Vitamins and Minerals for Glandular Fever (Epstein Barr or Mononucleosis)

Vitamins and Minerals for Glandular Fever (Epstein Barr or mononucleosis)

Sensible supplementation in the form of vitamins and minerals can give you the edge in treating Epstein Barr - the virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever.

During recovery from glandular fever it's essential to bolster your immune system with nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, the B complex, zinc and selenium.

Let's go through each of these in a bit more detail:

Vitamin C.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of the white blood cells that produce antibodies against glandular fever. These white blood cells also scavenge your body for the virus and destroy it.

Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve a sore throat, aching muscles and a swollen liver which are often associated with glandular fever.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A, or its precursor Beta carotene, is an antioxidant that defends your cells against free-radicals produced during glandular fever. It's essential for the repair of the cells that line your mouth, throat and lungs.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps to kill and scavenge the virus that causes glandular fever. Vitamin E is fat-soluble and it's contained within the cell membrane, unlike the water soluble nutrients like vitamin C and the B complex which remain outside the cell.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that stimulates T-cell and antibody production to fight off infection. It stops the Epstein Barr virus from replicating and from entering your cells. Zinc is also a powerful anti-inflammatory.
I tell my patients to try sucking on zinc lozenges. This can bring quick relief from the agony of a sore throat.

Selenium
Selenium is another essential antioxidant that protects the immune system by quelling free radicals. Supplementation with selenium has been shown to activate white blood cells and reduce inflammation.

Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in energy production. It can help recharge the adrenal glands and fight the fatigue of glandular fever. It can also help to relax the aching, heavy muscles so common with this illness.

Magnesium always been a best seller in my clinics, not just for my glandular fever patients, but for everyone. Most patients report a reduced feeling of stress, better sleep, more relaxed muscles and improved energy.

B complex
The B complex vitamins help support the adrenal glands, which help the body cope with stress. They're also involved in energy production which makes them essential for people with glandular fever.

The B complex includes B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin) and biotin.

Co enzyme Q10
Co enzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that plays a role in energy production. CoQ10 helps convert protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. That's why it is often referred to as Nature's "energy spark plug".

Vitamin and Mineral Dosages for Glandular Fever
The right amounts of vitamins and minerals for you will vary according to your age, the severity of your illness, how long you've been sick for and how much food you're eating. For more specific information check with your naturopath or holistic doctor or have a look at Chapter 2 in my e-book "Nature's Amazing Mononucleosis Cures".

Vitamins and minerals are essential in the treatment of glandular fever - use them wisely for a full and complete recovery.