May 25 2010
Chronic EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) – The Ketosis Diet for Weight Loss
Weight loss is common in the initial stage of EBV. However with relapsing or chronic EBV, weight gain is more likely. Steady weight gain can result from prolonged inactivity or from liver, adrenal or thyroid involvement.
Many of my chronic EBV patients who have gained weight frequently ask “what is the best weight loss diet for me?” I find that a ketosis diet works well for many chronic EBV patients. Ketosis is when you restrict your carbohydrate intake so that your body is forced to use its fat reserves for energy. Most people go into ketosis when their carbohydrate levels are kept between 20 to 70 g a day.
The beauty of the ketosis diet is that there is less breakdown of protein or muscle for energy than the standard low fat diets. This is essential for long term weight control. It also means that your metabolic rate does not drop, therefore preventing rebound weight gain from occurring. Furthermore, on a ketosis diet your immunity is enhanced and your energy boosted – both important benefits when treating chronic EBV.
Foods to focus on to achieve ketosis are the protein foods like seafood, chicken, turkey, lean red meat and eggs. To enhance the protein component of your diet it is helpful to add a quality protein powder like whey protein. Whey protein can be made into a smoothie or added to natural yoghurt or salad dressings. Whey protein is also useful for chronic EBV sufferers as it helps boost glutathionine levels which enhance immunity.
The low carb vegetables that can be included in the ketosis diet are salads, leafy greens, broccoli, beetroot, carrots, celery, capsicum, cucumbers, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms, onion, pumpkin, spinach, tomato and zucchini. Low carbohydrate fruit that can be eaten in moderation include berries, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kiwi fruit and rhubarb. These foods are also rich in antioxidants and enzymes which can help your recovery from chronic EBV.
Foods to eliminate are the refined foods that are of little or no nutritional value. These foods are usually high carbohydrate foods that will sabotage your weight loss efforts. The foods to avoid include bread, pasta, cereals, rice, biscuits, cakes, dried fruit, sugar, soft drinks, sports drinks, potatoes, chocolate and lollies.
Aim to eat three square meals a day plus snacks in between if you are hungry. It is important to monitor your hunger levels – this is an important factor for effective weight loss. Do not overeat and don’t eat too late at night. Make sure that you do not mistake thirst for hunger. Keep yourself well hydrated and aim to drink 1-2 glasses of water before your meals to provide a feeling of fullness. Chew your foods well before swallowing. Eating more slowly lets your brain register when you are full.
To enhance the effects of the ketosis diet, you should add some regular exercise to your regime. Exercise is also good for chronic EBV as it boosts your well being, energy and emotional balance. Exercise for fat loss needs to be slow, sustained and regular. Intensity should be about 70% of your maximum heart rate. The aim of exercise is to build up your muscle mass and increase your metabolism so that you burn calories at a faster rate. Together, both aerobic and resistance training will enable your body to burn fat and allow your new healthy body shape to emerge.
For weight problems in chronic EBV patients, the ketosis diet and regular exercise is showing promise in helping patients lose weight permanently and enhance their immunity. For food lists and tasty recipes for chronic EBV and weight loss please refer to my e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”. The program also comes with 30 days of free email support if you need advice or guidance on your individual concerns.
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