Mononucleosis

Definition

Mononucleosis, occasionally referred to as “mono,” is an acute, contagious, viral illness usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or even cytomegalovirus, both of which belong to the herpes family. Mono is often referred to as the “kissing disease,” because it is highly contagious and can easily be spread through kissing. Mono is also commonly called, “the sleeping disease,” because it makes those afflicted with it extremely tired. It affects the lymph tissue, the respiratory system, and occasionally other internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and, rarely, the heart and kidneys. It creates an increase in white blood cells and the development of continual antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of mono occur four to seven weeks following exposure and include severe exhaustion, headache, alternating chills with a high fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck. Symptoms can differ and be difficult to diagnose because the mono viruses can impact different organs such as the spleen, liver, and occasionally the heart. Ten percent of people with mono also develop rashes and/or darkened bruises on the mouth.

Mono typically occurs in people between the ages of 14-18, and only in people who have never created antibodies against the virus.

Be aware: Mono’s symptoms are much like the flu, which should be ruled out. Most cases of mono improve without medicines within 4 to 6 weeks. Though antibiotics are often prescribed for mono, the fact is, they are of little use unless there is an associated infection. In addition, the antibiotic ampicillin will often make mono worse and should be avoided. Also avoid aspirin as it can create additional complications in rare instances.

Proper treatment in early stages of mono should include proper rest. If there is enlargement of the spleen, rest may need to be prolonged and strenuous exercise must be avoided till these organ returns to regular size.

Numerous mono sufferers have ongoing fatigue, depressive disorders, and a variety of symptoms for months following a bout with mono, but those on natural treatments seem to avoid this pitfall or even recover from mono more quickly.

Caution: Check for Lyme Illness.

Natural Remedies

Diet: Consume plenty of pure water and steer clear of excessive animal proteins. Additionally eat 4 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day and avoid overeating at each meal. For best results, eat as many raw foods as possible, especially sprouts, seeds, and nuts. Avoid processed foods, soft drinks, sugar, caffeine, white flour products, and fried foods.

Before leaving for the day, eat a few bites of a complex carbohydrate (cookies, potatoes, entree, etc.) with several bites of a non-animal protein (nut butter, natural yogurt, cheese, seed products, etc.) with a large glass of pure water or warm natural tea.

Herbal treatments: Combine the tinctures of myrrh, Echinacea, wormwood, cleavers, and calendula in equivalent parts and take 1-2 tsp. of this mixture 4 times per day.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Merc iod., and Phytolacca.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, vapor baths, bathhouses, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for dealing with a wide range of problems and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physiotherapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. All of us suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before attempting these methods to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves artificially creating fever in the body for the purpose of improving immune performance. Hyperthermia can be a highly effective method for eliminating poisons and heavy metals, and contagious bacteria and viruses that cannot survive in elevated body temperatures. We suggest a number of at-home hyperthermia treatments. Please seek the recommendation of your alternative health care practitioner before attempting these sweat-inducing procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

*Purified water is important for any hydrotherapy or hyperthermia treatment. Treatments for purifying bath water include clear instructions and recommendations.

Liquid Therapy: Mix the fruit juices of carrot, beet, tomato, green pepper, garlic, and onion. Whole wheat grass juice or other fresh organic juices may also be helpful.

Dietary Supplementation: Helpful nutrients include vitamin C, amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B complicated, acidophilus, liver glandulars, chlorophyll, selenium, along with a multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms continue despite attempting the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for dealing with mononucleosis: Acupuncture, Detoxification Treatment, Environmental Medicine, Magnetic Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Treatment, and Chinese medicine. (See References for descriptions of these Optional Therapies.)