This virus may be responsible for a common autoimmune disease
By naturopath Margaret Jasinska
The virus that causes glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis and Epstein Barr virus can significantly raise the risk of lupus. Recent research has shown the virus seems to infect and reprogram immune cells in a way that increases the likelihood of lupus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system becomes hyper reactive. White blood cells called B-cells and T-cells attack healthy tissues in the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as painful muscles and joints, skin rashes and extreme fatigue. Symptoms can vary depending on which specific organs are targeted.
The exact cause of lupus isn’t fully understood, but we do know it involves genetic predisposition (having a family member with any autoimmune disease), poor gut health (leaky gut) and an environmental trigger. Infections such as glandular fever and other viruses are a well known environmental trigger.
Most people have had glandular fever but they don’t go on to develop lupus. The research seems to show that clearing the infection quickly helps mimimise the risk. Problems are more likely to occur in a person with a weak immune system, high stress level and nutrient deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. In that case the viral load (number of viruses in the body) is high and the infection persists for many weeks or months. A chronic infection is more likely to trigger the immune system to become hyper stimulated and start producing auto antibodies.
Typical symptoms of glandular fever include sore throat, fatigue and swollen lymph glands in the neck. There are no medications that cure the infection. The only treatment is rest and strengthening your immune system through a healthy diet and appropriate nutrients.
Most people recover fully from mononucleosis, although the illness can last several months and produce profound fatigue. The virus can affect the liver in some people, and lead to a type of hepatitis. The Epstein Barr virus can also be a trigger of chronic fatigue syndrome in some people. We have seen quite a lot of patients who are never well since contracting the infection.
How to strengthen your immune system against viral infections
Try to get adequate sleep and rest
Most of us lead extremely busy lives, juggling many responsibilities. Sleep is the only time your body gets a chance to fully rest and repair itself. Not getting enough sleep, or having poor quality sleep is harmful to your health in every way; particularly your immune health. If you find it difficult to unwind and relax at night, a magnesium supplement should help. Magnesium promotes the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect and quietens the chatter in your mind.
Focus on eating lots of vegetables
Of all the diet plans and conflicting nutritional advice on the internet, nearly everyone agrees we should be eating more vegetables. Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phyto-nutrients that help to strengthen your immune system. Eating more vegetables also helps to displace unhealthy foods from your diet. You will absorb more nutrients from vegetables if you consume them with healthy fats – such as an olive oil dressing, or roasting vegetables in natural fat such as coconut oil or ghee. Juicing vegetables also helps to concentrate nutrients and make them more absorbable. There are many healthy juicing ideas in the book Raw Juices Can Save Your Life.
Minimize sugar and alcohol
Both of these substances deplete your body of nutrients and weaken your immune system. They are also addictive for some people, and can worsen depression or anxiety, which reduces a person’s ability to take good care of their health.
Regular exercise helps to improve the efficiency of your lymphatic system
This is your body’s natural garbage disposal system, helping to remove metabolic waste. Exercise has a calming effect and helps to reduce depression or anxiety. If you are strapped for time, you can try our easy exercises to help lymph circulation at home.
Nutrient deficiencies are extremely common in our patients
It is not always possible to eat healthy home prepared meals. If you are highly stressed or anxious, your body uses up nutrients at a faster pace. Our Immune Strength powder is a blend of vitamin C, zinc, selenium, iodine and the herb black elder flower. This formular helps support healthy immune system function in adults and children.
Your liver is the filter and cleanser of your bloodstream
It is your most important detoxification organ. Your liver may not be great at detoxification if it isn’t in optimal health; fatty liver, hepatitis and leaky gut all compromise liver health. There is helpful information in the book Fatty Liver: You Can Reverse It.
The powerful benefits of Vitamin C should not be underestimated
It inhibits the protein called neuraminidase, which is produced by viruses, as it’s needed for viral replication. It increases the production and killing power of immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes. Vitamin C increases the body’s production of immune fighting chemicals such as interferon and nitric oxide. It increases the immune cell production of antibodies that inactivate viruses. Vitamin C also directly inhibits viral replication. It is found in all vegetables and fruits.
See our article – Are you low in vitamin C?
Bone broth and good old fashioned chicken soup are healing to the immune system
This is largely because of the beneficial effects they have on the gastrointestinal tract. The majority of your immune system resides in your intestines and the beneficial compounds in cartilage and bones help to support immune health. Check out our low FODMAP bone broth recipe.
Have your blood vitamin D level checked
You may discover that you are deficient in this important nutrient. Low vitamin D makes you more prone to catching an infection and more likely that the infection will linger much longer. If you live in an area that receives very little sunshine, or you don’t spend much time outdoors, you could need more vitamin D. During winter this is a problem for many people.
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