Hormonal changes, such as menopause
  • Weak immune system, such as from other illnesses

Common Symptoms & Stages of Epstein-Barr Virus.

Symptoms range in severity from person to person. Some people won’t get symptoms at all, while others will get sick for several weeks. EBV causes an illness called mononucleosis (mono). Symptoms include:

 

  • Sore throat 
  • Exhaustion
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and underarms
  • Headaches
  • Body aches
  • Rashes 
  • Enlarged spleen and liver
  • Heart palpitations, and anxiety in some, 


There are three major stages of EBV:

  • Primary infection stage: The virus multiplies silently in the body for several weeks. Symptoms and illness can occur, but may not be for everybody. Some will become ill for weeks, others may have mild, flu-like symptoms, or no noticeable symptoms at all.

     

  • Latency stage: The virus goes dormant in the body.

     

  • Reactivation stage: The virus can reactivate, or “wake up” and cause symptoms. This is not a definite stage, but it can happen, especially in times of stress or life change. 

Health Impacts & Potential Complications of Untreated Epstein-Barr Virus.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may have many long-term health effects, including:

 

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.

     

  • Cancer, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal cancer.

     

  • The weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off infections.

     

  • Brain and spinal cord conditions, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

     

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 

EBV can affect many parts of the body, including the nervous system, blood, and lungs, causing conditions like pneumonia, lung disease, pancreatitis, and inflammation of the heart. 

Naturopathic Approach to Epstein-Barr Virus

From a naturopathic perspective, managing a virus like EBV is about finding the cause of the reactivation of the virus and treating the source of inflammation. Conditions like Lyme disease, mold toxicity, stress, or burnout can cause EBV to come out of its dormancy and reactivate. 

We work on optimizing the body’s innate ability to heal. We focus on strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation to create an environment that is stronger than EBV, so the virus cannot thrive. 

Naturopathic medicine blends modern, scientific medicine with traditional and natural forms of healing to treat disease.  The philosophy at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC is to use a patient-centered and holistic approach to care. We take into account each person’s unique condition and treat them at the root of the problem, not just their symptoms. 

Get started now with an individualized health plan for managing EBV in NYC.

 

Naturally Sue’s Diagnostic Process for Epstein-Barr Virus 

During your initial visit to Naturally Sue Wellness, we provide a thorough health evaluation for each patient, which will include:  

 

  • Details about your symptoms, such as severity, when they began, how they’re impacting your daily life, etc. 
  • Experience with stress, burnout, or trauma
  • Details about current or past medications and treatments
  • Goals and expectations for EBV treatment
  • History of previous diagnosis of EBV 
  • Evaluation of current diet and lifestyle 

We will also explore several areas for testing, including testing for infections, such as Lyme disease, mold toxicity, or other infections that could be the underlying cause of the reactivation of the virus. 

Naturopathic Treatment Options for Epstein-Barr Virus

A naturopathic approach to treating EBV is highly personalized and comprehensive. Naturopathic treatment for EBV includes: 

 

  • Treating the underlying reason for the viral reactivation, such as other infections or a stress event, will be different for each individual
  • Eliminating the EBV virus with antivirals
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Adrenal support
  • Rest and rejuvenation

We approach this through various herbal treatments, homeopathic remedies, nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health support. 

 

Herbal Therapies

The use of herbs to treat disease goes back to ancient times and continues to be used today with little negative side effects. Given the overall safety and efficacy of herbal treatments, antiviral herbs used to treat  EBV include:

Olive leaf has several benefits that make it a powerful herbal treatment against many viruses, including EBV. It has antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens the immune system, creating a hostile environment for EBV. 

Oliverix is a proven herbal supplement against EBV. It contains olive leaf extract and several other natural compounds, like garlic, goldenseal, milk thistle, and St. John’s Wort. It is a common and effective treatment used in naturopathic medicine for EBV. 

Monolaurin is a chemical derived from the fatty acid lauric acid, which is found in coconut fat and breast milk. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that are effective against EBV.

Several other antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic herbs are also commonly used in naturopathic treatment of EBV, including: 

 

  • Astragalus
  • Curcumin
  • Licorice
  • Berberine 
  • Echinacea

Adaptogenic herbs are favored for regulating stress response and restoring immune response. A few adaptogens we choose from at Naturally Sue for EBV treatment include:  

  • Ashwagandha
  • Holy basil
  • Reishi

Nutritional Therapies

An anti-inflammatory diet will help reduce EBV symptoms and make the body less hospitable for the virus. An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, Polyphenols, antioxidants, and foods that promote gut health: 

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Lean meats
  • Fatty fish, like salmon
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Whole grains 
  • Green Tea
  • Herbs and spices, like garlic and turmeric

Hydration

Staying hydrated is an important component of managing EBV symptoms. Drinking water will keep you well hydrated, and it will help detoxify the body. If you become dehydrated, it could worsen symptoms, like headaches, body aches, and fatigue.

Address Nutrient Deficiencies

When you are deficient in certain nutrients, supplementation may play an important role in strengthening the body’s defense system and helping manage and recover from EBV symptoms. Supplementation is highly personalized and should be discussed with your naturopath. 

 

  • Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It helps fight against viruses by supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

     

  • Vitamin D is a powerful immune booster. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk for EBV reactivation. It has also been associated with a higher risk of developing MS (multiple sclerosis) later in life after an EBV reactivation.

     

  • Zinc is essential for immune function. It is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of viral infections, including EBV.

     

  • Magnesium is crucial for immune function. Low magnesium is associated with high EBV viral load. It has also been associated with lymphoma related to EBV infection.

     

Other nutrient deficiencies may also weaken your immune system and contribute to symptoms of EBV, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. The doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness will help you determine which, if any, nutrients you are lacking and personalize a nutrition plan for you, including any necessary supplementation.

Gut Health

A healthy gut health microbiome is crucial to a healthy immune system since most of your immune system resides in your gut. Eating foods naturally high in probiotics, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir will supply healthy microbes to your microbiome. High-fiber foods help supply prebiotics for the microbes to live off of. Supplementing with probiotics can also be helpful.

Foods to Avoid

Avoiding sugar and processed foods is important for managing EBV. Sugar and processed junk foods are highly inflammatory and will negatively impact the immune system. Foods to avoid include: 

 

  • Processed meat, such as bacon, sausage and lunchmeat
  • Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies
  • Foods made with white flour, like bread and pasta 
  • Deep-fried foods like french fries, fried chicken, and donuts
  • Foods high in sugar such as candy, jellies, syrups, soda, sugary drinks, and sports drinks
  • Trans fats found in margarine, microwave, and movie theatre popcorn, and non-dairy coffee creamers


Lifestyle Recommendations

Rest and stress management are crucial to managing EBV infection. Poor sleep and stress can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off EBV. Incorporating restorative sleep and relaxation techniques is key to resetting an overwhelmed immune and adrenal system caused by stress.

Stress Management
Stress, trauma, and burnout are major factors that contribute to EBV reactivation and can also exacerbate symptoms. To strengthen the immune system and reduce adrenal burden, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Some stress management techniques that may help include: 

  • Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help support overall well-being.
  • Mental resilience strategies: Strategies to enhance mental resilience can help the body adapt to stress.

Prioritize Rest

EBV can cause exhaustion because a natural response to healing and recovery from a virus like EBV is for the body to shut down. This causes extreme fatigue while the body fights the virus. Prioritizing rest is essential to help your body fight the infection.

 

  • A structured sleep schedule can help the body adapt to stress.
  • Create a sleep-inducing environment
  • Avoid sleep-disruptive substances, like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other such substances
  • Create a wind-down routine that includes turning off devices, a warm shower or bath, journaling, and other such activities that prepare your body for rest. 

Gentle Activity 

Exercise routines can help the body adapt to stress. However, too much or intense exercise can create more stress. When it comes to EBV, be sure to avoid vigorous and strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Gentle activity will prevent excess and unnecessary strain on the body. 

Mental Health Support

Mental and emotional support is an important factor when treating EBV, not only because mental health factors like stress and trauma can be an underlying cause of EBV reactivation, but also because EBV symptoms can take a toll on one’s ability to cope. 

Whether EBV has been reactivated due to a stress or life-changing event, or your EBV is causing disturbances in your mental health, mental and emotional support will be a key factor for treatment.

As part of our holistic approach to treatment, we will address psychological factors that are present. If necessary, we will refer out to counseling or other therapy.

Case Studies/Testimonials

41-year-old female presented to our virtual clinic with what she described as reactivated EBV. She felt like her brain was “foggy”, also known as brain fog, and was extremely fatigued. She felt that her EBV is what created an imbalance of her thyroid and contributed to her Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

Viruses can in fact affect thyroid health and to prevent the EBV infection from further impacting her thyroid, and reduce her symptoms, I supported her immune system with a combination of immune support, minerals, and anti-viral herbs. She also ate very healthily and exercised. In under 2 months, the patient reported to have felt the best she has in a long time with her energy so much better.

While every patient’s healing time varies, I shared this case to showcase how soon some people can start to feel better with natural supplementation and give the body what it needs to function on a foundational level.

Why Choose Naturally Sue for Epstein-Barr Virus

At Naturally Sue Wellness, we are committed to holistic and patient-centered care. We work closely with our patients to personalize treatment that is specific to them. 

Not everyone will have the same cause for an EBV reactivation. Therefore, treatment should be specialized to fit each patient’s underlying causes and needs. Individualizing care and treating the root cause of the disease is a more viable and long-term solution and leads to full remission and recovery of the immune system. 

The doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness have experience and expertise in helping patients recover from EBV. We will partner with you every step of the way to create a personal and comprehensive plan for healing from EBV.


The doctors at Naturally Sue are experts in treating patients with EBV. Contact us for your free consultation and start healing now. 

FAQs About Natural Treatments for EBV

Can a naturopath help with Epstein-Barr Virus?

Yes. Naturopathic medicine is a very effective approach to treating EBV. 

Because we take a holistic and patient-centered approach to treatment, naturopaths have a lot to offer patients. 

We don’t just treat your symptoms. We identify and treat the underlying reason for EBV, which will be different for each patient. 

We combine the use of herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, lifestyle management, and other therapeutic techniques in our holistic approach to treatment. As a result, we have a high rate of remission and long-term health and well-being of our patients. 

Are natural treatments for Epstein-Barr Virus safe?

Yes. Natural treatments for EBV are safe and effective fighting the virus and sending it back into dormancy.  The use of natural compounds in treating various diseases has been used for centuries. Many have been studied and proven effective and continue to be used today with little negative side effects. 

 

How long does it take to see results from natural treatments for Epstein-Barr Virus?

Most people start feeling better after about two to four weeks of using natural treatments for acute EBV. Chronic reactivation can take longer. With continued dedication to treatment and a healthy lifestyle, natural treatments for EBV are a long-term solution that can put the virus back into remission. 

 

Can your body naturally fight off Epstein-Barr Virus?

Most people infected with EBV have an immune response that controls the virus. EBV lies dormant for many years after initial infection and can reactivate later in life. If your immune system becomes weak, it can be difficult to fight off EBV, and it can lead to more serious disease. 

Treating EBV is imperative to avoid the many health complications associated with EBV, such as autoimmune disease and cancer. There is no cure for EBV, but treatments can help keep it under control. Natural substances, like anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and antiviral herbs and foods are effective at fighting EBV. 

 

Start your healing journey with us…

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