A New Perspective on Autoimmune Disease and the Epstein-Barr Virus

Autoimmune disease is a relatively recent phenomenon, occurring only in the last 100 years. What is it in the modern way of living that has brought us autoimmune disease? What has changed? Modern medicine, in regards to autoimmune disease, has very little to offer, but that’s only because the cause behind the disease is still a mystery. We have come a long way in recognizing the symptoms and treating them, but often the medication offered to treat the symptoms is lacking or has negative side effects. The more we uncover the true cause behind the disease, the easier it will be to treat and even prevent autoimmune disease. You will see that there is much to be done, on a personal scale, as well as on a grander scale. But before we continue on to what needs to be done, let’s first examine what happened 100 years ago, and better understand what it is we need to do to turn things around.

In the beginning of 1890 a virus that was herpetic in nature began to mutate due to pre penicillin antibiotic experimentation. As viruses were repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, a particular type of virus began to learn how to use antibiotics as a food source, but this is only half of the equation for disaster. At this same period of time arsenic and lead sprays were extensively used as insecticides. Arsenic, lead and mercury were also used in the production of many household products - from paint to wallpaper, cosmetics, fruit preserves, bakery goods, toy decorations, and more. These toxic heavy metals began to affect us in multiple ways; they weakened our immune systems and provided food for the viruses present within the body (contrary to popular belief, viruses can feed off heavy metals and other toxins). Antibiotic experimentation coupled with toxic heavy metals set the stage for the transmutation of a docile and relatively harmless virus, into the culprit we have today.

The increased exposure to toxic heavy metals sprayed on food, in gardens and homes, used in industry and household goods, entered the body through the mouth and airways and were quickly absorbed by the thyroid, creating deposits of arsenic, lead and mercury. As the virus entered the body, it would begin its search for food, and make its way into the thyroid, where the heavy metal had accumulated, causing the first of our “autoimmune” diseases - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Epstein-Barr Today

In 1968, two brilliant virologist, Anthony Epstein and Yvonne Barr, identified the virus, known today as the Epstein-Barr virus. While only one version of the EBV virus is widely recognized today, there are actually over 60 different varieties of the virus. EBV is so widespread that it is estimated that roughly 70% of the population in the U.S. has some form of it. Moreover, EBV stands behind a long line of diseases and symptoms, such as: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, vertigo, thyroid disease, tinnitus, polycystic ovaries (PCOS), fibroids, endometriosis, an enlarged prostate, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, hepatitis type C, Lyme disease, tachycardia, tingling in the hands and feet, migraines, fatigue, dizziness, eye floater, sleeping disorders, menopause symptoms, night sweats, depression, hair loss, frozen shoulder, lower back pain or knee pain, many types of cancer and more. In addition to these diseases, there are conditions indirectly caused by the virus, such as osteoporosis, weight gain, brittle nails, and muscle fatigue.

In order to better understand EBV and learn what it is we need to do to treat and heal from these diseases, we need to understand the different stages of the virus’s development.

Stage One

When EBV first appears in the body, it is at its most vulnerable stage. In this stage the virus remains fairly inactive, gaining strength in numbers and waiting for a sign of a weakened immune system – a hormonal change (puberty), nutritional deficiencies, trauma or injury.

Stage Two

At the end of Stage One, the Epstein-Barr virus is ready for battle, and is expressed as a viral disease such as mononucleosis or tonsillitis. Because we are all different, this stage varies considerably – some have a sore throat for a few days, while others may have a month long infection or more. During this stage the virus seeks a long-term home, usually within the liver or spleen. EBV often works with a partner in crime - the streptococcus bacteria, which can confuse the immune system and doctors alike.

Stage Three

Once the virus settles in the liver, spleen, and/or any other organ, it goes through a nesting period. At this point the virus is not active in the blood, and will show up as EBV antibodies, and thus will be diagnosed as a past infection. The immune system also does not recognize the virus as active, and, therefore, the virus is pretty much left alone.

Aggressive forms of EBV can create a number of situations – A sluggish liver, hepatitis type C, and/or a decline in hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach leading to digestive issues, and a sensitivity to foods, such as wheat and dairy.

At this stage of the infection, the virus remains relatively dormant, waiting for an indication of intense stress or hormonal changes such as a pregnancy, birth or menopause. Once the virus senses that the time is right, it begins to release neurotoxins that damage the nervous system. This confuses the immune system because it cannot identify the source of the neurotoxins. The virus makes a run for it, and usually settles in the thyroid, which creates a burden on the endocrine system. The adrenal glands react by secreting more adrenalin, which in turn feeds the virus, giving it added strength and access to the nervous system.

Stage Four

At this stage of the infection, the virus begins to inflame the central nervous system. Normally our immune system wouldn’t allow this to happen, but at this point it is so worn down that the virus is free to do whatever it likes, causing a multitude of strange symptoms, ranging from heart palpitations to generalized aches and pains, to nerve pain. These symptoms are often diagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. The medical community can only find inflammation markers and not an active virus, which has led to a mistaken conclusion that it must be the body attacking itself, rather that the body trying to deal with a viral infection. This mistaken diagnosis has serious implications, often immunosuppressant drugs or steroids are prescribed, further weakening the immune system.

Healing Epstein-Bar

Epstein-Bar can be a debilitating disease, emotionally as well as physically. Practitioners are not often aware of the true cause of the disease, and therefore have difficulty in providing proper treatment. Healing from the different forms of Epstein-Barr disease requires patience and perseverance. For some, the healing process may take 3 months, and for others it can take a year or even longer.

Healing Foods For Autoimmune Disease and EBV

It is important to remember that foods and herbs are a gift from Gaia, mother Earth, who knows how to answer all of our needs. It is recommended that you eat three foods from this list daily, and try to consume each of the foods on the list at least once a week. It is equally important to refrain from eating foods that feed the virus such as dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is equally important to refrain from foods that have a lot of toxins such as canola oil, preservatives, additives, and genetically modified foods. I highly recommend drinking the Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie daily. This will provide the body with important nutrients, and will also eliminate much of the virus’s food sources.

• Wild blueberries – help restore the central nervous system and flush EBV neurotoxins out of the liver
• Celery – strengthens hydrochloric acid in the gut and provides menal salts to the central nervous system. Best taken daily on an empty stomach
• Sprouts – high in zinc and selenium that strengthens the immune system
• Asparagus – cleanses the liver and spleen, strengthens the pancreas
• Spinach – creates an alkaline environment in the body and provides highly absorbable micronutrients to the nervous system. Spinach should be eaten fresh in order to receive full benefit
• Cilantro – removes heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which are favored foods of EBV
• Parsley – removes high levels of copper and aluminum, which feed EBV
• Coconut oil – is antiviral and acts as an anti-inflammatory
• Garlic – is antiviral and antibacterial herb that defends against EBV
• Ginger – helps with nutrient assimilation and relieves spasms associated with EBV
• Raspberries – are rich in antioxidants that remove free radicals from the organs and bloodstream
• Lettuce – stimulates peristaltic action in the intestinal tract and helps cleanse EBV from the liver
• Papaya- restores the central nervous system and strengthens and rebuilds HCL in the gut
• Apricots – rebuild the immune system and strengthen the blood.
• Pomegranates – help detox and cleanse the blood and lymphatic system
• Grapefruit – is a rich source of bioflavonoid and calcium that supports the immune system and flushes toxins out to the body
• Kale – is high in specific alkaloids that protect against viruses such as EBV
• Sweet potatoes – help cleanse and detox the liver from EBV byproducts and toxins
• Cucumbers – strengthen the adrenals and kidneys, and flush neurotoxins out to the bloodstream
• Fennel- contains strong antiviral compounds to fight off EBV

Healing Herbs and Supplements for Autoimmune Disease and EBV

• Uno de gato – reduces EBV and cofactors such strep A and Strep B
• Silver hydrosol – lowers EBV viral load
• Zinc – strengthens the immune system and protects the thyroid from EBV inflammation
• Vitamin B12 – as methylocobalamin and or adennosylcobalamin – strengthens the central nervous system
• Licorice root – lowers EBV production and strengthens the adrenal and kidneys
• Lemon balm – Antiviral and antibacterial, Kills EBV cells and strengthens the immune system
• 5 – methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) – helps strengthen the endocrine system and central nervous system
• Selenium, - strengthens and protects the central nervous system
• Red marine algae – is a powerful antiviral that removes heavy metals such as mercury and reduces viral load
• L-lysine – lowers EBV load and acts as a central nervous system anti-inflammatory
• Hawaiian Spirulina – rebuilds the central nervous system and eliminate heavy metals
• Ester-C – strengthens the immune system and flushes EBV toxins from the liver
• Nettle leaf – provides vital micronutrients to the brain, bold and central nervous system.
• Monolaurin – is anti-viral and breaks down EBV load and reduces cofactos
• Elderberry – is antiviral and strengthens the immune system
• Red clover – cleanses the liver, lymphatic system and spleen of neurotoxins from EBV
• Star anise – is antiviral and help destroy EBV in the liver and thyroid
• Curcumin – is a component of turmeric that helps strengthen the endocrine system and central nervous system

Moving forward

Healing from and "autoimmune" disease can be particularly challenging and requires patience and perseverance, especcially if we have been ill for an extended period of time. Healing from and autoimmune diesease provides an opportunity for tremendous spiritual growth, for to fully heal the body, we need to also attend to the spirit. When dealing with challenges, I often remind myself that this universe we live in is incredibly complex, and that there are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason. This does not mean we are to blame for our diseases, but it does mean that something has taken us in the worng direction, and needs to be turned around. Now that you and your body know what is going on, the healing can begin. Our bodies reflect our beliefs, and that is why it is so important to know that you are dealing with a viral infection, and that your body is not attacking you.

An additional aspect of healing is learning to take responsibility for the created reality. For a long time now humanity has been in the dark and lived in obscurity. We have often been complacent about corporate greed and unaware of the practices that are polluting and poisoning us and our food and water sources. We are often happy to remain ignorant, for knowledge comes with a price; once we realize that we have choices and that we are not victims, we can no longer pretend that what is happening isn’t our problem. I’m not advocating rebellion or anything like that, but rather suggesting that we all become more aware of everyday choices – what foods to eat, to buy organic or not, what household products should we use, and which cosmetics are best (some are extremely toxic). Even a simple choice like not using or buying compact fluorescent light bulbs (that contain mercury), can change the environment we live in and make our homes a less toxic place to be. We are extremely powerful beings, and every emotion, thought and action influences the world we live in. The true autoimmune disease is the disease of corporate greed, lack of respect for our environment, coupled with our compliance and lack of awareness. This is where we, as a society, begin to turn against ourselves.

Now is a time of awakening. This is a time of empowerment. Spilt realities - Hillhar

With love and hope,

Beth

Information in the article is based on Anthony Williams work The Medical Medium

Chelsea Green Publishing – the politics and practice of sustainable living The tangled history of arsenic and farming

Labs Are Vital: Arsenic, mercury and mandrake root in old world medicines

Recommended reading: What will 2017 look like? from the Cosmic University