The mono blog

In an earlier post I introduced yoga as a way of building up the body’s muscle mass and strength after a bout of mono or glandular fever. Epstein Barr and yoga exercises go perfectly well together. As you get stronger, I recommend stretching regularly, strength training twice a week and some aerobic exercise in moderation most days.
Here’s a longer video on yoga exercises for beginners:

For more information on Epstein Barr and yoga exercises plus more natural treatments please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: Epstein Barr exercise, Epstein Barr yoga, Epstein Barr Yoga Exercises, mono exercise, mono yoga

Living with Epstein Barr, the virus that causes mono or glandular fever, can be a frustrating and worrying time. The good news is that as well as physical treatments like vitamins, minerals, herbs and diet, your emotional state can also help or hinder your recovery. Here’s an interesting article called “Attitude” by Charles Swindall which you may find helpful when living with Epstein Barr:

“The longer I live
the more I realise the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past,
than education,
than money,
than circumstances,
than failures, than successes,
than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.
It will make or break a company…a church…a home.

The remarkable thing is
we have a choice every day
regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change the past,
we cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do
is play on the one string we have
and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me
and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you.

We are in charge of our attitude”

If you or a loved one are living with Epstein Barr then your attitude may help or hinder your recovery. For more information on natural treatments for this nasty illness please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: epstein barr attitude, Living with Epstein Barr, living with glandular fever, living with mono

Recent research shows that many patients with CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus have decreased heart function. Although the heart may be smaller and beat less efficiently in these conditions, this is likely caused by dehydration, low red blood cell count and low blood volume, as opposed to being a heart problem.

Decreased heart function can contribute to classic CFS / chronic Epstein Barr symptoms like fatigue, cold extremities and dizziness.

The good news is that there are several key things that you can do to treat the dehydration, low blood volume and low red blood cell levels that will leave you feeling better. Let’s have a look at each of these areas in turn:

1. Treat the Dehydration.

Dehydration is often caused by underactive adrenal function and a decrease in antidiuretic hormone (“anti-peeing hormone”), both of which are routinely present in CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus because of the hypothalamic dysfunction. Quick fixes for dehydration include:

a. Drink more water! Instead of counting glasses of water (an annoying way to spend the rest of your life), check your mouth and lips to see if they are dry. If they are, drink!

b. Eat more salt. Unless you have high blood pressure or heart failure, you need more salt than most people.

c. Improve adrenal function. Nutrients like vitamin C, the B complex and magnesium plus plenty of rest can help repair exhausted adrenals in CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus patients.

2. Increase Your Body’s Production of Red Blood Cells.

Fewer red blood cells means less oxygen and nutrients are carried around the body. To fix this:

a. Treat for low iron. The best blood test is called a “ferritin” level. Your doctor will say it is normal if it is over 12, but research has shown that in people with chronic fatigue, iron supplementation increased energy dramatically in people with a ferritin under 50.

b. Treat for low testosterone and low thyroid levels. Both of these, especially the testosterone (use only the safe and natural bioidentical forms), increase red blood cell production.

3. Improve Your Heart Function

a. Nutrients that improve heart function also improve energy in CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus patients. These include Acetyl L-carnitine, co enzyme Q10, vitamin E and some of the B vitamins.

b. Reducing stress and exercising regularly can also help strengthen heart health in
CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus patients.

For further information on treating CFS / chronic Epstein Barr virus please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. For more detail on this article please refer to Prohealth.com and Vitality101.com

Tags: CFS chronic Epstein Barr virus, CFS EBV, CFS Epstein Barr, CFS heart, chronic fatigue epstein barr, EBV heart, Epstein Barr virus heart

During Epstein Barr virus treatment I see many patients who are losing muscle mass and strength over the course of the infection. As the body gets stronger it is essential to consider safe exercise in your recovery program. Glandular fever and yoga exercise are a perfect match. Yoga is a perfect starting point as it helps re-build muscle mass and keeps you strong and supple. I recommend my patients start with the simple “Salute to the Sun” exercise as shown in this video below:

Salute to the sun video:

For more information on glandular fever and yoga exercise plus more natural treatments please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: Epstein Barr exercise, Epstein Barr yoga, glandular fever exercise, glandular fever yoga, Glandular Fever Yoga Exercise

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin caused by an infection in the hair follicle of the sebaceous gland. When oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply and the skin becomes inflamed.

Many teenagers find that glandular fever and acne go hand in hand. Often the immune system has become run down after a bout of glandular fever so secondary infections like pimples and boils can take hold.

Teenage skin problems attract a lot of antibiotic use. Tetracyclines are often prescribed – often for months at a time. They are potentially quite damaging, so natural alternatives should always be explored first.

Fortunately there are some fantastic natural approaches for glandular fever and acne that can have outstanding results. Let’s have a look at the most popular natural remedies:

Natural treatments for glandular fever and acne;

• An acidophilus supplement to rebalance the beneficial gut flora. One study showed that 80% of a group of 300 patients who took L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus reported an improvement in their skin. Half of the improved patients reported their results as excellent, the other half as reasonable.
  
• Vitamin A at 20,000 – 50,000 I.U a day. Vitamin A helps skin maintenance and repair. Don’t exceed 10,000 I.U if you are pregnant. This nutrient is vital for both glandular fever and acne.
  
• Zinc at 50 – 60 mg a day. Zinc helps wound healing, tissue regeneration, hormone activation and vitamin A activity. It is essential for treating glandular fever and acne.
  
• B6 at 50 – 100 mg a day. B6 helps normalise hormones and the action of zinc. It is especially important if pimples are worse before or during menstruation.
  
• Vitamin E at about 400 I.U daily can help prevent scarring.
  
• Selenium at 200 umg is a vital antioxidant that works with vitamin E to help glandular fever and acne.
  
•  The Essential Fatty Acids – these are needed to keep the skin smooth and soft and to repair damaged cells in both glandular fever and acne. The Omega 3s (from fish oil and flaxseed oil) and the Omega 6s (from evening primrose oil) should both be taken at dosages of 4-6g a day.
  
• A regular liver cleanse is recommended for both glandular fever and acne . If the liver is congested or sluggish then it cannot break down toxins efficiently and they will try and come out through other channels like the skin. A daily method for keeping the liver clean and the skin clear is a morning ritual of lemon juice in warm water on rising.
  
• Lots of pure water during the day, and the avoidance of junk food, sugar, white flour, coffee, alcohol, cigarette smoke and excess animal fat is also recommended. Some people find that cutting out dairy, especially cream, milk and cheese helps enormously for both glandular fever and acne.
  
• Regular relaxation. Doing daily relaxation exercises has been shown to reduce acne. Over a 3 month period, pimple affected teenagers in Florida used simple relaxation techniques for 15-20 minutes a day. Compared to the teenagers using conventional medical care, they had better overall results and maintained their improvement as long as they continued their relaxation exercises.
  
• Doing regular exercise. Daily exercise improves pimples by stimulating circulation to the skin. It is also great for reducing stress which exacerbates glandular fever and acne.
  
• Daily sunshine. A daily dose of 30-60 minutes a day of sunshine can help dry up oily skin. Avoid midday sun if you live in a hot climate to avoid the risk of getting burnt.
  
• Daily skin brushing. Regular skin brushing with a dry skin brush or loofah can improve circulation and elimination. It helps get rid of dead skin cells. Always brush towards your heart and avoid the face and pimple-affected areas. A regular skin rub with some salt moistened in a bit of water is also beneficial.
  
• Essential oils like tea tree, myrrh, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme and clary sage are good antibacterial oils that can be used in a facial steam to help fight infection and heal the skin.

If you are suffering from glandular fever and acne 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.

Tags: epstein barr acne, Glandular Fever Acne, glandular fever pimples, mono acne

Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis can result from a lowered resistance to infection following a bout of mono or glandular fever.

In children many cases of Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis are viral, whilst in adults many cases are bacterial. Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Stapylococcal aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Hemophilus influenzae can cause infection. In these cases antibiotics may be recommended.

Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis may involve a high temperature, shaking and chills. Signs of a more serious lower respiratory tract infection include respiratory distress like gasping for breath, increased rate of breathing, increased pulse and turning blue. X-rays and a culture of sputum or phlegm can help confirm bacteria.

Fortunately there are some excellent natural treatments for Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis to help ease symptoms and help the body heal. Here’s a few of the more popular remedies:

• High dose vitamin C, A, E and zinc can boost the immune system to help fight the infection.
• Antibiotic herbs like garlic, olive leaf, myrrh, thyme, sage, golden seal and Wild Indigo can act as anti-virals and anti-inflammatories.
• Steam inhalations – use a facial steamer or pot of hot water to help loosen chest congestion. Do this steam cleaning every morning and before bed, as well as during the day if possible. For infants and young children, turn the bathroom into a steam room with the door closed and the shower on full hot. Sit safely away from the hot water, and breathe in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Essential oils – eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oil added to an oil burner or vapouriser can help clear up the congestion of Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis faster.
• Clap the chest and back – clap on your chest and back (where the lungs are) firmly with a cupped hand. Pound rapidly for one minute, then rest a minute, then continue again on and off for ten minutes. This helps shake the mucus loose so you can cough it up. Repeat 4-6 times a day.
• Sleep slightly upright – try to sleep so that your head is slightly raised. This allows for easier breathing during sleep. Putting the upper bed legs on books or bricks is an easy way to elevate your bed head.
• Hot steam vaporizer – use a hot steam vaporizer in the bedroom at night to help breathing.
• Vapor rubs on the chest can help breathing and ease the chest discomfort of Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis
• Drink plenty of liquids. This will help to thin secretions and prevent dehydration. Lemon and honey drinks, particularly with added ginger and garlic, are great to loosen phlegm and speed recovery from Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Bed rest and keeping your hands and feet warm will encourage healing.

For further information on natural Epstein Barr pneumonia and bronchitis treatments please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: Epstein Barr Bronchitis, Epstein Barr Pneumonia, Epstein Barr virus bronchitis, Epstein Barr Virus pneumonia

The change of season heralds in the inevitable rounds of colds and flu, especially if you have recently battled a bout of glandular fever (Epstein Barr virus or mono). This virus can lower your immune system and leave you exposed to secondary infections. Unfortunately glandular fever, colds and flu often go together. Now is the time to take precautions and get your immune system in tip top condition.

So what can you do to avoid the misery of suffering a nasty infection? Firstly it is essential that for glandular fever, colds and flu you keep up a healthy intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods, whole grains, nuts, seeds and natural oils. Minimise your intake of sugar which is known to suppress immunity. Drinking plenty of pure water, herb teas, green tea and freshly squeezed juices will keep you hydrated and feeling good.

A regular exercise program with a daily dose of sunshine will prime your immune system and lift your spirits. Choose an exercise you enjoy, and aim to do it three to five times a week. If you are already suffering from glandular fever, colds and flu then keep your exercise light – walking, yoga or gentle cycling are good choices.

Infections like glandular fever, colds and flu respond well to immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc. Preventative herbs like echinacea and olive leaf extract are also of benefit.

Common sense procedures like washing your hands regularly, keeping your hands away from your face (which can transmit viruses to your nose and mouth) and ensuring good ventilation in your home and work place will optimise your chances of keeping glandular fever, colds and flu at bay and away from other family members and colleagues.

If you come down with an infection, then the best remedy is rest and sleep. Don’t try to struggle on at work or school where you could spread the infection to others. If you have uncomfortable respiratory symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat or cough then try some steam inhalations with added essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil.

If you need further guidance on glandular fever, colds and flu then please have a chat with your health professional. Elizabeth Noble is a qualified naturopath who has written books on immune problems like glandular fever, ear infections and pneumonia. For more information please refer to her e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”. The e-book also comes with personal email support with Elizabeth if you need further guidance

Tags: glandular fever colds, Glandular Fever Colds and Flu, glandular fever flu, glandular fever infections

Ginger may have a role in reducing glandular fever pain and inflammation. Symptoms commonly seen during glandular fever pain and inflammation include a red, sore throat, aching muscles, headaches, fatigue, an enlarged liver, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Ginger has a long history of medicinal use, primarily for soothing nausea and easing stomach upset and dizziness. A recent study seen on the Mercola.com website confirms that both raw and heat-treated ginger reduced pain associated with muscle injury by about 24 percent. But ginger is also a natural immune system booster with anti-inflammatory properties which are particularly relevant for glandular fever pain and inflammation.

Part of the explanation for ginger’s pain relieving properties is its potent antioxidant content, which includes gingerols, shogaols and zingerones. It is believed that these compounds have particular anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Whole ginger can be consumed in a variety of ways, including:

• Cut off about a teaspoon worth of ginger root, dicing it very finely and swallowing it with water.
• Cooking with it: Ginger tastes great lightly sautéed with other vegetables, meat, sesame oil, and a pinch of natural, unprocessed salt.
• As a tea: Simply put a couple of thin slices into hot water. A little bit of raw honey can sweeten the otherwise “hot and spicy” flavour of the tea. This remedy is excellent for the sore throat commonly seen in glandular fever pain and inflammation.
• Sip as a ginger syrup which you can purchase in most health food stores or make your own from diced ginger mixed into Manuka honey.
• As a supplement – ginger powder is available in capsule form.

If you don’t like ginger there are other natural remedies that can help with glandular fever pain and inflammation. These include bromelain – the enzyme found in raw pineapple, omega 3 oils found in fish oil, krill oil and flaxseed oil, the herb boswellia and the spice cayenne pepper.

For treating glandular fever pain and inflammation, ginger and other natural remedies may play an important role. These natural remedies are cheap and effective plus they do not have the nasty side effects of conventional medication. For further information on ginger please refer to the Mercola.com website or the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: glandular fever ginger, glandular fever inflammation, glandular fever pain, Glandular Fever Pain and Inflammation

Here is an informative video of one man’s journey with glandular fever and ME or CFS. It is interesting to note that although there are many triggers for ME / CFS including viral infections like glandular fever, chemical exposure, stress and adrenal exhaustion, the approach to healing is very similar. A lot of the therapies for glandular fever and ME or CFS are explained in more detail in my e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures“. If you have glandular fever and ME or CFS then I hope you find the video of help. Here’s the link:

http://www.youtube.com/GetWellFromME

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

Here’s an interesting article by Dr Joseph Mercola on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and its link with infections like Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and gastrointestinal infections.

The CFIDS Association estimates that some 800,000 Americans suffer from this debilitating condition, with a mere 16 percent of those with CFS having been diagnosed.

The characteristics of CFS include:

•Extreme fatigue
•Muscle and joint aches and pains
•Muscle weakness
•Chronic headaches
•Swollen glands
•Periodic fevers and chills
•Sore throat
•Numbness and tingling of the extremities
•Inability to cope with any stress
•Cognitive dysfunction
•Insomnia

Viral infections, such as Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus, have been seen to produce many of the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, so it also seems quite plausible that a mild, long-term gut infection could play a role.

The Yeast Connection

A close cousin of CFS, fibromyalgia, is a similar condition that shares many of the same symptoms. They are often spoken of in the same breath and may indeed be connected. Certainly their similarities, beginning with a shared feeling of profound fatigue make it easy to find a connection between the two.

Both of these conditions appear to be connected to yeast overgrowth, as a significant number of sufferers from these two syndromes find relief when they follow an anti-candida diet and other protocols to address Candida albicans yeast overgrowth.

Dr. William Crook is the single most influential physician that motivated my transition to “alternative” or natural medicine. He was a friend who passed away some five years ago now and was the author of the classic book, “The Yeast Connection.” His great legacy is being carried on at www.yeastconnection.com, where you can find out all the latest insights on how Candida yeast causes problems in your body, and how to alleviate them.

I first tried his theory in 1985 and it failed miserably because I just used the drugs to treat the yeast. About seven years later, I wised up and used dietary changes in addition to antifungals when needed and saw far better results.

So, Exactly What Help is There for CFS?

Some useful strategies include:

•Proper diet according to your nutritional type, to maximize your overall health and physical energy
•Supplements for digestive problems and nausea, including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and ginger
•Effective use of energy psychology tools, such as EFT
•Gentle exercise, such as yoga
•Sleep and rest management
Many people with CFS are highly sensitive to conventional drug therapy and find much more relief taking natural nutrients and from non-invasive therapies.

The Emotional Connection

Eventually I realized that one of the primary reasons that this disease occurred was due to a suppressed immune system from untreated emotional traumas. When I started using technologies like energy psychology, I noted an entirely different level of improvement.

I have long stated that chronic fatigue is related to emotional challenges incurred in early childhood, typically below the age of five. Although clearly there are also other factors involved (as not everyone with childhood trauma develops these problems), I believe it is vital to address the emotional system together with the physical.

Further information on Epstein Barr and CFS can be found at Dr Mercola’s website or through the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Tags: Epstein Barr CFS, Epstein Barr Chronic Fatigue Syndrome