Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Cathy
The cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is due to environmental factors. That includes viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A 20-year study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found EBV is the main cause of MS. It takes about 5-10 years after getting EBV for the first MS symptoms to show up. Therefore, a vaccine to prevent EBV could potentially prevent MS.
To learn more about the study read:
The average age of diagnosis for MS is 30 years old. Most people develop MS between the ages of 20 and 40. Although, this isn’t the case for everyone. I was 15 years old when I had my first MS symptom which was optic neuritis. I went completely blind in my left eye.
Back then, my doctor told me “We are that close to finding a cure” as he held his finger close together. That was decades ago, I don’t see it happening in my lifetime. Although, researchers are currently developing a vaccine for EBV that could prevent MS. However, would it help people who already have MS?
A Vaccine to Prevent MS
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
A vaccine targeting EBV and possibly ending MS is an exciting prospect. But, what about the people who already have MS? That would depend on the vaccine’s effectiveness and the individual person’s response.
Vaccines have historically played a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. However, their effectiveness in people already infected can vary depending on several factors. It would depend on the stage of the disease, the person’s immune response, and the vaccine.
Here are some devastating diseases from the past and the vaccines that came out to stop them:
Polio
Polio is a highly contagious virus that causes paralysis and death. It mainly affects children 5 years old and younger. My mother had a friend who walked with a cane and a limp due to polio. When the polio vaccine came out people rushed their children to doctors to get the vaccine.
The polio vaccine is highly effective in preventing new cases of polio. It has led to significant reductions in the number of polio cases worldwide. For people already infected with poliovirus, vaccination does not reverse the disease. But it can prevent further complications.
Influenza
Influenza (flu), also known as the Spanish flu, was a deadly virus during the flu epidemic in 1918-1919. It’s considered one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. It affected people mainly in their 20s.
A flu vaccine prevents infection with specific strains of the influenza virus. However, it doesn’t treat people already infected. But it can help reduce symptoms.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is another deadly virus that affects everyone. Early in its outbreak it mainly affected people over 65 and babies younger than 6 months. They developed vaccines to prevent infection with this virus not to find a cure.
Looking back at these different vaccines they are not a cure and they do not reverse symptoms. Similarly, a potential EBV vaccine would primarily focus on preventing new EBV infections. It will not be a “cure” for MS or able to reverse neurological symptoms.
A Hidden Virus – EBV
EBV is a member of the herpes virus family and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is a latent virus meaning once infected it stays in its host for its entire life. Many people don’t know they have EBV because they don’t experience symptoms. Usually, people are infected as a child but they may only have mild symptoms like a cold.
Researchers now believe EBV is the main cause of many diseases such as:
- Celiac disease
- Certain cancers
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Jaundice
- Long COVID
- Mononucleosis (mono)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Pneumonia
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
Researchers discovered EBV in 1964 but they still don’t know a lot about it. It spreads through saliva and bodily fluids and is highly contagious. There is no treatment for EBV but there are things you can do to eradicate it from your body.
You can get EBV from an infected person by:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Kissing
- Sexual contact
- Sharing drinks and food
- Using the same cups, eating utensils, or toothbrushes
5 Steps to Remove EBV Naturally
There is currently no cure for EBV. However, there are natural remedies and lifestyle changes that you can make. Discover effective ways to combat EBV naturally with these holistic remedies and take proactive steps toward improving your health and well-being. Here are some natural steps you can take:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices to support the immune system. – The cause of MS is chronic inflammation due to environmental factors. Stop eating foods that increase inflammation. Avoid gluten, dairy, and heavily processed foods.
Foods to eat include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Herbs and spices
- Healthy oils (avoid canola oil)
- Nuts and seeds
- Grass-fed and finished meats
- Pasture-raised poultry
- Wild-caught fish (except Atlantic salmon)
- Game meats (duck, elk, rabbit)
Include lots of foods that fight viruses such as:
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
- Citrus fruits
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Kiwi
- Lettuce (e.g. arugula, green leaf, romaine)
- Papaya
- Parsley
- Red bell peppers
- Spinach
- Turmeric
- Wild blueberries
2. Exercise
Image by senivpetro on Freepik
Exercise regularly to help boost your immune system and reduce stress. Both fight off infection. Try massage, resistance bands, stretching, Tai chi, walking, yoga, and water exercises.
My favorite is an online gym called OptimalBody Personal Fitness. It uses resistance bands so you don’t need to buy expensive exercise equipment. The owner, David Lyons, also has MS which means, he knows from experience which exercises work.
Your lymphatic system helps push out toxins. Moving your muscles and increasing your heart rate stimulates your lymphatic system. Any exercise can help, if you don’t have balance issues get a rebounder or mini trampoline. If you do have a balance issue then sit on it and bounce.
Whole body vibration plates can also move the lymphatic system. Again, if you have balance issues be sure you have something sturdy to hold on to. Here is the vibration plate I own: LifePro Rumblex 4D Vibration Plate.
Dry body brushing is another way to get your lymphatic system moving and it’s easy to do. While your skin is dry, gently brush your skin starting from your feet up towards your heart. Always brush towards the heart. It’s great to do right before you shower to wash off the dead skin cells.
The key is – keep moving!
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Image by senivpetro on Freepik
Getting enough sleep is essential for the body to heal and fight off infection. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping during the night is best. If you work the graveyard shift you need to make your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible.
When having trouble getting to sleep prepare your body a couple of hours before bedtime such as:
- Avoid electronics
- Dim the lights before going to bed
- Exercise regularly
- Get some sunshine on your skin in the morning
- Keep your bedroom, cool, dark, and quiet
- Limit food and water an hour before bedtime
- Listen to calming music
- Meditate
- Prepare for sleep an hour before bedtime (brushing teeth, flossing, washing face)
- Read a book (not an exciting one)
- Try aroma therapy such as lavender
If you need to use your smartphone or tablet before bed wear blue light-blocking glasses. These devices reduce melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm. Studies found exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) increases cancer risk.
4. Reduce Stress
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
Stress weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off infections. Stress is what set me back and caused my walking to get worse. Try stress, reducing activities, such as deep breathing or meditation. I like to relax in my recliner with my infrared light shining on me. It’s extremely relaxing and it removes inflammation. This is the infrared light I use: Beurer IL50 Infrared Light Therapy.
5. Herbal Supplements
People have always used herbs to fight viruses and other conditions. Take herbal supplements that boost the immune system and fight viruses. There are several to choose from, make sure you buy one from a reliable brand.
- Basil
- Cat’s claw
- Curcumin (turmeric)
- Echinacea
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Lemon balm (it calms our nerves)
- Licorice root
- Olive leaf
- Oregano
- Passionflower
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Turmeric (curcumin)
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
Note: Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement. Supplements can interfere with certain medications.
Beat EBV Naturally
I know dealing with MS can sometimes feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending maze. And when you throw in the whole EBV thing, it can feel like you’re facing a giant, invisible monster. But hey, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this battle. And guess what? By taking these natural steps you can tackle EBV and get it out of your system.
First off, load up on immune-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Think of it as giving your immune system a power-up.
Next, let’s show EBV who’s boss some antiviral herbs. We’re talking about stuff like echinacea – nature’s little warriors against pesky viruses. Whip up some herbal teas and add these herbs to your meals to fight EBV and other pathogens.
And don’t forget about managing stress. Yeah, I know, it’s easier said than done, right? But stress can weaken your immune system, giving EBV a free pass to wreak havoc. So, find what helps you relax – whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just a good ol’ Netflix binge. – Make it a regular part of your routine.
Find a quiet and comfortable place to relax and close your eyes. Then tell your face to relax, then your jaw, neck, shoulders, and so on. Keep telling every part of your body to relax until you reach your toes. – You’ll be able to see how much tension you’re holding.
Lastly, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Your body needs all the help it can get to fight off EBV, so don’t skimp on the water or sleep. Make sure you drink filtered water to avoid contaminants. Track your water intake by writing it down or on an app.
Remember, tackling EBV naturally is like taking back control of your health. It’s not always easy, but every little step counts. So, keep on fighting. You’ve got this!
The Ultimate Guide to Surviving & Thriving with MS
Unlock the key to a vibrant life with multiple sclerosis by subscribing to my newsletter and gaining exclusive access to ‘The Ultimate Guide to Surviving & Thriving with MS.’ It’s packed with valuable information on natural management strategies and clean health lifestyle practices that you can start today.
Want to remember this health tip? Pin it to your Pinterest board!
Natural Strategies to Beat EBV with MS
