Thyroid Function, Autoimmunity and Viral Reactivation:
Reactivated (dormant) Viruses, and New Viruses: What do they have in common? One correlation is the disruption of Thyroid function.
Clinical Research
As far back as 1989 (at least within a simple, non-exhaustive search), enough interest in trends were identified and approved for the Scientific Study of Epstein-Barr Virus: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673689928894
Over time, more frequent studies associate Thyroid Imbalances and Autoimmune Thyroid conditions, such as Graves Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. There are emerging studies that are researching an association between EBV with Thyroid cancer, as well.
These are just a tiny sample of studies for demonstration (not a complete listing), but you will notice the trend toward increased frequency of studies emerging:
2011: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21449724/
2015: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25931043/
2018-2019: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30362517/
There are numerous clinical studies published in peer reviewed publications, in addition.
Epstein-Barr Virus ( EBV ) is a Herpes-family virus, and much like Chicken Pox, Shingles, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes I and II — resides largely dormant in the body once the individual is infected.
The Immune System
The Immune System — when functioning optimally — keeps these common viruses in-check (inactive) within the Nervous System.
When our bodies are challenged by persistent stress, lack of restorative sleep, hormonal imbalances, seasonal and daylight duration changes — along with bacterial infections and infections from other viruses — the latent (dormant) viruses in our bodies can become reactivated.
Testing
Doctors can test for EBV in two ways:
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- Existence of (past or new) infections with EBV using a QUALITITATIVE evaluation (whether it is present or not, and whether it is an old exposure or an active/new infection)
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- Viral load of EBV using a QUANTITATIVE evaluation (whether the virus is active, and how much virus is circulating in the body)
Management
From an Herbal / Functional Medicine standpoint, we seek to assist the body in support of managing elevated levels of circulating viruses.
This type of virus is in the family of Retroviruses, which require a different approach than other viruses. While we cannot eliminate Retroviruses from clinical tests, we do aim to help clear what is circulating and send them back into a dormant (inactive) state. “Overstimulating” Immune function of an already-overstimulated system is not ideal for this type of virus or Autoimmune conditions.
Keynote
There are a small number of key herbal medicines for certain aspects of managing this family of viruses. We also support the elimination of excessive waste products produced when the body battles against active infections, without overstimulation of Immune function.
This must be matched to the Individual’s existing personal medical history for safety and efficacy.
In light of the unique clinical fingerprint for each Individual, it is not something I can rattle off a list for general consumption — but I do regularly see the effects of Reactivations in the return of hormonal imbalances and other related symptoms to which I lend a helping hand!
Transitional seasons are notable for Reactivations, in response to the seasonal impact upon hormonal balance. See my previous post on this here:
Interested to explore and support your own experiences? Reach out to me – always here for You!
~ Tami
