Epstein-Barr virus & histamine: Effects on the immune system

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a significantly underestimated member of the herpes family. Infection is considered a "lifestyle disease," as more than 90% of the world's population carries this virus. When active, it attacks the immune system and can cause conditions such as glandular fever or promote the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV also influences our histamine levels. Further information, such as symptoms or causes, as well as the link between EBV and histamine issues, can be found in the following blog article.

The Epstein-Barr virus: What is it?

As mentioned above, more than 90% of the human population becomes infected with the so-called EBV at some point in their lives. The infection usually occurs in early childhood or adolescence and remains asymptomatic for most people at first. In some cases, the infection even goes unnoticed and without symptoms.

What are the symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus?

In adolescents and young adults, EBV often manifests as glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis). The most common symptoms of glandular fever are fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The course is generally mild, and the body recovers relatively quickly. However, in some affected individuals, it can lead to life-threatening complications. Examples include splenic rupture, breathing difficulties, or blood cell deficiency. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) or Hodgkin's lymphoma.

How is the virus transmitted?

Since infection occurs in most cases during childhood without symptoms, only about 10-20% of the population actually fall ill with the virus later in life. The virus is primarily transmitted through saliva. Transmission via blood transfusions or sexual contact is also possible. However, the risk of contagion only exists for people who have been infected with the virus but have not yet developed glandular fever.

How does the virus spread in the body?

During an initial infection with EBV, the virus first attacks the cells of the oral and nasal mucosa and the B-lymphocytes in the throat. Over the subsequent incubation period of four to eight weeks, the viruses spread through the bloodstream. Even after the symptoms have subsided, EBV can still be detected in saliva several weeks later.

The connection between EBV and the immune system

When infected with EBV, the virus settles into the body’s defense system. It confuses the immune system by evading its defense response. If the body is under stress or strain for a certain period, triggered by other illnesses, hormonal changes, or other psychological stresses and trauma, the human immune system can be weakened.

In this state, EBV may take advantage of the situation, reactivate, and spread through the blood and lymphatic vessels throughout the body. Other organs, such as the liver, thyroid, or kidneys, are frequently affected. The neurotoxins produced by EBV then destroy the body's own tissue. The misguided immune system then reacts to this by producing antibodies against itself in the hope of fighting off the virus.

Destruction of nervous system tissue can manifest as chronic fatigue syndrome.
If the reactivation occurs in the thyroid tissue, the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis may occur.

EBV and histamine: Is there a connection?

A reactivated Epstein-Barr virus can, among other things, attach itself to the liver and thus burden it. This simultaneously places a strain on HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase) – which is located in the liver, among other places, and is responsible for breaking down histamine produced by the body itself. 

A sufficient supply of choline, among other things, plays a role in maintaining normal liver function. Our MetaFit combines choline with selected plant-based ingredients such as milk thistle, dandelion, and coriander. The choline it contains contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function and makes MetaFit an uncomplicated addition to your daily routine.

In addition, a constantly active immune system due to EBV leads to the permanent or periodic activation of so-called mast cells. These cells are located in various parts of the body and can store and release histamine produced by the body.

Histamine release occurs primarily when the body is under potential danger or threat. An active or reactive Epstein-Barr virus represents such a threat and can thus lead to increased mast cell activation and histamine release in the body, which can cause histamine-related symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, headaches, fatigue and exhaustion, rashes, itching, hives, concentration and vision problems, increased pain perception, and hypersensitivity.

Treatment options for those affected by EBV

An EBV infection or reactivation can be detected through a detailed blood analysis. This analysis can also identify the stage of the infection. Since there is no vaccine that protects against the virus, the immune system must be intensively protected so that it is not triggered into reactivation by the slightest stress.

The goal of individual therapy is therefore to treat the regeneration of the confused immune system as well as the activation of the natural immune response. Healthy nutrition, sufficient sleep and exercise, mindfulness, stress reduction, and hygiene play an important role in this.

A balanced diet also includes a good supply of vitamins and minerals. If you would like to supplement your nutritional intake in a low-histamine everyday life, our Bio 1mmunFit is an option: It combines vitamin C from acerola with selected plant substances. The vitamin C contained contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

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