Fortunately these mood disorders can be improved with the use of a pure, healthy diet, daily exercise, sunshine and counselling plus the use of supplementary nutrients and herbs.

Let’s have a look at the main nutrients showing promise in treating these disorders during Epstein Barr virus infection.

Zinc

Epstein Barr virus infection requires large amounts of zinc in order for the body to fight infection. If not supplemented in the diet, zinc levels can fall and trigger mood problems. Zinc for example is commonly deficient in people with depression. Lack of zinc can cause moodiness, poor concentration, mental fatigue, irritability, anger, lethargy and sleep changes.

Fish oils

DHA is the component of fish oils that keeps cell membranes fluid. The brain contains the richest concentration of fatty acids in the body. A deficiency of DHA alters membrane fluidity and can greatly impact on behaviour, mood and mental function.

B vitamins

During Epstein Barr virus infection, the adrenal glands are often exhausted leading to a deficiency of the B vitamins. Essential for nerve and hormonal health, a deficiency of B vitamins can trigger anxiety, depression and mood swings.

Magnesium

Magnesium aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. A deficiency can cause anxiety, agitation, insomnia, PMT, tiredness and depression. Supplementing with this essential mineral can help with the fatigue, muscle aches and headaches commonly seen in Epstein Barr virus infection.

Chromium

A major component of glucose tolerance factor, chromium is essential for regulating carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels. If chromium is low in the body then hypoglycaemia can result causing light-headedness, moodiness, anxiety, confusion and insomnia.

Potassium

Epstein Barr virus infection can affect the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. This can deplete electrolytes like potassium, sodium and chloride leading to weakness, fatigue, tearfulness and depression. These electrolytes can usually be replaced with a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit and the addition of some natural sea salt in the diet.

Toxic metals

Mercury, cadmium, lead and tin can block the action of essential nutrients in the body, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and triggering depression and mood disorders. If you suspect you may have been exposed to toxic metals then it is worth undertaking a hair tissue analysis to ascertain if these heavy metals are causing health problems. The correct diet and supplementation can rectify these imbalances.

If you or a loved one are suffering from depression, anxiety and mood swings as commonly seen in Epstein Barr Virus infection, then the answer may lie in the use of natural therapies. For more natural treatments and personal support please refer to my e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”.

Although Epstein Barr virus infection is usually self-limiting, auto immune disease is considered to be a permanent degenerative disease. Due to this permanent nature, long term therapy is necessary. Conventional medicine offers anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, however the toxic side effects of these drugs may rival the disease in their degenerative effects.

Fortunately there is a lot that can be done with natural therapies for both Epstein Barr virus infection and for auto immune diseases.

The aim of auto immune natural treatment is to reduce the levels of auto antibodies, inhibit inflammation and repair tissues, without the adverse side effects of conventional medicine.

The first priority is to optimize digestive function with a good healthy diet and digestive enzymes like pancreatic concentrates and Betaine HCl. This will reduce antigen absorption commonly seen in patients with auto immunity.

Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is associated with the development of auto immunity so normalizing microbial balance of the gastrointestinal tract is vital. Acidophillus and bifido bacteria plus a range of other probiotics are easily sourced from pharmacies and health food shops. Bowel and liver detoxification can be done regularly in order to reduce antigens and circulating antibodies.

The next step is to get onto some anti-inflammatory nutrients like high dose vitamin C, zinc, and fish oils. Foods like turmeric, rosemary oil, ginger and reishi mushroom are also powerful anti-inflammatories.

Lastly a low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. A healthy diet will help with tissue repair and also minimize tissue inflammation.

If you or a loved one are suffering from an Epstein Barr virus infection, or the virus has triggered an auto immune disease, then natural therapies may offer you a solution. All these techniques discussed above are outlined in the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.

Elizabeth has recovered from chronic Epstein Barr virus infection herself, and treated thousands of people successfully through her clinics.