Jul 21 2009
Infectious Mono Treatment – Improving Digestion
The Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis can attack the gastrointestinal tract causing unpleasant symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation and loose stools.
Infectious mono treatment should aim to eliminate the virus, repair the gastrointestinal lining and optimize digestion and absorption through diet, herbs and supplements. Let’s have a look at the natural remedies commonly used to improve digestion and relieve gastrointestinal symptoms.
Foods for improving digestion during Infectious Mono treatment
- Aloe vera juice, slippery elm powder and raw vegetable juices are particularly good for healing the gastrointestinal wall.
- Pineapple, paw paw and kiwi fruit are helpful for breaking down protein foods because they contain the natural enzymes bromelain and papain.
- Celery, ginger and sea salt can help with stomach secretions and improve digestion.
- Herbs and spices that can give relief to digestive problems include peppermint, fennel, chamomile, ginger, garlic, dill, caraway and fenugreek.
Nutrients for Infectious Mono treatment
The following nutrients have been shown to be vital for gastrointestinal growth and repair during mono treatment:
- Zinc – this mineral is essential for the repair and replication of gut cells and is vital for enzyme production.
- Glutamine – an amino acid used by the gastrointestinal tract as a fuel.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – stimulates protein synthesis and accelerates healing.
- Ascorbic acid – acts as an antioxidant and is essential for cell and blood vessel development.
- Vitamin A or beta carotene – important for the growth and function of cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.
- Essential fatty acids – for maintenance of cell membranes, cell division and growth.
Supplements for Infectious Mono treatment
Supplements may be needed if you have symptoms of burping, bloating, wind, or undigested food in your stools. These symptoms may mean that you have an inadequate supply of enzymes and/or acid to break down your food. To overcome this;
- Chew your foods well to stimulate acid production.
- Drink a glass of hot water half an hour before meals or a herb tea such as peppermint, ginger, cloves or aniseed with meals.
- A hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme supplement may also be tried with meals.
Infectious mono treatment for good digestion is discussed further in the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.
6 responses so far
Fantastic web page, I just came across it and I am already a fan. I recently lost 30 pounds in 30 days, and I am excited to share my weight loss success with as many people as possible. If I can lose weight then any one can. Whatever you do, never give up and you WILL attain all your weight loss goals!
Hi Brittny,
Well done on your great weight loss results. I noticed you have used re-bounding as part of your weight loss success. This is an exercise I often
recommend to my mononucleosis patients as it helps to improve lymphatic congestion and symptoms of swollen glands. It can also be started
off very gently and built up over time.
Keep up the good work.
Elizabeth
I had this issue, I exercised regularly, that you way you can get rid of all impurities, take fresh air, that improve your lungs. Drink of lots of water. I recently came across, Goji Berries, this helps in digestion. You can also take as supplement it is called as Proleva, my friend told me about this and it’s been 2 weeks, I have great energy than before.
Had a bout of dizziness and malaise a few years back and eventually had it diagnosed as a severe case of epstien barr. It eventually died down with a few minor bouts here and there. Now just this week it seems like it’s back in full force but this time I have this almost dibilitating stomach cramp with it. Can epstein be responsible for that too or maybe something unrelated?
Hi Steve,
Sorry to hear you are not well. It could be a relapse of Epstein Barr or another virus or bacteria you have picked up. EBV can infect the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract to cause nausea, cramping and loose stools. I would recommend you do a day or two of a liquid-only diet (water, juice, herb teas, broth, soups etc) plus some probiotics like acidophillus and bifido bacteria. Rest as much as possible and if the symptoms continue beyond a few days get a blood test from your doctor.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Frederik,
Thanks for your post. Glad you are feeling better. Yes lots of water, fresh air, graded exercise and antioxidants like those found in Goji berries can certainly help. Just don’t overdo the exercise – some people do too much too soon, and end up at square one.
Keep up the good work.
Elizabeth