Mono Treatment – Stress and Adrenal Exhaustion

Stress is a well-known factor in suppressing immunity and activating the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis. Mono treatment should address stress and adrenal fatigue for you to 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 levels of cortisol and low levels of DHEA. Physically you can still feel good.

Stage 2 adrenal fatigue is characterized by low DHEA and declining cortisol levels as the adrenal glands become exhausted. Feelings of tiredness and stress overload begin to appear.

Stage 3 adrenal exhaustion is indicated by low levels of cortisol and DHEA. 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 your adrenal glands are exhausted or your tests show your adrenal glands are fatigued, there are a number of strategies you should include in your mono treatment plan to help them recover.

• First of all, quality sleep is a priority for repairing the adrenal glands, especially during mono treatment. Aim for 8-10 hours a night of uninterrupted sleep, plus an afternoon nap if you need one.
• 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 protein like free-range chicken, fish, lean red meat, eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Every 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 to reduce your intake of stimulants like coffee and alcohol, as well as cut out sugar and white refined flour products.
• Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and tai chi are recommended to help you cope with stress during mono treatment. Start gently and work your way up to at least half an hour five times a week.

Finally, remember that it’s how you respond to stress that counts. By learning to go with the flow, stay positive, and take care of yourself with the above strategies, you’ll find that you can control your stress.