Liver cleansing for Epstein Barr Virus (Mononucleosis and Glandular Fever)

If you have Epstein Barr, you simply cannot afford to slow your recovery by having a buildup of toxins in your system.

The liver of a mononucleosis sufferer is often compromised by the Epstein Barr virus which targets the liver and affects its function. This results in a build up of toxins in the body which can contribute to fatigue, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, devitalized skin, headaches, weight gain and crankiness.

A healthy liver is fundamental for your well being. Most Epstein Barr patients have liver problems, although sometimes they are not aware of it. However, if the liver doesn't get back to proper functioning, then all the therapies, supplements and treatments in the world are unlikely to be effective.

The first step to eliminating unhealthy toxins in the body is to do some gentle liver and bowel cleansing. Just starting with half a lemon squeezed into warm water on rising in the morning every day is a good bowel and liver tonic. Drinking at least 2-3 litres a day of pure water will help flush the virus and toxins from your system.

Many people think that water fasting is the way to go when you want to cleanse your liver. However in my experience, it is too harsh for the majority of mononucleosis patients. Water fasting is not recommended if you are very toxic. Fasting can decrease the protective agents like antioxidants, glutathione and cysteine to unsafe levels resulting in free radical damage as toxins are released. This can make you feel awful with headaches, nausea, vomiting, loose stools and skin rashes.

Instead of water fasting, you are better off doing a liver cleanse with an effective cleansing kit which provides your body with the necessary herbs and nutrients to detoxify your body. These are available from your health food shop or naturopath. Ingredients to look out for in a good liver cleanser are the lipotropic agents choline, inositol and methionine, nutrients like zinc, magnesium, glutathione, the sulphur containing amino acids, and herbs like dandelion and St Mary's Thistle (or milk thistle).

Whilst doing a liver cleanse, your diet should focus on plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, legumes, natural oils, and small amounts of quality protein like fish, chicken and tofu. Eliminate red meat, dairy, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and artificial additives.

The importance of liver cleansing in mononucleosis cannot be understated. In my patients with chronic mononucleosis, liver cleansing is often the key to ridding the body of recurrent symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, muscle aches and sore throats. Even for my healthy patients, I recommend a liver cleanse at least once a year to keep the spring in their step and keep disease at bay.

If you have Epstein Barr or are recovering from its ill effects, then doing a regular liver cleanse will magnify your healing potential, and get you feeling good again.