By Dr. Shawn Bladel
The Importance of Testing for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
By Dr. Shawn Bladel | July 9, 2025 | Recreated Health
When it comes to persistent fatigue, unexplained inflammation, or autoimmune flares, one common viral culprit often flies under the radar: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Though widely known for causing mononucleosis (mono), this virus has a much deeper impact on long-term health than most realize. It can silently reactivate years after the initial infection, contributing to a variety of chronic conditions . In fact, many people have reactivated EBV without even knowing it. At Recreated Health, we understand how critical it is to uncover hidden contributors to illness—and EBV is one of the most important ones to test for.
Why is Testing for EBV Important?
Many individuals struggling with unexplained symptoms may be unknowingly dealing with an active or reactivated Epstein-Barr infection. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, swollen lymph nodes, autoimmune flares, and weakened immunity can all indicate an underlying EBV issue . Without proper testing, EBV can remain hidden, leading to long-term health complications that go untreated .
Knowing your EBV status is essential to:
- Identify if EBV is currently active or reactivated
- Determine if past infections may still be affecting your health
- Guide effective natural treatment protocols tailored to your body’s needs
The Essential EBV Tests
Dr. Shawn looks at these critical Epstein-Barr Virus tests to assess the status of the virus in the body. Understanding these tests allows for a more precise approach to addressing EBV naturally.
1. EBV-VCA IgM (Viral Capsid Antigen)
What It Means: This test detects the IgM antibodies produced in the early stages of an EBV infection. A positive result typically indicates a recent or active infection .
Why It’s Important: If IgM is elevated, your immune system is currently fighting EBV, or you’ve had a recent exposure. This is the ideal time to intervene with natural antivirals and immune-boosting support to help your body clear the virus efficiently.
2. EBV-VCA IgG (Viral Capsid Antigen)
What It Means: This test identifies IgG antibodies, which show up after exposure and typically remain in the body for life .
Why It’s Important: Alone, IgG positivity doesn’t confirm reactivation, but when evaluated alongside other markers (like EBV EA IgG), it helps paint a clearer picture of how EBV may still be influencing your health .
3. EBV-EBNA IgG (Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen)
What It Means: A positive EBNA IgG indicates a past infection and typically appears several months after the initial exposure .
Why It’s Important: While EBNA IgG confirms past exposure and immune memory, it is not a marker for current or reactivated infection. However, when assessed alongside VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EA IgG, it helps create a timeline of your body’s history with EBV and supports a more complete diagnosis.
4. EBV-EA-D IgG (Early Antigen – Diffuse)
What It Means: A positive EBV-EA-D IgG result typically indicates a reactivated or chronic EBV infection. This antibody shows up during active viral replication, even years after the initial infection .
Why It’s Important: Elevated EA-D IgG is often a key marker of EBV reactivation, which can be associated with autoimmune flare-ups, chronic fatigue, and other lingering symptoms . Identifying this pattern is crucial for implementing natural protocols that help calm the immune system and reduce viral load.
Natural Approaches to EBV Management
Once EBV is identified through testing, a natural health approach is crucial for long-term healing. Here are some of the key steps to managing EBV naturally:
1. Strengthening the Immune System
- Nutrient-Dense Diet: Whole, organic foods rich in immune-supportive nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants can reduce inflammation and support viral clearance .
- Immune and Mitochondrial-Optimizing Supplements: We recommend supporting both the immune system and mitochondria to maintain immune resilience. This can be accomplished with supplements such as MitoActive, BC ATP, vitamin D3, Zinc, Complete Mineral Complex, Olive Leaf Extract, Selenium, and Monolaurin. These will help support the immune system, T-cell function, and reduce EBV load. Additionally, research shows L-lysine may inhibit viral replication in EBV when herpes simplex viruses are also present.
- Antiviral Herbs: Oregano oil, olive leaf extract, and cat’s claw contain polyphenols and alkaloids that exhibit natural antiviral properties against EBV and other herpesviruses .
2. Supporting Detoxification
- Liver Support: The liver is a key detox organ. Milk thistle, dandelion root, and NAC (N-acetylcysteine) have been shown to support liver detox and antioxidant function during chronic infections. You can find this combination in a product called KL Support.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Tools like dry brushing, rebounding, infrared sauna, and vibration plate therapy stimulate lymph flow, which helps remove waste and immune byproducts from the body.
- Para Kit (CellCore): A blend of natural antimicrobials and drainage support, this kit supports pathogen removal and gut-liver-immune synergy. Anecdotally and clinically used by functional providers for managing chronic viral loads and pathogen-driven inflammation.
3. Reducing Stress and Enhancing Recovery
- Prioritizing Sleep: Poor sleep increases stress hormones and impairs immune surveillance, making the body more vulnerable to viral reactivation . Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Managing Stress: Meditation, breathwork, and nervous system regulation lower cortisol, which helps prevent EBV reactivation .
- Grounding & Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythm and boosts vitamin D, which is essential for antiviral immunity. Grounding has been linked to reductions in inflammation and improved immune balance .
Get Tested for EBV Today
At Recreated Health, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Testing for EBV is a crucial first step in understanding how viruses may be affecting your well-being and creating a personalized plan to regain your health. We fully understand that trying to take control of your health can be very overwhelming. We will help you take the guesswork out of getting started, knowing what to treat and how to best support your body to achieve healing!
If you suspect EBV may be contributing to your symptoms, take control of your health today by ordering an EBV Testing Kit and scheduling your consultation with Dr. Shawn here:
👉 https://www.recreatedhealth.com/pages/become-a-patient
Together, we can address EBV naturally and restore your energy, health, and vitality.
Start your healing today with Recreated Health!
📚 References
- Tsai, M.H., et al. Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus in patients with autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36620882
- CDC. Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html
- Kimura, H. et al. Clinical and virological characteristics of EBV reactivation. Front Immunol. 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9386096
- Oliviero, B., et al. Natural compounds modulating immune responses in chronic EBV infections. Nutrients. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34643826
- Amor, S., et al. Natural antiviral agents: a review of plant-derived compounds against herpesviruses. Viruses. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29412651
- Bouvier, S., et al. The role of lifestyle factors in Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Front Immunol. 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10552113
