The mono blog

As we discussed in our last post, glandular fever and food allergies can be hard to differentiate. Allergic reactions and sensitivities may be the hidden culprit in cases of recurrent glandular fever. It is important to eliminate them so your body can then deal with any infections.

There is considerable overlap between symptoms of glandular fever and food allergies. Sore throat, fatigue, migraines, palpitations, digestive upsets, inflammation and swelling, muscle stiffness and discharge from the nose, eyes, ears can occur in both conditions.

If you can ascertain which foods cause a reaction, then you are well on the way to eliminating your allergic symptoms. The most common triggers seen in cases of glandular fever and food allergies are dairy foods and wheat. Also consider citrus, beef, eggs, cereals, cocoa, peanuts, strawberries, tomatoes, yeast and processed foods. You may be allergic to those foods that you crave most and eat frequently.

The Pulse Test

If you suspect you have an allergy to a certain food, a simple pulse test can help ascertain if you are on the right track. Take your normal resting pulse before eating (usually it is between 60 and 80 beats per minute). Consume a modest amount of the food in question and retake your pulse about 15 minutes later. If your pulse has increased more than 10 beats per minute you probably have an allergy to that food.

Other allergy tests

Blood tests, scratch tests or allergy tests on the Listen System can be useful, although blood tests do not seem to be totally reliable. If you do get allergy tests taken it is preferable to detoxify and heal the digestive tract and liver beforehand. This will help minimise the number of food allergies you react to. There is a strong correlation between glandular fever and food allergies when there is depressed gastrointestinal and liver function.

The Elimination Diet

If you are still unsure which food might be causing your allergic symptoms, you can do the elimination diet. The idea of the elimination diet is to exclude all foods and drinks which are likely allergens. When you are feeling better – usually after 2 to 4 weeks – you can start reintroducing foods to see exactly which ones you are reacting to.

During the first few days of an elimination diet you may experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, muscle aches or irritability. These symptoms are seen in both glandular fever and food allergies, however if they worsen initially on the elimination diet then an allergy is probably the reason. It is worth persevering through these first few days. The end results are worth it. Many patients report a major boost in their energy and well-being around day five.

After 2 to 4 weeks on the elimination diet you should be feeling a lot better in terms of your glandular fever and food allergies. Now reintroduce one new food at a time to see how you react. Try one food every 2 to 3 days in small, frequent portions. If you react to the food, avoid it for another month before trying it again. Reactions to look out for are sore throat, bloating, upset digestion, headache, rapid pulse or palpitations, fatigue, sinus, asthma, skin problems, mouth ulcers and mood swings like hyperactivity or depression.

Once you have identified which foods cause your allergies it is worth avoiding them for a couple of months. On reintroduction, as long as you do not suffer uncomfortable reactions, you may then include these foods in your diet on a rotational basis. If you suffer from glandular fever and food allergies, then do not consume the same food every day.

Most patients with a history of allergic reactions find their glandular fever and food allergies clear up after eliminating trigger foods. If results are not marked then environmental allergies like dust mite, mold, pet hair and pollen should be considered. We will discuss these in our next post.

For further detailed information on glandular fever and food allergies, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. If you have a long history of glandular fever and food allergies then the help of a naturopath or holistic doctor is recommended.

Tags: glandular fever allergies, glandular fever allergy, Glandular Fever and Food Allergies, glandular fever food allergy

Allergies and sensitivities may be the hidden culprit in cases of recurrent glandular fever. If your immune system is battling with allergies and sensitivities, there is not much energy left to deal with infections like the Epstein Barr virus that causes GF.

The symptoms of allergies and sensitivities can also mimic those of recurrent glandular fever. Allergic symptoms can include sore throat, fatigue, migraines, palpitations, digestive upsets, inflammation and swelling, muscle stiffness and discharge from the nose, eyes, ears.

To discover if allergies or sensitivities may be contributing to your recurrent glandular fever symptoms, answer the following questions:

• Do specific foods cause pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness or digestive upsets?

• Do you have a history of migraines?

• Do you experience itching of your ears, eyes, throat, nose or skin?

• Do you get a clear discharge from your nose or eyes, or are you prone to hay fever, sinus or asthma?

• Are you prone to mood swings or hyperactivity?

• Do you get heart palpitations after eating certain foods?

• Are there dark circles under your eyes or do you get puffy eyes?

• Do you get unexplained fatigue?

• Is there a certain food that you crave and eat frequently?

If you answered yes to any of the above, an allergy or sensitivity may be causing your recurrent glandular fever symptoms.

In the next couple of posts we will discuss ways to track down and eliminate allergies. For further detailed information on  recurrent glandular fever and how to treat it naturally, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. The e-book comes with personal email support if you need guidance on your individual health concerns.

Tags: Epstein barr allergies, glandular fever allergies, Glandular Fever and Allergies, recurrent Epstein Barr, Recurrent Glandular Fever, recurring glandular fever

Glandular Fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be debilitating conditions that have similar symptoms. Persistent or relapsing fatigue, sore throat, mild fever and painful lymph nodes are common to both conditions. Sometimes symptoms of muscle weakness, joint pain, headaches, sleep problems and gastrointestinal discomfort are also present.

The Epstein Barr virus that causes glandular fever has been shown to trigger CFS. Other causes of CFS are bacterial infection like mycoplasma, Lymes or Chlamydia pneumonia, chemical exposure and stress.

Glandular fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients both express failure of the body’s main defence systems including gastrointestinal, liver, adrenal and immune systems. CFS patients can’t detoxify or eliminate toxins and reactive compounds from food which ultimately induce inflammation, cell dysfunction and metabolic poisoning.

Fortunately natural therapies have a lot to offer in the treatment of these immune conditions.

The first step is a bowel and liver detoxification program. This can be undertaken using herbal anti-parasitics and liver cleansing herbs. Avoiding allergens and irritants like alcohol, coffee, sugar, excess fat and chemicals is essential. Re-inoculating the gastrointestinal flora with some probiotics like acidophillus and bifido bacteria is important.

The next step for effective glandular fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment is to support immunity with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, and selenium. Herbal immune stimulants like echinacea, astragalus and olive leaf extract are also beneficial.

Stress management and adrenal support is the last vital step for  glandular fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. This includes supporting the adrenal glands with the B complex and magnesium, getting adequate rest and a good nights sleep and doing some regular gentle exercise or deep breathing. Yoga, meditation and visualisation have proved to be useful to combat stress.

If you have a history of glandular fever and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, then there is a lot you can do with natural treatments. For further information please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. The e-book comes with personal email support for those needing guidance on their individual concerns.

Tags: glandular fever CFS, Glandular Fever Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, glandular fever fatigue

Bowel problems like constipation, loose stools, abdominal pain and wind can be caused from Epstein Barr IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). This condition may result from EBV infecting the gastrointestinal tract or from other triggers like stress, a change in eating habits or prolonged inactivity.

Fortunately there are some natural remedies that can be used to help EBV irritable bowel syndrome:

- firstly keep up an intake of 2-3 litres of water a day. Drink some of this as hot water which is very cleansing for the bowels. A hot water and lemon juice first thing in the morning can stimulate the bowels.

- make sure you are getting plenty of fibre through leafy greens, salads, vegetables, low carb fruits and nuts. Adding some psyllium husks can help if you are prone to constipation.

- taking some probiotics like acidophillus and bifido bacteria can alleviate bloating and help digestion during Epstein Barr IBS. Good bowel function depends on the right balance of bacterial flora in the bowel. The right balance of bacteria is also essential for optimal immunity.

- adding some healthy oils like a tablespoon or two of flaxseed oil or olive oil can help lubricate the stools.

- increasing your dosage of magnesium and/or vitamin C can draw water into the bowel and loosen hard stools. Dosing up on vitamin C is my first line of treatment for patients with the constipation often seen in this condition as it is also an immune stimulant.

- for abdominal pain or discomfort, a heat pack over the abdominal area or an Epsom salt bath can relieve symptoms.

- for stress-induced  Epstein Barr IBS, plenty of rest and relaxation are essential. Supporting the adrenal glands with some nutrients like the B complex, vitamin C and magnesium is important. Deep breathing, yoga, tai chi and gentle exercise should be practised regularly.
- if symptoms of Epstein Barr IBS persist then a gentle gastrointestinal and liver cleanser is recommended.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the pain of  Epstein Barr IBS, then there is a lot you can do with natural therapies. For more information on treating EBV please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: Epstein Barr IBS, Epstein Barr irritable bowel, Epstein Barr Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Epstein Barr virus IBS

EBV can suppress the immune system and lead to secondary infections like cystitis and urinary tract infections. Fortunately there is a host of Epstein Barr virus remedies that can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms and stop future infections.

Symptoms of cystitis and urinary tract infections can include frequent, urgent and painful urination, strong smelling and cloudy urine, pain over the bladder, fever and malaise.

Here’s a few of the most popular Epstein Barr virus remedies to use during cystitis and urinary tract infections;

• Drink 300ml of water every 20 minutes for the first 3 hours of symptoms

• Drink some pure cranberry juice (no added sugar) or parsley tea throughout the day.

• Soak in a hot sitz bath for 20 minutes followed by a shorter cold sitz bath. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil for its antimicrobial action

• Foods to eat during urinary tract infections can include watermelon, salads, vegetable juices, garlic, dandelion tea, parsley and celery. Reduce or eliminate your intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, processed foods, citrus, spices, sugar and fats.

• Vitamin C with bioflavanoids is one of the most popular Epstein Barr virus remedies that tackles both EBV and urinary infections.

• Acidophillus and bifido bacteria can replenish healthy gastrointestinal flora especially after antibiotics have been taken.

• Zinc helps to combat infection.

• Vitamin A is one of the best EBV remedies for healing damaged tissue.

• Herbs like cornsilk, marshmallow, goldenseal, urva ursi and echinacea can reduce the microbial load and soothe irritated tissue.

• Garlic is one of the leading Epstein Barr virus remedies which can be used for urinary infections. It is known for its antimicrobial  action.

If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection during a bout of EBV then the multitude of natural remedies available has a lot to offer. For further information on natural Epstein Barr virus remedies please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: epstein barr cystitis, epstein barr urinary tract, epstein barr virus cystitis, epstein barr virus remedies, epstein barr virus urinary tract infection

Being diagnosed with chronic mono is a worrying time. It gets worse when you find out there is no easy cure. Doctors may prescribe drugs that mask your symptoms temporarily but do nothing to get rid of the virus. In the majority of chronic mono cases, drugs are of little use.

Many patients with mononucleosis end up on a medical merry-go-round, seeing doctor after doctor after doctor and trying various drugs – all to no avail. They end up confused, frustrated and getting sicker and sicker by the day.

Today I want to outline what you should know about the drugs that are commonly prescribed for  mononucleosis.

Pain relievers
Pain relievers may be prescribed to relieve the headaches, muscle pains and sore throat that often accompany chronic mono.

You need to be aware that aspirin, should never be used to control pain in mononucleosis sufferers. With mononucleosis there is a rare association of aspirin with Reye’s syndrome, a serious disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and evidence of liver failure. This syndrome is more likely in children and teenagers.

Strong pain relievers like Ultram, Loritab and Darvocet, should not be used long term as they eventually lose their effectiveness and some people develop an addiction to them.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids should only be given to patients with severe complications like airway obstruction, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart) or neurologic involvement. In these cases corticosteroids can be lifesaving.

The role of cortiosteroids is to stop inflammation. They do this by suppressing the immune system. Corticosteroids can certainly relieve symptoms temporarily but if the immune system is being suppressed then the virus usually re-emerges once the drugs are stopped.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are of no use in treating viruses like chronic mono. They are sometimes prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection like strep throat develops.

Anti virals
Some doctors prescribe anti viral drugs like acyclovir eg Zovirax for the treatment of chronic mono. Based on the current data, there is conflicting evidence of their effectiveness.

The natural alternatives to prescription drugs

Fortunately there are some wonderful supplements, foods and herbs that act as natural immune boosters, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, antidepressants and sleep inducers. These come with the added bonus that they do not have the nasty side effects of prescription drugs and they work on building up the immune system so the body can fight off chronic mono for itself!

In the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” we’ll examine how my nutritionally based protocols can help you feel good again without the use of potentially dangerous drugs. If you have chronic mono, the e-book also comes with personal email support for any questions you may have.

Tags: chronic mono, chronic mononucleosis, mono drugs, mono medications, mononucleosis drugs, mononucleosis medication

Glandular fever digestion is often marked by unpleasant symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation and loose stools. This is because the virus can attack the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and adversely effect the health of your immune system.

Your intestines play host to your body’s largest mass of immune-cell-populated lymphoid tissue, known as gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT. Your gut’s mucosal barrier is equally important to your immune system, charged with keeping unwanted organisms and substances at bay while supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. So it’s easy to see how glandular fever digestion and total-body health can come under fire if this barrier becomes irritated and weakened.

Unfortunately, a number of dietary saboteurs pave the way to a so-called “leaky gut” and all the nasty glandular fever digestion problems that come with it. Gluten is one of the most notorious culprits, with studies showing that this wheat-based component of cookies, bread and other carb-laden treats is associated with greater discomfort, bloating and tiredness, even in subjects without a major genetic sensitivity to it. Problems with glandular fever digestion can improve by reducing or eliminating gluten.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—the byproducts of a series of chemical reactions between proteins, fats and sugars in your body—also come along with increased refined carbohydrate consumption. While these trouble-making glycotoxins are usually quarantined by your intestinal wall and eliminated, a weak mucosal barrier as seen during glandular fever digestion could mean that more of these AGEs wreak havoc on your body, triggering an imbalanced inflammatory response and aggravating food sensitivities. In this way poor glandular fever digestion can cause a flare up in symptoms of inflammation like a sore throat, aching muscles and swollen lymph glands.

Even your morning cup of coffee can impact intestinal permeability over the long haul—as can some popular food additives, which are known to play a significant role in food sensitivities and impact immune health. These types of processed foods should be eliminated for the sake of good glandular fever digestion.

So how can you keep your digestive system and your immune function strong without giving up the foods that you love? Luckily, a steady supply of the right nutrients will support your mucosal barrier’s natural regenerative cycles—and a carefully selected blend of natural compounds can ensure that your gut is equipped to handle the dietary dangers it’s faced with every day.

For example, low dietary levels of L-glutamine have been shown to contribute to intestinal permeability, while supplementation boosts barrier function. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice  can also enhance gastrointestinal health, while n-acetyl glucosamine and marshmallow  are involved in the formation and defense of the intestinal mucosa’s protective cover.

Berberine balances digestive inflammatory responses, cabbage and phosphatidylcholine support the GI tract, while slippery elm stimulates protective mucous secretion—and gamma oryzanol offers antioxidant support to keep gastric acid secretion balanced. All these nutrients can improve glandular fever digestion and immune function.

You can find  these critical gut-strengthening nutrients for glandular fever digestion combined in supplements like VRP’s GI Cell Support. For added defense,  a comprehensive probiotic that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum—can also improve mucosal barrier function and glandular fever digestion.

For more information on glandular fever digestion plus detailed food lists and recipes, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” The e-book also comes with personal email support with Elizabeth Noble.

Source: http://www.vrp.com/immune-system/optimal-immunity-starts-in-your-intestines

Tags: glandular fever diet, glandular fever digestion, glandular fever digestive, glandular fever immunity

Research has found that there is a link between having glandular fever and MS. People who have had the Epstein Barr virus are twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis in later life compared with the population at large. One study showed that people with the highest rate of antibodies against the Epstein Barr virus were more than 30 times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than those with the lowest level of antibodies.

There are two main theories to explain why there is an increase in risk of developing glandular fever and MS. These are:

• the Epstein Barr virus may affect some people’s immune system in a way that causes it to malfunction many years after the original infection

• there may be certain genes that make some people more vulnerable to glandular fever and multiple sclerosis.

More research is needed as there may be other factors involved in the progression of the Epstein Barr virus to multiple sclerosis.

Diet may play an important role in both glandular fever and MS. Dr. Terry Wahls used diet to cure her multiple sclerosis and get out of her wheelchair. Using the lessons she learned at the subcellular level, she learned how to properly fuel her body to heal. To see an interesting video on the subject please visit:

For further information on how to minimise the risk of glandular fever and MS please refer to Elizabeth Noble’s e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”.

Tags: Epstein Barr MS, Epstein Barr multiple sclerosis, glandular fever and MS, glandular fever and multiple sclerosis, glandular fever diet

Mononucleosis nutrition is a vital part of recovery from this nasty virus. For those with mono, losing weight can result from loss of appetite, nausea, loose stools, digestive problems and lack of exercise.

Muscle wasting can be seen in physical appearance, immune suppression and in a weakened gastrointestinal mucosa. Mono nutrition must address adequate protein intake to prevent further deterioration of immune health, and malnutrition from food malabsorption.

When solid foods are difficult to swallow or digest, a protein-enriched drink may be better tolerated. For good nutrition a whey-based protein powder which has high bioavailability and digestibility is a good choice. When choosing a brand look for one which;

• contains whey protein isolate

• contains whey protein concentrate (which has biologically active immune components)

• is only processed by cold, enzymatic, ultrafiltration methods which avoid denaturing the protein

• is free of sugar

• has added nutrients like calcium, magnesium and potassium to support muscle function and energy metabolism.

For more information on mononucleosis nutrition plus detailed food lists and recipes, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” The e-book also comes with personal email support with Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: mono nutrition, mono strength, mono whey protein, Mononucleosis nutrition, mononucleosis strength, mononucleosis whey protein

Glandular fever hepatitis can occur when the Epstein Barr virus infects the liver. Symptoms of glandular fever hepatitis can include liver enlargement, abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, headaches and malaise. Fortunately there is a host of herbs and nutrients that can reduce liver inflammation and help the body recover from this nasty virus.

The most popular herb for glandular fever hepatitis is milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Milk thistle has been shown in numerous studies to have liver-protecting properties.

In a recent randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Silymarin was investigated in patients with acute liver inflammation as appears in glandular fever hepatitis. Study subjects were chosen based on symptoms of acute clinical hepatitis and levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which were greater than 2.5 times above the upper limit of normal. The subjects were supplemented with 140 mg of Silymarin three times per day or a vitamin placebo for 4 weeks with an additional 4 week follow-up. The researchers evaluated symptoms of hepatitis and liver function tests on days 2, 4 and 7, and weeks 2, 4, and 8.

The results showed that the subjects receiving Silymarin had a quicker resolution of symptoms. More specifically, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin caused by elevated bilirubin) and scleral icterus (yellowing of the whites of the eyes) improved more quickly. There was also a reduction in levels of indirect bilirubin, which is the yellow breakdown product from heme in red blood cells. In addition, no adverse events were reported.

The study authors concluded, “Patients receiving Silymarin had earlier improvement in subjective and clinical markers of biliary excretion. Standard recommended doses of Silymarin are safe and may be potentially effective in improving symptoms of acute clinical hepatitis.”

If you are suffering from glandular fever hepatitis then you may benefit from taking milk thistle for liver protection. In addition there are many nutrients, foods and herbs that can support your liver health and get you feeling better.

For further information on glandular fever hepatitis please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. The e-book comes with 30 day personal email support if you need advice on your individual concerns.

References;

VRP Newsletter 2011

Tags: Epstein Barr virus hepatitis, glandular fever hepatitis, glandular fever liver, glandular fever milk thistle