Epstein-Barr Virus Triggers MS

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Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Cathy

Wheelchair on sandy ocean beach with overlay: Epstein-Barr Virus Triggers MS

For decades researchers have suspected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Now a study proved EBV triggers MS by having the immune system attack the body’s own nervous system.

“Infection with Epstein-Barr virus dramatically increased the odds of developing multiple sclerosis.” – National Institutes of Health

What is Epstein-Barr Virus?

EBV is a type of herpes virus, also known as human herpesvirus 4. It is a common virus that spreads through bodily fluids, mostly saliva.

When a person contracts EBV there are not always symptoms. Babies and young children rarely have symptoms. If they do it is usually mild symptoms such as a sore throat.

EBV spreads through:

Blood
Contact with toys that infected children have drooled on
Kissing
Organ transplant
Sexual contact
Sharing beverages, cups, food, and utensils
Using the same toothbrush

Teens and adults will sometimes feel more severe symptoms. EBV also causes infectious mononucleosis, also called mono or the kissing disease.

“EBV tricks the immune system into responding not only to the virus but also to this critical component of the cells that make up the white matter in our brains,” Lawrence Steinman MD, professor of neurology at Stanford

Symptoms of EBV include:

Enlarged spleen
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Rash
Sore throat
Swollen liver
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Symptoms can last from two to four weeks. Although, some people may feel fatigued for several weeks or even months. EBV can stay dormant in your body for years until something triggers it. Some triggers include hormonal changes, taking immunosuppressants, stress, or a weakened immune system.

People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop symptoms. A person develops their first MS symptom about 7 to 10 years after contracting EBV.

Study Links EBV to MS

Researchers released a 20-year study on 10 million active-duty military personnel. They found 955 people diagnosed with MS during their enlistment. Then they compared samples from 801 of those to more than 1,500 who did not develop MS.

Of the 801 people who developed MS, only one did not have EBV. That is more than 99% of people with MS had EBV. About 95% of adults around the world have EBV. If most people have EBV but not MS something else happens to trigger the disease.

Researchers also noted some of EBV’s proteins might impersonate the myelin sheath. This would cause the immune system to attack it. Another thought was EBV might be turning certain B cells against the host.

If you would like to learn more about the study read: Epstein-Barr Virus Is The Leading Cause Of MS

A Missing Link

EBV is not the only trigger to MS. Possible links include childhood obesity, other infections, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency. They also strongly suspect genetic susceptibility. MS is not an inherited disease, but there is a genetic risk involved.

There are about 200 genes that increase a person’s risk of developing MS. HLA-DRB1*15 is the strongest genetic risk factor for MS. Researchers believe this is also a major factor between MS and EBV.

HLA-DRB1*15 also increases the risk of a fungi infection. Including mycotoxins and yeast overgrowth. They found many biomarkers of MS are consistent with fungal infections. Several years ago, scientists found miconazole benefited people with MS. Miconazole is an anti-fungal agent used to treat athlete’s foot.

“MS risk might also be increased by exposure to fungi.” – PubMed

EBV infects naive B cells in mucosal surfaces exposed to fungi.

One study found three important observations:

HLA-DRB1*15’s association with MS and fungi
EBV and fungal antigens
Women’s elevated risk of MS due to fungi (women get more yeast infections)

You may enjoy reading DNA Test For Multiple Sclerosis

How to Treat EBV

Currently, there are no medications or vaccines for EBV. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:

Drink fluids to stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest
Take over-the-counter medication for pain and fever

Over-the-counter medications are meant to be taken for a short amount of time. Unfortunately, people abuse them and often take them for longer periods which can have dangerous side effects. Just because it is an over-the-counter medication does not mean it is safe.

Before choosing an over-the-counter medication try a natural approach first. Try bone broth, garlic, peppermint tea, and willow for headaches. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Moderna is currently working on a vaccine for EBV. However, before a vaccine is available to the public, it must go through several stages of testing. This can take 10 to 15 years depending on the circumstances.

Once a person gets vaccinated researchers would have to keep track of them to see if they develop EBV. If it takes 7 to 10 years to develop MS after being infected with EBV this could take decades.

People living with MS don’t have decades. Every day MS is ravishing their body whether it is visible or invisible symptoms. Don’t wait for a “cure” instead take your health into your own hands.

“Targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS.” – Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School

Natural Ways to Kill EBV

Your best option to kill EBV infection is by using supplements. Studies found vitamin C killed EBV but that was by using an extremely high intravenous dose. Since that is not an option for most people, you can still take vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system. It also protects the brain and spinal cord from free-radical damage. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it does not stay in your body.

Taking lots of vitamin C will not hurt you. However, too much can cause diarrhea for some people. It is best to start at a lower dose and then slowly increase it.

In the book Healing Multiple Sclerosis written by Ann Boroch, she recommends a “therapeutic level” between 3,000 to 6,000 milligrams (3 to 6 grams) daily. Start at 2,000 mg daily and slowly increase your dose. If you notice loose stools then lower your dose back down.

There are many other herbal supplements to choose from. Not one is perfect for everyone. You will have to see what works best for you and stick with it.

Supplements that may help kill EBV:

Epstein-Barr virus feeds on toxins like heavy metals, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and sugar. Daily detoxification is important to remove not only EBV but all viruses and infections.

How to Stop MS

Currently, there is no cure for MS, and a possible vaccine could be decades away. Treatments only slow the disease process down, they do not stop the destruction of nerve tissue. Plus, they come with nasty side effects such as flu-like symptoms, PLM (a brain disease), and death.

Instead, take a natural approach to stop MS without the harmful side effects.

MS is a chronic inflammatory disease. This means, by lowering your inflammation MS will go into remission. This is not a cure and it will take a lot of effort on your part. Manage MS naturally by living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Not only will your MS symptoms improve but it will lower your risk for:

Allergies
Alzheimer’s disease
Autoimmune diseases (when you have one your risk goes up for another one)
Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Depression
Inflammatory bowel disease
Obesity
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes

Start by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Then start removing chemicals and other products that are harmful to your health. You don’t need to do everything all at once, taking baby steps will be easier and you will likely stay on track.

Lower your chronic inflammation by:

Eat a nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory diet
Drink lots of water
Use natural body care and household products
Exercise (lowers inflammation) such as massage, online gym for MS, Tai chi, walking, yoga
Get plenty of sleep
Remove infections
Fix your gut, people with MS have a leaky gut and unbalanced bacteria
Balance hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and vitamin D
Learn ways to lower your stress
Stay positive

Quick Links To Information Above:

How To Start An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
How To Use A Natural Approach For MS
Your “Normal” Vitamin D Level Might Be Too Low
Gut Health And Multiple Sclerosis