The Viral-Autoimmune Connection
Approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer with autoimmune disease. Women are more likely to suffer from it than men and some estimates say that 75 percent of those affected - some 30 million people, are women.
Epstein-Barr
The infection that has been most studied in regards to autoimmune conditions is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is in the herpes family, the same group of viruses that can give you genital herpes, cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles. Since 95 percent of all U.S. adults have picked up this virus by age forty, you are very likely to have it. Half of all children have the condition by age five, so if you live in the United States, Epstein-Barr is pretty much a fact of life.
You might be saying, "I never was diagnosed with mononucleosis." Well, you can be exposed to Epstein-Barr, never show any symptoms and never be diagnosed.
Epstein-Barr has been strongly correlated with a number of autoimmune conditions including MS, lupus, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's as well as Graves' disease. The correlation between MS and lupus are very strong. For example, some 99 percent of children with lupus have Epstein-Barr antibodies, as compared to only 70 percent of children in a healthy nonlupus control group. Ninety-five percent of all U.S. residents have Epstein-Barr antibodies, 100 percent of people with MS have them. We also know high levels of Epstein-Barr antibodies seem to predict MS symptoms and flares, and a history of infectious mononucleosis doubles the risk for MS.
Treating Epstein-Barr
There are two ways to treat Epstein-Barr. Conventional, medical treatment uses antiviral medication. Unfortunately, those drugs aren't very effective and the one that is can cause serious side effects. Prescription medication really isn't an effective treatment.
I prefer following specific protocol that will support the immune system. It includes eating foods that support the body's ability to fight along with detoxification strategies.
Remember it's very important to not assume but to TEST to confirm what specific viruses you may have and to check the viral load.
Acceptable Foods to Enjoy
* Quality proteins like organic grass-fed beef (unless otherwise not recommended based on other health challenges. This is why it's important to be tested).
* Organic pasture-raised poultry, chicken, duck or turkey
* Sardines
* Wild-caught salmond
* Wild game
* Organic veggies
* Healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil
* Organic low-glycemic fruits like berries or granny smith apples
* Apple cider vinegar
* ginger
* sea salt
* turmeric
* cumin
* garlic
Beverages
* Veggie juices
* filtered water
* Teas (caffeine-free herbal tea, organic green tea in moderate amounts)
Foods to Avoid
* Alcohol
* Fast food
* Food additives
* GMO's
* Processed meats
* Refined oils like salad dressings, canola oil, safflower oil, corn oil and anything labeled "vegetable oil."
* Stimulants and caffein
* Sugar, grains, and sweeteners
* Trans fat and hydrogenated oils
* Unfermented soy and condiments
Other Inflammatory Foods to Avoid
* Corn
* Dairy
* Eggs
* Gluten
* Legumes
* Nightshades
* Nuts, including nut butters
* Peanuts
* Seeds
* Sweetened fruit juices
If you find you're craving carbohydrates, you can typically get away with spaghetti squash, pumpkin, summer squash and cauliflower.
Detoxification
True cellular detoxification occurs on the cellular level and the recommendations are very specific based on the person's needs. I'm always very cautious to give specific recommendation unless I've sat down with the client, have the proper tests done and results and extensive health history on hand. That being said, generally the approach looks something like this:
* Preparing the downstream detoxification organs like the liver, gut and kidneys.
* Use of proper nutraceuticals and supplements to correct any deficiencies.
* Advanced detoxification strategies may be necessary depending on severity of issues and client. Some of these strategies may include hyperthermia, ozone blood treatment, IV vitamin therapy, oxygen therapy.
* Proper coaching and support
Again, it's important to work with a qualified clinician who can prescribe the proper tests, remove causative factors and prescribe proper treatment. For a more customized approach to getting your life back, check us out at http://greinerhealthsolutions.com/new-patient-center.html