Epstein Barr is a virus that remains in a latent or inactive state in healthy people after initial infection. Reactivated Epstein Barr virus can occur after the primary infection due to immune suppression like stress, poor nutrition, immune lowering drugs and chronic underlying disease. Let's have a look at these triggers for reactivated Epstein Barr virus in more detail.
Stress
A study on astronauts showed that the stress associated with space flight resulted in lowered immunity and the reactivation of EBV. Chronic stress both before and during the flight came from sleep deprivation, rigorous physical and mental training, change of routine and diet, time away from family and the pressures of public affairs.
These results on astronauts are similar to those from psychological stress studies in which exam stress resulted in lowered immune cell function and increased antibodies to EBV. In fact many of the patients I am in contact with are school and university students who have come down with the illness or a relapse during or after their exams.
Nutritional deficiencies
A deficiency of nutrients including zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin A, C, E and D, can lead to lowered immunity and reactivated Epstein Barr virus. One of the roles of these nutrients is to help your body produce immune cells like T-cells, B-cells and antibodies.
Poor diet
Poor food choices like excess sugar, alcohol and processed foods can weaken your immune defenses and cause a reactivation of EBV. For example consuming a lot of sugar like that found in a can of soft drink, can slow down the activity of your white blood cells for a few hours. These immune cells are the ones responsible for killing and scavenging EBV from your body. The higher the amount of sugar ingested, the longer the white blood cells are slowed down for. If you are in the habit of drinking soft drink or eating sugary foods throughout the day, then your immune system will never work at its optimal capacity.
Chronic underlying disease
A chronic bacterial, viral or fungal infection can predispose you to low immunity and reactivated Epstein Barr virus. Examples of chronic infections include HIV/AIDS, mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumonia, Lyme's disease and systemic Candida.
Patients who are taking post-transplant drugs after an organ transplant and patients who endure stress with chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease and ongoing pain may also have suppressed immunity and are more susceptible to reactivated Epstein Barr virus.
Poor Lifestyle choices
How well your immune system functions is closely linked to the everyday lifestyle choices you make. Smoking, taking recreational drugs, lack of sunshine, poor sleep patterns and inadequate exercise can contribute to weakened immunity and reactivated Epstein Barr virus.
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