iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cf tthfeAs a virus, Epstein-Barr is more challenging to treat with Western medi-
cine. Current antiviral medications do not impact Epstein-Barr in its
latent form.
Viruses invade healthy host cells. As the viruses multiply inside our cells,
the cells burst, allowing the virus to infect additional cells. Thus, viruses
are known as “intracellular” pathogens. A Th1 response should be initi-
ated in response to a virus, but some viruses trick our immune system.
Herpes viruses like EBV survive in our bodies by making proteins that
suppress the Th1 response. These proteins are similar to naturally occur-
ring cytokines, and the body may not recognize that they are coming
from the virus. The immune system does not make a strong enough Th1
response, and the virus becomes concealed in the body, leading to a hid-
den chronic viral infection and increasing the virus’s chances of survival.
Many of us have been exposed to viral infections and thus have many
dormant viruses residing in our bodies. These viruses may live in har-
mony with the rest of the microbes, or they may become problematic.
Treating autoimmunity may be another approach to take when we are
unable to go after individual infections.
A proposed approach would be to first normalize immune function
through healing intestinal permeability, gut ecology, and supporting ad-
renal health, which strengthens the immune system and helps the body
keep the opportunistic viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites under control
instead of attacking them one at a time.
Animal fat, broths, soups, and stews support the body’s ability to sup-
press the viruses. Monolaurin/lauric acid, one of the components of co-
conut oil, has been found to be active against the Epstein-Barr virus.
Replication of many viruses, including Epstein-Barr, is inhibited by glyc-
yrrhizic acid, an active component of licorice root. Quercetin, co-enzyme
Q10, n-acetyl cysteine, and glutathione were also reported to help fight
chronic fatigue syndrome because of their antiviral properties.
Taking the amino acid lysine at 4–6 grams a day can help support the
immune system in controlling viral pathogens.
In contrast, Th2 and potentially Treg-stimulating substances may allow
the virus to become more active. Eating citrus fruits, nuts, chocolate, cof-
fee, and too many fresh fruits may allow the viruses to proliferate.