Chronic EBV / Mono Reactivation

Anti-inflammatory diet (reduce immune activation), Avoid arginine-rich foods (arginine feeds virus, opposite of lysine): chocolate, nuts (especially almonds, walnuts, cashews), seeds, oats, wheat, coconut, raisins, Increase lysine-rich foods (suppresses virus): wild fish (flounder, cod, sardines), chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, eggs, dairy (if tolerated—yogurt, cheese), legumes (lentils, beans—but some are also high arginine, fish/poultry better), Colorful vegetables (antioxidants, immune support), Berries (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), Bone broth (immune support, easy to digest), Ginger and turmeric (anti-inflammatory), Garlic (antimicrobial, immune), Green tea (EGCG—antiviral, immune), Adequate protein (immune function requires protein), Eliminate sugar (feeds virus, suppresses immune system), Avoid processed foods (inflammatory), Eliminate gluten and dairy trial (reduce inflammation), Organic (reduce toxin load), Avoid alcohol (immune suppression, liver stress), Stay hydrated, Some benefit from celery juice (Anthony William recommendation—controversial but many report benefit)

Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours minimum—immune system fights viruses during sleep, poor sleep = viral reactivation), Stress management CRITICAL (stress is #1 trigger for EBV reactivation—cortisol suppresses immune function): meditation, yoga, breathwork, therapy, address chronic stressors, Gentle exercise only (overexertion can trigger flares—walking, gentle yoga, avoid intense exercise until virus suppressed), Rest when needed (pushing through fatigue worsens condition), Avoid immune suppressants (steroids, NSAIDs—suppress immune response to virus), Sunlight exposure (vitamin D—immune function), Quit smoking (immune suppression), Limit alcohol (immune suppression), Address other infections (gut pathogens, Lyme, mold—coinfections common, treat concurrently), Heal gut (gut health determines immune function—leaky gut, dysbiosis drive immune dysfunction), Support liver (EBV affects liver, need detoxification support—milk thistle, NAC, glutathione), Infrared sauna (detox, immune support), Avoid extreme heat or cold (stress on system), Adequate hydration, Emotional support (chronic illness is isolating—support groups, therapy), Be patient (viral suppression takes months—3-6 months minimum, often 6-12 months for significant improvement)