Stress is a well-known factor in suppressing immunity and activating the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis. Mono treatment must address stress and adrenal fatigue so that you can fully recover from this disease.
Your adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and DHEA to help your body cope with stress. Measuring the levels of these hormones during mono treatment is a good way to assess your progress and how well your adrenal glands are working. Saliva tests for these hormones appear to be more accurate than blood tests.
In the early stages of adrenal fatigue there are normally high cortisol levels and low DHEA levels. Physically you can still feel good.
Stage 2 adrenal fatigue is characterized by low DHEA and decreasing cortisol levels as the adrenal glands become depleted. Feelings of tiredness and stress overload begin to appear.
Stage 3 adrenal exhaustion is indicated by low cortisol and DHEA levels. Physical symptoms can include low energy, poor immunity, headaches, brain fog, hormonal imbalances like PMT and low sex drive, unrefreshing sleep, and cravings for sugar, salt, and stimulants like coffee and alcohol.
If you suspect that your adrenal glands are overworked or if your tests show that your adrenal glands are overworked, there are a number of strategies to include in your mono treatment plan to help them recover.
- First of all, the quality of sleep is a priority to repair the adrenal glands, especially during treatment with mono. Aim for 8-10 hours a night of uninterrupted sleep, plus an afternoon nap if you need it.
- Nourish your adrenal glands with nutrients including vitamin C, B complex, magnesium, and Omega 3 fats like those found in fish oils.
- Herbs like ginseng and licorice are traditionally used to strengthen the adrenal glands and help you cope with stress.
- Your diet during monotherapy and for adrenal repair should be based on small, frequent meals. Focus on quality proteins like free-range chicken, fish, lean red meat, eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Each meal should include plenty of fresh vegetables or low-carb fruit, plus some natural oils, whether through nuts, seeds, avocado, or a cold-pressed oil. Try to reduce your intake of stimulants such as coffee and alcohol, as well as eliminating sugar and refined white flour products.
- Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, bicycling, yoga, and tai chi are recommended to help you cope with stress during mono treatment. Start gently and build up to at least half an hour five times a week.
Finally, remember that it’s how you respond to stress that counts. If you learn to go with the flow, maintain a positive attitude, and take care of yourself with the above strategies, you’ll find that you can control your stress.