Can Mold Cause Epstein Barr

Written by Erin Porter

When I started this Eat Pray Get Well website eight years ago, nobody was really talking about mold and fungus. To be honest, I would often wish that I had a less “gross” topic to talk about. Years in I am thrilled to educate people on how catastrophic mold can be to one’s health. I hear from people daily whose lives and health were turned upside down by mold. So now to answer the question, “Can mold cause epstein barr?” Many experts would say absolutely!

Toxic mold exposure can cause Epstein Barr to reactivate due to mold’s ability to weaken the immune system. Once the immune system is compromised, the body becomes vulnerable to other co-infections, including Esptein Barr. Epstein Barr (or EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family. Over 90% of the population has been infected with EBV and recovered. Once a person has recovered, the virus goes into a dormant state. Typically the virus stays dormant for the rest of one’s life. However, when the body’s toxic load is very high or under stress, EBV can reactivate. This reactivation puts additional strain on an already overburdened immune system.

Read on and I’ll share my own experience with mold illness and below you can watch as I share my story on television,s Know the Cause with Doug Kaufmann.

Television: Below I discuss Mold and it’s link to Epstein Barr and other co-infections with host Doug Kaufmann

Mold Sickness

Mold is everywhere and our bodies have natural defenses against it to protect our health. When the amounts of mold are elevated and the type of mold is toxic to humans they can colonize inside of our bodies wreaking havoc. Because our body is busy fighting off all kinds of toxins each day (air pollution, pesticides, bacterial infections, viruses) the toxic load from mold can be too much for the body to handle. It becomes even more of a problem for those who have an issue with impaired detoxification.

When mold triggers an inflammatory immune response that is constant due to the daily exposure to mold, the immune system becomes compromised. When this happens it can affect anything from hormonal imbalances, chronic infections of the sinuses and/or lungs, neurological problems, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal issues such as leaky gut and so much more.

The degree to which you are sick depends on many factors such as how long you were exposed, why type of mold you were exposed to, and the condition of your immune system. It may be surprising to hear that within the same family, some people may be mildly affected while others are fighting for their lives.

Coping with Mold Sickness and Epstein Barr

Many people who have reactivated Epstein Barr virus who also have mold sickness may feel like they are drowning in bizarre symptoms. Since fatigue is almost guaranteed which both of these ailments one usually doesn’t have the energy to cope with everyday life. It’s important that you visit a physician who is not only aware of the link between mold and Epstein Barr, but who knows how to properly treat it. Most mold savvy physicians will take a “deal with the mold” first approach. Once you can remove yourself from the mold, follow a low mold diet (foods that kill mold in the body), and supplement and detox properly your body can then begin to handle the added burden of the virus.

Joining Facebook groups on the topic of Epstein Barr and mold is invaluable. You will be able to hear other people’s stories and not feel so alone in your illness. You can also learn from others about what has worked for them and even get advice on mold literate doctors in your area. Mental and emotional health is an important factor to physical healing.

Detox from Mold

If you are wondering how to get mold out of your body, I wrote an article titled “Can you Recover from Mold?” which include the typical ways in which doctors help their mold patients. If you have the MTHFR gene mutation, detoxing is impaired unless you supplement to push methylation along. I found out a few years ago that I have this gene mutation and I’m so grateful to my doctor for testing and educating me on the topic. You can ask your doctor for this simple blood test. I have also written an article on how to recover from mold exposure that may be helpful to you.

Many will experience mold die-off symptoms as they detox from mold, you can read my article all about mold die-off and what helps. Of course, always speak to your physician before starting any detox plan.

Treatment for Mold Illness

Removing oneself from the mold and fixing any leaks in the home
Treating mold on clothes and furniture (and possibly disgarding)
Supplementing with natural antifungals and prescription antifungals if your doctor sees fit
Following a low mold diet
Have an ENT remove any fungal debris that may be in the sinuses.
MicroBalance has all kinds of natural, non toxic antifungal products for your nose, body, and home

Treatment for Epstein Barr

My physician gives the patient the choice to either go the pharmaceutical route with prescription antivirals or the more natural route using herbs and supplementation. Treatment for Epstein Barr includes supporting the immune system. The goal being that the immune system recovers enough to put the virus back into its dormant state.

Herbal tinctures such as Byron White EBV
Monolaurin and L-Lysine: This combo is frequently purchased and used together by people who suffer from chronic Epstein Barr. As I mentioned earlier, if you join the chronic Epstein Barr Facebook group, you will find this combo is what gives many relief from their symptoms. Monolaurin is made from lauric acid and found in coconut oil. Interestingly enough, it also has antifungal properties as well as antiviral properties. My doctor says monolaurin is helpful in breaking up biofilms.
Vitamin C: Some find IV Vitamin C to be helpful
Adaptogenic herbs
Vitamin D
Rest

I hope you found this article helpful. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel so you never miss the videos that aren’t on the website!

Check out my 2nd edition book of Eat Pray Get Well – A Journey from Chronic Illness & Brokenness to Wholeness & Healing. Foreword written by Doug Kaufmann, host of televisions Know the Cause. Now also available on Kindle on Amazon.