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Epstein Barr’s link to Thyroid disease: holistic approaches to treating it

In treating autoimmune disease it’s important to consider the body on a holistic level. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suspected to have a connection with many autoimmune diseases and especially is linked with thyroid health, particularly with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is estimated that 90 to 95% of the adult population have been exposed to the EBV virus. If you suspect that this may be affecting you ask your doctor to do a test for the EBV antibodies. Make sure they’re testing for the inactive and active antibodies.


Here's a summary of the information:


Most people are infected with EBV early in life, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, fever, sore throat, and body aches. While the virus typically remains dormant, it can occasionally reactivate¹[1].


- Link to Thyroid Autoimmunity: Reactivation of EBV has been linked to the development of some autoimmune diseases, including thyroid autoimmunity. Research suggests that there may be a connection between EBV and conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease²[4].


- Thyroid Health Approach: Before considering treating EBV to tackle thyroid issues, a holistic approach is recommended. This includes taking necessary medication, improving gut health, stress management, and exercise. If these steps are insufficient, certain vitamins and natural treatments for EBV reactivation might be considered, though their effectiveness is not proven¹[1].


It's important to note that while there is evidence of a connection, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship¹[1]. If you have concerns about thyroid health and EBV, it's best to consult with a professional healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on your health history and current condition.


(1) The Suspected Link Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Thyroid Health. https://drruscio.com/epstein-barr-virus-and-thyroid/.


(2) Can Epstein Barr Trigger Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?. https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/can-epstein-barr-trigger-graves-disease-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis/.


(3) Epstein Barr Virus and Thyroid Disease | Paloma Health. https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/epstein-barr-virus-thyroid.


(4) The Epstein-Barr Thyroid Connection: A Hidden Cause of Hashimoto's. https://www.drlamcoaching.com/blog/epstein-barr-thyroid-connection/.


(5) The Epstein-Barr Virus–Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Connection. https://www.drmarcantel.com/epstein-barr-virus-hashimotos-thyroiditis-connection/.


When considering supplements for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and thyroid health, it's important to approach this with a holistic perspective, focusing on supporting the immune system and thyroid function. Here are some supplements that are commonly discussed in relation to EBV and thyroid health:


- Vitamin D: This vitamin plays a role in immune function and may help prevent EBV infections and reactivations.


- Selenium: Selenium is essential for thyroid health and can support the immune system.


- Zinc: Zinc contributes to immune defense and thyroid hormone metabolism.


- Vitamin C: High-dose vitamin C therapy has been shown to help clear EBV infections, which may help prevent reactivation.


- Licorice Root and St. John’s Wort: These herbs can help inhibit viral replication, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner due to potential side effects.


Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have thyroid issues or an EBV infection, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your health history and current condition, and ensure that any supplements you take do not interfere with other treatments or medications you may be using. Never stop your medications without consulting your healthcare provider.




Vitamin C has been explored as a holistic alternative treatment for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, particularly in the context of high-dose intravenous (IV) therapy. Here's what some studies have found:


- High-Dose IV Therapy: Research indicates that high-dose IV vitamin C therapy may benefit patients with high levels of antibodies to EBV, most of whom had chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients showed improvement and had lower levels of antibodies to EBV following IV vitamin C treatment¹[1].


- Antibody Reduction: The more sessions of vitamin C IV therapy the patients had, the greater their decline in EBV antibody levels. Those who had five or more sessions had a significantly greater percent decrease in antibodies over time compared to those who did not receive IV vitamin C²[2].


- Blood Levels Correlation: Higher blood levels of vitamin C before the start of treatment were associated with lower antibody levels before treatment was initiated, suggesting that vitamin C may help control the viral infection³[3].


It's important to note that while these findings are promising, they should not be considered a cure for EBV. The effectiveness of vitamin C, especially in oral form, for EBV is still under investigation, and high-dose IV therapy should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you're considering vitamin C for EBV, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks in the context of your specific health situation.



(2) Effect of High Dose Vitamin C on Epstein-Barr Viral Infection. https://riordanclinic.org/research-study/effect-high-dose-vitamin-c-epstein-barr-viral-infection/.


(3) Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus with IV Vitamin C. https://drtoddmaderis.com/treatment-of-epstein-barr-virus-with-iv-vitamin-c-2.






An alternative to vitamin C IV therapy is taking vitamin C to tolerance levels.


The concept of taking vitamin C to "bowel tolerance" is based on the idea that you can determine the optimal dose of vitamin C by increasing the amount until you reach the threshold at which your bowels become loose. Here's a more detailed explanation:


- Bowel Tolerance: This is the maximum dose of vitamin C that can be consumed without causing diarrhea. It's a method used to find the right dose for an individual, as tolerance can vary greatly from person to person¹[1]²[2].


- Individual Needs: The amount of vitamin C that can be tolerated without causing gastrointestinal discomfort can indicate how much the body needs. During times of illness or stress, the body's requirement for vitamin C can increase significantly¹[1].


- Determining Dosage: To find your bowel tolerance, you would start with a small dose of vitamin C and gradually increase it until you experience gassiness, stomach rumbling, or loose stools. Then, you would reduce the dose slightly to stay within your personal tolerance level²[2].


It's important to note that while this method can help determine an individual's high-dose needs, it should be done cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid potential side effects and ensure proper absorption.


(1) Taking Vitamin C to “Bowel Tolerance” - Beyond Health. https://beyondhealth.com/blog/taking-vitamin-c-to-bowel-tolerance/.


(2) What is Bowel Tolerance? - Nutrition In Focus. https://allergyresearchgroup.blog/what-is-bowel-tolerance/.



(4) VITAMIN C, TITRATING TO BOWEL TOLERANCE, ANASCORBEMIA, AND ACUTE .... https://vitamincfoundation.org/pdfs/Vitamin_C_Dosage_in_Disease.pdf.


Disclaimer: while a holistic approach can be beneficial, however, if being treated for thyroid disease always discuss with your health practitioner. It’s essential to work with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you’re considering a holistic approach, discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your condition.

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