The Epstein Barr Connection to Hashimoto's {and What to do About it}

Could the Epstein Barr Virus be a Root Cause of Your Hashimoto’s?

Many women suffering from Hashimoto’s don’t realize that there are several stealth infections like the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) that could be contributing to symptoms and limiting healing. Sometimes, this virus can actually be the root cause of Hashimoto’s!

When Trying to Reverse Hashimoto’s, There are Many Facets to Look at

I work with my clients on them all.

Epstein Barr is a silent infection that you may need to address.

Epstein Barr – The Immune System Threat

First, it’s important to understand that Hashimoto’s is an immune system dysfunction, not a thyroid
issue.

The dysfunction of the thyroid gland is not Hashimoto’s root cause. Instead, the gland is the innocent bystander that gets attacked by the body’s own immune system that has gone rogue. Finding the root cause of the inflammatory damage, ie. the reason why the immune system has gone crazy is the way you can reverse Hashi’s.

If you have Epstein Barr, until it is dealt with the immune system can’t come back into homeostasis. It will always have the burden of this silent infection until it’s either dormant or fully gone. Bringing back homeostasis of the immune system can result in remission of Hashimoto’s symptoms.

Education About the Epstein Barr Virus

In this article, I’d like to educate you about:

What EBV is
Why it is stealthy and opportunistic
Testing to get done to determine if you have it

To learn practical lifestyle tips and supplements to kick this virus to the curb, get the Eradicating Epstein Barr Guide below.

What is the Epstein Barr Virus?

EBV (a herpes virus) was discovered by Michael Anthony Epstein and Yvonne Barr in 1963 while investigating Burkitt’s’ Lymphoma. It is quite telling that this virus was discovered while studying a prevalent cancer!

Unfortunately, this virus is easily spread since it replicates in bodily fluids, especially saliva. That’s how it got its nickname “The Kissing Disease.”

EBV is responsible for the diagnosis of Mononucleosis.

It functions like other viruses in that it gets into the cells through the cell membranes and replicates itself at mass speed while in the cells. During this replication, it also can take over cell function making the cell do what it wants it to do rather than what the cell was created to do. The virus basically takes over control of the cells.

Why This Virus is Opportunistic

Pathogens that are opportunistic like Candida and EBV, wait for the weak link to be found and then go on a rampage.

When your immune system is extremely burdened by stress, inflammatory food, lack of vitamins and minerals, or lack of sleep, the virus will see that as an opportunity. It’s kind of like when you used to play Red Rover in elementary school. The person playing Red Rover would always run towards the part of the human chain where the kids were smaller and not as strong-looking in hopes of breaking through the chain and winning.

The Epstein Barr Virus is much the same. It scans the body looking for weak links so it can breakthrough, so to speak. Then, it goes back into its active state. That’s why it’s really important to strengthen your body’s defenses which is what I talk about HOW to do in the free Eradicating EBV Guide. Get that below.

Epstein Barr Has Been Linked to Various Diseases

The Epstein Barr Virus has been linked to 33 autoimmune conditions including Lupus, Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

One study found Epstein Barr to be present in 81% of Hashimoto’s Cases! (1)

In its late stages, when it has not been dealt with properly, it can lead to Burkitt’s Lymphoma, nasopharyngeal
cancer, stomach cancer and Hodgkin’s Disease. Epstein Barr is also known as Glandular Fever and can even present as tonsillitis. It can switch on allergies and using antibiotics can exacerbate this side effect. Additionally, more than 90% of the human population has been exposed to EBV.

Symptoms of Epstein Barr Virus

Understand that even if you have not been diagnosed with Mononucleosis, you can still have EBV in your cells. So don’t necessarily look for that diagnosis. Though it is helpful to get tested for confirmation, symptoms can tell a lot about what’s going on in your body.

Swollen and painful lymph nodes
Sore throat
Weight loss
Often bedridden
Chest pain
Body aches
Extreme body chills
Sweating and fever
Extreme fatigue
Increased thyroid antibodies (because the virus likes to set up shop in the thyroid gland)

The Prognosis for Those with EBV

There is contradictory evidence stating completely different information. Some evidence suggests that EBV can be eradicated completely from the cells and complete recovery can be obtained when medication is taken long term.

Conversely, other evidence reveals that once a person has the Epstein Barr Virus it will be in their cells for the rest of their lives – though it can lie dormant and not cause symptoms. Interestingly, in some cases though, even in its dormant state, the Epstein Barr Virus can still cause symptoms.

Testing for the Epstein Barr Virus

If you have the symptoms of EBV and you think you have it, definitely get tested. The following tests will help you be able to tell you if you have ever been exposed, if you have it now and/or if it could be in a dormant state in your body.

Specific Lab Tests to Detect the Epstein Barr Virus

Elispot blood tests for IgG and IgM antibodies. It tells you if your immune system has even met EBV. It’s also called EBV-VCA IgM/IgG viral capsid antigen

If your IgM is high is does suggest that there is a current infection.
High IgG suggests that EBV was infecting the cells in the past but could be in its dormant state now.

Other testing options are:

EBV-EBNA IgG nuclear antigen
EBV-EA—D IgG early antigen

Eradicating the Epstein Barr Virus

When dealing with silent infections, it’s always important to start by strengthening the defenses before killing and detoxing. Be sure to download the Eradicating Epstein Barr Guide to learn all the natural ways to strengthen your
defenses. Do that below.

Remitting Hashimoto’s Symptoms by Dealing with Epstein Barr

I always recommend digging into the possibility of a silent infection when trying to remit your Hashimoto’s symptoms. You could be eating all the right foods, dealing with stress appropriately and even getting the right amount of sleep, but if you are still not feeling better, it is likely you have a stealthy, opportunistic, silent infection going on in your body.

Overcoming that infection will reduce the burden on your immune system and allow it to come back into homeostasis giving your body what it needs to heal itself.