Epstein-Barr virus infection is a common health problem in the United States and often leads to infectious mononucleosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EBV infection that occurs during adolescence and young adulthood causes infectious mononucleosis in 35 to 50 percent of cases. Certain dietary practices may be helpful in treating your EBV infection, although you should always discuss diet-related issues with your doctor first.
About Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis typically lasts for one to two months, notes the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. If you have infectious mononucleosis, you may experience numerous signs and symptoms, including unrelenting fatigue, enlarged spleen, transient jaundice or yellowing of your eyes and skin, sore throat, fever and swollen lymph glands throughout your body. If you have had infectious mononucleosis, EBV will remain in your body for the rest of your life, although most people do not experience further bouts of mono.
An Appropriate Diet
Certain dietary practices may be beneficial in treating your Epstein-Barr virus and mononucleosis. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," helpful foods for this health purpose include garlic; maitake, shiitake and reishi mushrooms; fresh pineapple; brown rice; and other whole grains and root vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips and sweet potatoes. Balch recommends eliminating certain foods from your diet, including sugar, tea, refined flour products, processed foods and stimulants.
Featured Food
Reishi mushrooms, which grow wild on decaying logs in certain Chinese provinces, may be one of the most useful foods in treating your EBV infection or mononucleosis. Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," states that reishi mushrooms have historically been used in treating infections as well as altitude sickness, hypertension, HIV, hepatitis, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels and diabetes. Important constituents in resihi mushrooms include sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polyscaccharides and triterpenoids.
Considerations
EBV infection is a health problem that may best be managed by your primary care provider. Your doctor can counsel you on the merits, drawbacks and limitations of natural and conventional treatment methods. To gain a better understanding of the role of diet and nutrition in treating this health problem, schedule an appointment with a health care professional who specializes in clinical nutrition. A larger volume of scientific research evidence may be necessary to validate the health benefits of foods and dietary approaches traditionally used in treating EBV infections.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Epstein-Barr VIrus
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: Infectious Mononucleosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
