[Editor’s note] This post was originally published in January 2017. It has been updated and republished in May 2019.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses found in humans. In fact, about 50% of children have been exposed at a very young age, and by adulthood, it is believed that at least 95% of the population has been affected.
Along with herpes, shingles, and chicken pox, EVB is part of the herpesvirus family (HHV-4 herpes). EBV can cause mononucleosis (the “kissing disease”) but usually it doesn’t. In fact, that is the problem – most EVB infections aren’t noticeable, even when they are active in the body.
While for most people it poses no serious immediate consequences (other than misery from cold-like symptoms and fatigue), it can pose long-term health consequences…
Once you are afflicted with EBV, it never leaves. It remains dormant throughout life. However, there are many triggers that can provide fuel to viruses and other pathogens in the body so that a dormant virus can take advantage and become reactivated. These triggers include exposure to radiation, pesticides, herbicides, paint fumes, and mold.
They can also be related to nutritional deficiencies, physical injury, toxic heavy metal exposure, and emotional trauma. EBV can get reactivated anytime your immune defenses are down.
Women who have gone through a major life change, such as the death of a spouse or even menopause, may be particularly susceptible to the reactivation of the virus. While reactivation does not always present with symptoms, you may experience fatigue, aching muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms when EBV reactivates.
Epstein Barr Virus & Cancer: What’s the Connection?
What you need to know is that herpetic viruses such as EBV are often behind autoimmune disorders such as lupus, MS, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. And the EBV could even be fueling your breast cancer.
Doctors rarely look to EBV as a cause of illness as the patient is often asymptomatic of the virus. Yet, a person suffering from a thyroid condition, auto-immune disorder, or cancer likely had a case of mono back in the college days that never really left their system. It just took up a new residence within the body and started causing more serious problems. And it is not just mono, but shingles, herpes, and a myriad of other viruses.
For years, researchers have been linking viruses to the development of cancers such as various lymphomas. Recently, however, the connection to breast cancer has been found to be incredibly strong.
Studies have found that 30-50% of breast cancer patients have EBV, either active or dormant. Others put the number much higher, as high as 90%.
A 2016 study published in the Central European Journal of Immunology reported that EBV shows immunomodulatory and oncogenic effects that inhibit apoptosis (cancer cell death) and control inflammation.
In 2017, researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that EBV interferes with cell division and reprograms cells into becoming cancer cells. Consistent research shows that EBV leads to changes in gene expression, activation of oncogenic signaling, and increases the risk of cancerous transformation.
According to the American Cancer Society, EBV is implicated with nasopharyngeal cancer, certain types of lymphomas, and stomach cancer. Some research points to the idea that most of the time cancer is caused at least in part by a virus.
Yet all too often, patients are told that EBV or other viruses can’t be the problem. This may be because blood tests show antibodies that indicate a past infection, not a present one, or that doctors just don’t think to look for it. However, a study published in the Journal of General Virology found EBV can initiate cancers or play a stealth role in their development. They reported that viruses can take up residence in host cells without activating the immune system but may disappear from the tumor cells by the time the cancer is detected.1
Other researchers have postulated that just fighting the virus could exhaust or dampen down the immune response, which might help cancer escape immune destruction.
EBV and Breast Cancer
Scientific findings suggest that EBV infection drives the activation of genes that contribute to an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer. A 2016 study published in The Lancet reported that EBV leads to changes in gene expression, activates oncogene signaling, and lowers the guard against cancerous transformation. The researchers referred to these gene expression changes as ‘EBVness’, meaning they were associated with remnant EBV DNA. They concluded that EBV may increase the odds of breast cancer formation.2
The researchers, led by Gerbury Wulf, MD, PhD, of the Hematology/Oncology Division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, reported that EBV may accelerate the development of malignant breast cancer. They found that breast cells bonded to the Epstein Barr virus and that the virus lowered the threshold for transformation into a particularly aggressive form of cancer.
“We think that if a young woman develops EBV during her teenage years or later, her breast epithelial cells will be exposed to the virus and can be infected. While for most individuals, there will be no long-term consequences, in some the infection may leave genetic scars and change the metabolism of these cells,” explained Wulf. “While these are subtle changes, they may, decades later, facilitate breast cancer formation.”
A study done in 2014 found “a strong association between EBV and breast cancer carcinoma in Sudanese patients, and considerable epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors that make likely be an outcome or an association with viral oncogenesis.”
The researchers detected EVB in all of the breast cancer biopsies and none in the normal breast tissue biopsies. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Sudanese women, and interestingly, there is a very low frequency of BRCA mutations in Sudanese breast cancer patients.
Another study published in 2015 found an association between EBV and the development of breast cancer. While the study had inconsistent results, the researchers concluded that EBV and other viruses may play a role at a later stage in the development of breast cancer. They also hypothesized that this could explain elevated IgG levels associated with breast cancer.
Numerous other researchers have concluded that the role of EBV in the development and progression of breast cancer as well as in autoimmune disorders cannot be overlooked and should be investigated further. Cancers have a known cause, and this virus is one of them. Therefore, if your medical team is not aware of this connection, you will need to be your own advocate and take control of your care – which is always a good idea.
What You Can Do NOW to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
Many natural compounds have the ability to suppress viral activation. Scientific research confirms that any food that is considered to be antiviral and/or antibacterial or which can support the immune system and liver can help. Anthony William was at the forefront of substances that target EBV and mentions many foods and substances in his book Life Changing Foods.
For example, according to his book, lemon balm, iodine, lysine, and licorice root are particularly helpful. He says that lysine hinders and stops EBV from proliferating. Doctors have been recommending lysine for numerous years for the prevention of cold sores, so this makes sense. A notable 2005 study presented in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lysine, as well as various probiotics, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other plants support immune function and inhibit EBV.
Some other agents cited are astragalus, bee propolis, and zinc.3
Research shows that licorice root (and its constituent quercetin) is powerfully antiviral and stops viruses from procreating. It also has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, hepatoprotective, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-tumor effects.4
Monolaurin, a lipid extract from coconut, has powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antipathogenic activity.5 It may work against the virus by disintegrating the protective lipid envelope surrounding the virus, facilitating the death of EBV cells.6
Vitamin C stimulates the body’s production of antiviral cytokines and interferon that boost the immune response to viruses and inhibit their cell growth.7
Vitamin D plays a key role in optimizing the function of the immune system and the expression of several genes that may be involved in infection-fighting pathways. A 2017 study determined that high-dose oral vitamin D3 supplementation can improve immune responses against EBV.8
Here are a few beneficial herbs & spices, essential oils, and supplements that you may even have on hand already:
- Cats Claw is powerful against pathogens and viruses.
- Cilantro is fantastic for removing heavy metals. It is also antibacterial and antiviral.
- Lemon balm is anti-parasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial
- Licorice root is powerfully antiviral and stops viruses from procreating. It also pushes the virus out of the body creating an environment inhospitable to hosting such viruses.
- Parsley is a strong pathogen-fighter and targets parasites, bacteria, and fungus.
- Turmeric is the ultimate inflammation fighter, including for inflammation in the brain that occurs as a result of EBV.
- Aloe Vera is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic. Studies have shown it to be useful for targeting the pathogens connected with colon, stomach, and rectal cancers.
- Astragalus, Bee Propolis, and Zinc support immune function and inhibit EBV.
- Burdock root supports the liver so it can remove pathogens and toxins.
- Astaxanathin, lutein, quercetin, and selenium show powerful protection against EBV activation.
- EBV is one of the viruses that trigger NF-kB, and activation of NF-kB has been linked to various cancers. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has been shown to inhibit NF-kB.
- NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is antiviral and offers significant reduction of NF-kB.
- Vitamin D inhibits EBV. And like NAC and ALA, it inhibits NF-kB and reduces the resulting inflammation triggered by EBV. It is important to note that low vitamin D status hinders the immune system response to EBV and cancer. Further, young people with low vitamin D status and high antibody reactivity to the EBV have an increased risk of developing MS.
- Citrus peels have been found to be effective against active EBV. Researchers have found that the d-limonene extracted from the peels suppresses TPA, which is a tumor promoter associated with EBV. Therefore, lemon and myrtle essential oils can also be helpful due to the d-limonene they contain.
- Cordyceps have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities that suppress EBV replication and protect the liver.9
- Myrtle is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and contains other chemo-preventive compounds.
- Olive Leaf has potent antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. 10
- Vitamin C hinders viral infection and replication.
- Monolaurin has antiviral, antibacterial, and antipathogenic activity.
- Ginger blocks TPA as well as the expression of EBV antigens, thus blocking viral and tumor activity associated with EBV.
After the initial infection, EBV stays in your body throughout life. It has to be kept dormant, or it can reactivate. And it could well be driving your autoimmune disorder or cancer.
The following foods are considered to be particularly effective against EBV:
- Apples
- Avocados
- Grapes
- Oranges and Tangerines (including the peel)
- Papayas
- Blueberries and Blackberries
- Pomegranates
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Cruciferous Vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Leafy Greens
- Onions and Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sprouts and microgreens
- Herbs (oregano, thyme, etc.)
- Cilantro and Parsley
- Ginger
- Lemon balm
- Licorice Root
- Turmeric
- Aloe Vera
- Atlantic Sea Vegetables
- Burdock Root
- Coconut
- Nettle Leaf
- Red Clover
- Rose Hips
Things to Avoid to Minimize Your Risk of EBV & Cancer
Just as important as “what to eat” is what not to eat. If you have symptoms or believe you have active EBV, you may need to avoid dairy, eggs, corn, and wheat until the situation is resolved. I typically recommend avoiding wheat and corn regardless as they are typically genetically modified and corn is loaded with aflatoxins.
Always avoid unhealthy fats and cooking oils such as canola and soybean oils. And remember that genetic expression is turned on or off by lifestyle factors. What you eat, drink, do, and think determines genetic expression. Take charge of your health and your body will thank you.
Remember that after the initial infection, EBV stays in your body throughout life. It has to be kept dormant, or it can reactivate. And as it is likely that you have been exposed to EBV, it would be prudent to include the above recommendations into your daily diet. Also imperative is to reduce stress, a major cause of immune system dysfunction. As an empowered person, you can absolutely reduce the risk of EBV wreaking havoc on your health.
Please help bring more awareness about the link between EBV and cancer by sharing this article with your friends and family below.
Article Summary
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses found in humans. About 50% of children have been exposed at a very young age, and by adulthood, it is believed that at least 95% of the population has been affected.
Once you are afflicted with EBV, it never leaves and remains dormant throughout life. However, there are many triggers that cause viruses to become reactivated. These triggers include exposure to radiation, pesticides, herbicides, paint fumes, and mold.
For years, researchers have been linking viruses to the development of cancers such as various lymphomas. Recently the connection to breast cancer has been found to be incredibly strong.
In a study published in 2016, researchers reported that EBV may accelerate the development of malignant breast cancer. Numerous other researchers have concluded that the role of EBV in the development and progression of breast cancer as well as in autoimmune disorders cannot be overlooked and should be investigated further.
Many natural compounds have the ability to suppress viral activation. These include any food, supplement, or essential oil that is considered to be anti-viral and/or antibacterial or which can support the immune system and liver.
Here are some of the beneficial herbs & spices, essential oils, and supplements:
- Cats Claw
- Cilantro
- Lemon balm
- Licorice root
- Parsley
- Turmeric
- Aloe Vera
- Iodine
- Burdock root
- Wild foods (foods found growing in nature without being planted by humans)
- Astaxanathin, lutein, quercetin, and selenium
- Vitamin E and selenium
- Vitamin B12
- Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
- NAC
- Vitamin D
- Citrus peels
- Myrtle
- Ginger
If you have symptoms or believe you have active EBV, you may need to avoid dairy, eggs, corn, and wheat until the situation is resolved. Always avoid unhealthy fats and cooking oils such as canola and soybean oils.
There is a radio show called Medical Medium on Hay House Radio and he confirms these findings. He says EBV is in almost everyone and eating these kinds of foods fights it.
Zyto scan shows infections and how organs are working. I have Lyme and I use most of these supplements. They are awesome. Parsley has PQQ and may help make more mitochondria. Licorice root may help cortisol not break down as fast. Many people have burned out adrenals that are too low in cortisol which helps fight bacteria etc. Celiac may lower the immune system making it easier to get infections and cancer and may make antibodies to the thyroid and hurt all glands/cells.
Celery seeds have relatively high amounts of PQQ as well.
I had read in one of the ‘Breast Health’ articles that breast cancer can possibly be caused by a virus and I have also heard that the mouse mammory tumor virus and the human mammory tumor virus were related. I do not know whether it is true. When my mother had cancer, she had herpes viruses on her lips. I also heard that people’s viral infections that they had when they were younger led to cancer later on. In my opinion, if breast cancer is supposedly caused by a virus, one should use viral therapy instead of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for all 4 stages of breast cancer. I had heard that viral therapy is milder than chemo and people just feel flu-like symptoms.
The lowest levels of breast cancer in the world is found in the Japanese as they eat a lot of seaweed, which has large amounts of Iodine. Take a few drops each day in a glass of water. I now like the taste of it and drink it like tea, i use distilled hot water and add a few drops each time instead of a tea bag. It tastes a bit like tea to me now. I’m not likely to get breast cancer being male but i feel loads better for doing it.
YEs and they also take Chaga . mine is the best at canadianchaga.com
To me cancer is due to Celiac which may lower the immune system and allow infections to happen. Infections burden the immune system and may lower it so getting rid of infections is good. Chemo/radiation are poison and poison good cells and hurt the gut lining so intestines may not absorb nutrients. Detoxing/vitamins/good oils/minerals..probiotic…LDN (helps the immune system and blocks hidden gluten)/no gluten/
dairy/soy/sugar/GMO etc. may help the immune system. Lyme is bacteria and may also lower the immune system and allow cancer. Getting rid of all infections/toxins and putting only healthy food into the body that heals intestines only may help. People have healed from stage 4 cancer with natural help and helping the root causes. Some remove root canals and cancer goes away since it lowers bacteria infections in the root canal. Some remove mercury fillings since heavy metals may block thyroid along with gluten and block chemical reactions. Cleansing the body and juicing/mushrooms/Essiac/green tea/ginger etc.may help the immune system and rebuild cells to burn oxygen. Fixing the pH/oxygen may help. Exercise/sunlight (Vit D3)/nature/friends/pets/family/ love/God/prayer and more may help. Getting rid of yeast may help.Absorbing more minerals in intestines may help the immune system. Zyto scan shows infections and how organs are working. I currently have Lyme/coinfections and yes they do burden the immune system. Getting rid of estrogen dominance may help due to meat/dairy/soy/BPA/The Pill and more. Bioidentical hormones…estriol/progesterone/testosterone may help. Progesterone may help the immune system and the right ratio of hormones may help. Many people may get cancer when progesterone is lowering at premenopause and stop at menopause. Progesterone may help the immune system/adrenals. Fixing the root cause….prevents the cancer from coming back./ Chemo/radiation may cause cancer and poisons the body. Natural only help may help a person thrive/heal fast. The people with cancer I know that went gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO free, are still alive/well. They are natural antivirals people can get like Lomatium. Ozone also may help all kinds of infections and parasites and not hurt. It helps cancer as it raises oxygen.
Could someone please direct me to any scientific support/findings as to why to avoid dairy and eggs if you suspect you are infected with EBV. I refer to the sentence below in the text:
“Just as important as “what to eat” is what not to eat. If you have symptoms or believe you have active EBV, you may need to avoid dairy, eggs, corn, and wheat until the situation is resolved.”
Thanks!
If a person can’t have gluten then they can’t have dairy usually. Dairy gave me seizures and depression no medicine could help maybe due to the kind of fat in it and Casein. Eggs..maybe allergies due to eggs being in vaccines. I eat allergic things since gluten/GMO/Lyme/antibiotics/yeast may cause leaky gut and they affect me even when microscopic. The Celiac diet may help the immune system/nutrients absorbed in intestines so cells are made right to work right,….which helps get rid of infections.
???….Sorry but this was NOT an answer to my question. ( Also this would not be valid for a person that does not have any issues with eggs and dairy as to why to suddely leave this out.)
EBV feeds on dairy, eggs, corn and soy according to Anthony William’s Medical Medium book. It backs up all this information.
Thanks for your validations! People who have infections may be Celiac which lowers the immune system and nutrients absorb so infections survive/thrive. Many people don’t realize they have a gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO issue. Tests may not work to diagnose Celiac. I used to eat all of these foods but eventually they let my brain/body crash in health. I ate plenty, but if eat them now they destroy me. People may build up a tolerance to gluten like a tolerance to alcohol so they don’t notice it affecting them except they have health issues. Gluten may hurt most people, but few figure it out. Dairy maybe a lactose intolerance also and some may be able to eat dairy once gluten is stopped and the tips of the intestines that make lactase to digest lactose may regrow. I am allergic to most of my foods due to leaky gut due to gluten etc, but still eat them. I may sweat and pulse may rise etc. Stressing out the immune system may not let the immune system be strong enough to fight off infections so they may last for years in the body.
Seriously… Medical Medium = Marketing Medium. A man that speaks to a spirit… Really this is NOT scientific in any way…
True, but nothing was scientific about Edgar Cayce either, yet he revealed many holistic cures for human ailments that we know of and medical doctors still practice Cayce’s recommendations to this very day.
Let’s not forget that the world’s greatest inventor, engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla consulted with Edgar Cayce and it was then revealed to him what was the missing piece to his famous healing platform that would make it work successfully. This visit and consultation is very well documented and stored in the Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Library in Virginia. So, my dear Anna, let’s do have a little respect for our invisible friends shall we?
https://www.edgarcayce.org/our-work/a-r-e-library/
I think your EBV is making you a little irritable and rude to those that are trying to be helpful.
the Arginine : Lysine ratio is known to affect Herpes viruses. Dairy products have some of the narrowest Arg: Lys ratios, and so are highly desirable foods. If you worry about the hormone effects on cancer development, go for butter and cheese. The hormones are concentrated in the liquid (whey) fraction.
They both feed viruses
Curious why Monolaurin is not included on the list of supplements. It is my primary supplement for keeping my many viruses at bay. Thoughts?
I was wondering the same. My highly experienced naturopathic Dr. prescribed Monolaurin powder when I tested positive for EBV. This was the sole treatment as my diet was already excellent.
It would be good if some credit was given to Anthony Williams as most of the info in this article is from his book.
Hi Lou,
Please refer to the sources and references tab to see where we got the information for this article. The tab is directly under the article summary.
I agree 100% with you. As I read this I kept thinking “this is everything Anthony William has taught for several years.”
Almost any auto-immune disease can cause leaky gut. You might not have any symptoms from LG, but it’s suggested that the proteins (gluten and casein) cannot be absorbed so avoid gluten and dairy as much as possible. This avoids creating inflammation, which makes it harder to heal. I still eat organic eggs. I eat organic corn occasionally. I never have dairy or gluten and make a lot of bone broth to heal my gut. Follow your intuition. Don’t blindly follow all suggestions!
Is there any way at all to get rid of EBV? Has the medical medium ever said if it can be got rid of? I have his book but haven’t seen it as yet, was wondering if the radio show had ever mentioned it.
Graham, where can you get seaweed and the drops? Can you purchase it at your local grocery store or do you have to purchase it online? I live in Ottawa, Canada. Is it true that if a person eats seaweed, they are less likely to get cancer or be cured from it? I heard also in one documentary that I have watched called ‘The World Without Cancer’ that the reason people in China have a low cancer rate because they eat food which is high in vitamin B17. Graham, if a person eats foods high in vitamin B17, apricot seeds also known as bitter almonds, and vitamin B17 supplements are they less likely to develop cancer or be cured from this disease?
I am currently doing the 30 day Melissa challenge with Doterra oil. Based on the health of my lips, despite sun exposure, it appears to be working. Pure melissa oil, so it can be taken internally, is expensive, but still less than a doctor’s visit.
I was wondering how the Melissa oil did for you? I have it but rarely use it. I did Monolaurin many years ago but my EBV viral load barely moved.
Medical Medium, Anthony William has been talking about this for many, many years.
The articles says that approx 95% of the population has the EB virus and that 30-50% of breast cancer patients have EB virus – so less of the people with cancer have the virus than the general population!?
Dear Anna, Dr Axe and Dr Mercola and Greenmed info have plenty of articles about dairy. Green med info is the scientific based web-site for the academic material and Dr Axe and Mercola provide articles which are synthesis of their scientific research. My understanding is non-organic, pasteurised and homogenised milk products are hard to digest. Dr Axe and Mercola suggest raw milk products and raw goats cheese etc. I hope this is helpful Anna.
best wishes
Rebecca in aussie!!
Celiac may cause cancer and also let people get infections. Infections may also lower the immune system in addition to Celiac. Fixing the Celiac, but no gluten/hidden gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO and treating infections/cancer with ozone/herbs/natural help may help both.People with cancer may have other infections beside EB virus or just have Celiac. Zyto scan shows infections a person has in about 4 minutes. Fixing the root cause may help the person restore their health fast.
It sounds like some of his book was used to develop this article
Gluten is an inflammatory food for many, especially if you have any problems in your digestive tract/gut. It’s difficult to digest and break down. Eggs and dairy (and a few other foods) have a similar molecular structure, which your body can confuse for the gluten protein. Molecular mimicry. They are also inflammatory foods as their proteins may be difficult for many to process/digest. If you want to see if you have an intolerance, cut them out for a month or two, then add them into your diet, one at a time. You will know right away (give it a week for each food, separately) if your body does not tolerate these foods. Hopefully all will be good and there will be no issues…if there are none, then by all means keep eating them. I would…!
All these references to Anthony William Medical Medium and nobody recognizing any of the significant differences between this article and what the ‘Medical Medium’ taught. It was over two years ago I read his book, but I do readily recall that he does not believe any part of our body attacks itself, hence autoimmune disease of any form does not exist.
It is so frustrating for us all, especially when we have a chronic illness, to know what’s what. One article has us going in one direction for treatment based on a “study” of all things. And the next moment, a doctor that doesn’t take the time to understand your health history, makes like he/she really knows what is going on with your body because they can’t admit they DON’T know, and has you going in another direction for treatment.
Please urge the government to put some more research money towards understanding the ways EBV affects our health and finding effective treatments for me/cfs.
Please check into NOVA University in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. They have an institute deacated to Epstein Barr and autoimmune diseases. I am on the waiting list. They are doing research and trying to find cures.
Did you get in to see the Drs. at Nova? Did they have any treatments for you?
So what about birth control ? It was not commonly used till the 70’s. Why blame a virus that has been around for probably centuries? I believe there is a link to using hormone treatments in women, so why don’t doctors tell there patients this when prescribing these pills? look at the numbers of women getting breast CA then prove me wrong.
Anthony William (Medical Medium) has been talking about EBV being the root cause of many diseases for years now. It is the source of many of the so-called auto immune diseases and other mystery illnesses. He says that , although the virus was first discovered in 1964, it had actually begun to take hold in the early 1900s. The Epstein Barr virus has been evolving over the decades and there are now over 60 varieties. EBV can be organized into 6 groups with roughly 10 types per group. It goes through 4 stages (Mono is stage 2). In his first book “Medical Medium”, he goes into great detail in describing the different varieties and stages and co-factors involved, such as strep. He talks about the favored foods of the virus…it loves heavy metals. In this book, he also gives an extensive healing protocol.
Anthony William, the Medical Medium, was the one who first brought this information to the public in his first book Medical Medium. Glad that other people are finally picking up on this and spreading the information.