Mono treatment: stress and adrenal exhaustion

Stress is a well-known factor that inhibits immunity and activates the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis. Mono treatment must address stress and adrenal fatigue so that you can fully and fully recover from this disease.

Your adrenal glands make hormones like cortisol and DHEA to help your body cope with stress. Measuring the levels of these hormones during monotherapy 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 usually high levels of cortisol and low levels of DHEA. You may still feel good physically.

Stage 2 of adrenal fatigue is marked by low DHEA and decreased cortisol levels as the adrenal glands become depleted. Feelings of fatigue and stress overload begin to appear.

Stage 3 of adrenal exhaustion is indicated by low levels of cortisol and DHEA. Physical symptoms can include low energy, poor immunity, headaches, mental confusion, hormonal imbalances like PMT and low sex drive, restful sleep, and cravings for sugar, salt, and stimulants like coffee and alcohol.

If you suspect that your adrenal glands are depleted or if your tests come back showing that your adrenal glands are fatigued, there are a number of strategies you should include in your monotherapy plan to help them recover.

  • First, quality of sleep is a priority for adrenal gland repair, especially during mononucleosis treatment. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night without interruptions, plus an afternoon nap if you need it.
  • Nourish the adrenal glands with nutrients like 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 your adrenal glands and help you cope with stress.
  • Your diet during mononucleosis treatment and for adrenal repair should revolve around small, frequent meals. Focus on quality proteins like free-range chicken, fish, lean red meat, eggs, beans, and cheese. Each meal should include plenty of fresh vegetables or low-carb fruits plus some natural oils, either through nuts, seeds, avocado, or a cold-pressed oil. Try reducing your intake of stimulants like coffee and alcohol, as well as cutting out sugar and refined white flour products.
  • Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, biking, yoga, and tai chi are recommended to help you deal with stress during monotherapy. Start gently and build up to at least half an hour five times a week.

Lastly, remember that it is how you respond to stress that counts. If you learn to go with the flow, stay positive, and take care of yourself with the above strategies, then you must find that your stress can be controlled.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *