Chronic Epstein Barr Virus and Auto Immunity

Chronic Epstein Barr virus may be a trigger for auto immunity. Auto immune disease happens when the immune system produces antibodies that attack normally occurring components in the body, as if they were foreign. The destruction of body tissues and proteins by the body's own antibodies causes inflammation, pain and injury.

Some of the auto immune diseases that can be triggered by environmental factors like chronic Epstein Barr virus (EBV) include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Systemic lupus erythamatosis


• MS


• Myasthenia gravis


• Sjorgren's syndrome


• Sarcoidosis

In terms of chronic Epstein Barr virus, one study showed that people with the highest rate of antibodies against EBV, were more than 30 times more likely to develop MS than those with the lowest level of antibodies. More research is needed as there may be other factors involved in the progression to MS.

Auto immunity is considered by the medical community to be a permanent degenerative disease. Conventional treatment is aimed at minimizing symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. The toxic side effects of these drugs can cause further problems and lead to degenerative disease.

Fortunately the natural treatments for chronic Epstein Barr and auto immunity can bring relief to symptoms without the nasty side effects of conventional drugs. Natural treatments are aimed at controlling chronic EBV, reducing the levels of auto antibodies, quelling inflammation and healing damaged tissues.

The first step in treating auto immune disease is to regain optimal digestive and liver function. Overgrowth of bad bacteria in the small bowel has been linked to the development of auto immunity. A herbal gastrointestinal supplement followed by a course of the good acidophillus bacteria is a good start. Adding some digestive enzymes like pancreatin and Betaine HCl helps by reducing external antigen absorption which is often seen in auto immune patients.

Liver detoxification can be done during or after a bowel cleanse. There are some excellent herbal cleansers available through naturopaths, herbalists, health food shops and pharmacies.

A diet for the natural treatment of chronic Epstein Barr virus auto immunity should focus on high protein / and low carbohydrate meals. Each meal should contain some quality protein like fish, free range chicken, lean red meat, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds or a good protein powder. Plenty of fresh vegetables, salads, low carb fruits should make up the bulk of each meal. The addition of some anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary oil, pineapple and paw paw can minimize tissue inflammation.

Vitamins and minerals for chronic Epstein Barr virus auto immune disease that can reduce inflammation and heal body tissues include vitamin C, zinc and fish oils.