May 12 2009
Treating Glandular Fever – When to Exercise?
The Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever is usually self-limiting, lasting anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. In some people the virus can linger with recurrent symptoms like fatigue occurring for 6 months or more after the initial infection.
When treating glandular fever in my patients, I am often asked when it is safe to return to exercise.
My advice is not to exercise at all during the acute, initial stage of the virus. This is when your body may be experiencing fever, sore throat, swollen glands, extreme lethargy and muscle aches and pains. Your spleen may also be swollen, so strenuous exercise can be dangerous. All your energy should be directed into healing your body, so plenty of rest and quality sleep is vital.
After a few days when you are feeling stronger, I recommend you start with some gentle walking or stretching. Even 10-15 minutes a day is a good start. Movement is important when treating glandular fever as it will help you to maintain your muscle mass, improve your circulation and reduce lymphatic congestion.
As you get stronger you can increase the duration and intensity of your workout. Monitor your progress on a daily basis. If you are getting swollen glands, headaches or exhaustion after an exercise session, it means your body is still battling the virus, and you need to slow down.
After treating glandular fever with vitamins, minerals, herbs and a low carb diet, I have had some patients bounce back well and manage strenuous sporting events like marathons, competitive sport and swimming trials within a couple of months of their initial infection. It really depends on how your body responds to training. It is advisable to wait till you are 100% for at least a month before you attempt a major sporting event.
When treating glandular fever it is important to remember that the Epstein Barr virus that causes this disease, is a latent virus so it can relapse if you push yourself too hard, especially in the early stages.
To boost your exercise tolerance there are some excellent supplements you should be on when treating glandular fever. Magnesium and the B complex are good for increasing your energy levels. Vitamin C, zinc and the omega 3 fats are helpful to help your body fight the virus and to reduce inflammation. The herb ginseng is used to strengthen the adrenals and improve your exercise tolerance. Drinking lots of water before and after exercise is essential when treating glandular fever to keep your body hydrated and to assist in flushing the virus and toxins from your body.
For more information on treating glandular fever, please refer to my e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”.
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