When treating Epstein Barr virus, particularly when in the chronic stage, symptoms like cravings and overeating need to be addressed.
Normally when you have eaten enough food, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are sent to the brain to indicate that appetite has been satisfied. When you are under stress from an illness like Epstein Barr, a deficiency in these neurotransmitters can lead to depression, apathy and mood swings. The result can be a vicious cycle of cravings and comfort eating.
The role of serotonin in treating Epstein Barr virus and cravings
Serotonin is one of the major brain chemicals involved in appetite regulation. It brings feelings of optimism, creativity and peace of mind, as well as influencing self control and impulse control. When serotonin is low you may feel depressed, impulsive, scattered or blocked. You will also crave sweets, carbohydrates or alcohol to boost brain serotonin quickly.
Prozac, an antidepressant, is well known for boosting the brain’s level of serotonin. Doctors sometimes prescribe it when treating Epstein Barr virus. There have however been reports of nasty side effects like headache, nausea, and insomnia plus withdrawal symptoms from Prozac. Some researchers postulate that the long term use of drugs like Prozac reduces the number of serotonin receptor sites in the brain, as the drug makes them unnecessary.
The role of beta-endorphin in treating Epstein Barr virus and cravings
Beta-endorphin is similar in some of its actions to serotonin. It affects self esteem, responsibility and the feeling of connection with others. It is also a powerful natural pain killer that is made by the body, so can play a vital role in treating Epstein Barr virus.
You may have heard how a rush of beta-endorphin creates a ‘runners high’ or euphoria in long distance runners. When beta-endorphin is low you can be touchy and tearful with low self esteem. You may feel isolated or victimized and have a low pain threshold. You can have chronically low self esteem that is biochemically based and not responsive to counseling or psychotherapy.
The dangers of sugars, alcohol and coffee when treating Epstein Barr virus and cravings
People with low serotonin or beta-endorphin will have a powerful and heightened response to eating sugar or alcohol. These foods will boost your brain levels of these chemicals to produce exaggerated feelings of happiness, satisfaction and self esteem. However this drug induced happiness is short lived and leads to further cravings and often dependence.
When you develop a dependence on a substance – be it sugar, alcohol or coffee, you alter the natural state of your brain. Your brain adjusts to the extra serotonin or beta-endorphin caused by substance abuse. When you try to recover from this imbalance you will experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, irritability, loose stools or joint pains.
Apart from the dependence issue, these foods are also nutritionally deficient and can in fact suppress immunity. They should not be in the diet when treating Epstein Barr virus.
Treating Epstein Barr virus and cravings naturally
Fortunately there is a lot you can do to optimize levels of brain chemicals and hormones in order to regulate your appetite and stop cravings and overeating. Treating Epstein Barr virus and cravings should include stabilizing your blood sugar through diet and supplements, managing your stress, exercising regularly and detoxifying your body.
We will discuss these techniques in more details in the next blog. These techniques are also discussed in the ebook “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.