Women with endometriosis often face unique challenges when trying to conceive, and understanding the underlying factors can be crucial for their journey. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the connection between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and fertility issues, particularly for women battling endometriosis. This conversation is not just about understanding a virus; it’s about recognising how it interplays with various health factors that can significantly impact a couple’s ability to conceive. This episode aims to provide listeners with valuable insights that can empower them on their fertility journey.
Dr Kasia Kines, our expert guest, is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and the CEO of the EBV Global Institute. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she sheds light on how EBV can affect health and fertility. She discusses the critical role that environmental toxins play in exacerbating symptoms of endometriosis and triggering EBV reactivation. This episode is packed with actionable strategies designed to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Dr Kasia Kines
Dr. Kines is the CEO and Founder of EBV Global Institute. She is an expert on recovery therapy for chronic Epstein-Barr Virus, author, wellness expert, and a doctor of clinical nutrition. Since 2005, Dr. Kines has built an international reputation as a functional nutritionist, from being sought after by Johns Hopkins University to the ground-breaking Amazon best-seller book Epstein-Barr Virus Solution.
Dr. Kines has developed the only evidence-based methodology for a complete long-term recovery from Epstein-Barr Virus. She has been teaching that in EBV Recovery Program. She also provides turn-key trainings for medical community.
Dr. Kines is a passionate advocate for debunking common misinformation about EBV in medical community and lectures on this topic extensively. She is on a mission to share the truth about EBV and the solutions globally, so no one needs to suffer needlessly from this misunderstood virus and its complications.
Dr. Kines believes we are spiritual beings having a physical experience and healing goes beyond the physical. This is why she adds spiritual principles to facilitate a deeper healing in the EBV community. On a personal level she also believes as a species at this point in time, we have a responsibility to and we are capable of raising our vibrational frequency to raise our consciousness for the highest good, including for the benefit of all sentient beings on this planet.
When not working or cooking, Dr. Kines is probably cooking or reading, or is out in the field with Beauty, her wild mustang lead mare and her other two rescue horses Jessie and Sugar, her herd.
Episode Overview
Kasia begins by explaining what Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is—a herpes virus that affects a significant portion of the population, often without causing noticeable symptoms. She elaborates on how EBV is contracted, highlighting transmission through saliva, blood, and sexual contact. Understanding these aspects is essential for anyone looking to comprehend their health better.
Next, we explore triggers for EBV reactivation. Kasia emphasizes that stress, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances are key factors that can lead to reactivation of the virus. This discussion is particularly relevant for women with endometriosis, as they often experience heightened stress levels and exposure to various environmental toxins.
The episode also delves into the link between EBV and endometriosis, where Kasia explains how environmental toxins can exacerbate symptoms and affect fertility. This connection underscores the importance of addressing both viral infections and environmental health in the pursuit of better reproductive outcomes.
Episode Highlights
- Understanding EBV: Kasia explains that 90-95% of the global population carries EBV without necessarily showing symptoms.
- Environmental Impact: The discussion highlights how dioxins—common environmental toxins—can reactivate EBV and are also implicated in endometriosis.
- Stress as a Trigger: Stress is identified as the primary reactivating trigger for EBV, with personal and environmental factors playing significant roles.
- Testing for Autoimmune Conditions: The conversation emphasises the need for proper testing for conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that may complicate fertility efforts.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Kasia draws parallels between chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic EBV infections, noting shared symptoms such as extreme fatigue and brain fog.
- Holistic Approaches: The importance of addressing emotional, environmental, and physiological factors in managing health for women facing fertility challenges.
Actionable Tips
Here are some actionable tips based on the insights shared in the podcast episode with Kasia Kines regarding managing Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and its implications for women with endometriosis:
- Identify and Manage Stressors: Since stress is a primary trigger for EBV reactivation, it’s crucial to identify personal stressors in your life. Implement stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help mitigate their impact.
- Get Proper Testing for Autoimmune Conditions: If you suspect you have thyroid issues or are experiencing symptoms of fatigue, ensure that your healthcare provider tests for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by checking for specific antibodies. This is particularly important as many cases of low thyroid function are actually autoimmune in nature.
- Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Be proactive about minimsing exposure to environmental toxins such as dioxins and heavy metals. This can include choosing organic foods, using natural cleaning products, and avoiding plastics that may leach harmful chemicals.
- Consider Dietary Changes: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods that support immune health. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds while reducing processed foods and sugars that can exacerbate inflammation.
- Stay Informed About Personal Products: Be mindful of the personal care products you use, such as tampons and cosmetics. Research brands that prioritise safety and transparency regarding their ingredients to avoid heavy metals and other harmful substances.
- Utilise Air Purifiers: If you live in an area with high pollution or allergens, consider investing in a good air purifier to help reduce your exposure to airborne toxins that can affect your health.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help boost your immune system and improve overall health. Aim for a balanced routine that includes both aerobic and strength-training exercises.
- Seek Support from Professionals: Consider working with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner who understands the complexities of EBV and endometriosis to develop a personalised plan that addresses your unique health needs.
- Educate Yourself About EBV: Stay informed about the latest research on EBV, its symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding the virus can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
- Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are facing similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice. Look for local or online support groups focused on endometriosis or chronic EBV recovery.
These actionable tips aim to provide practical steps for managing health issues related to EBV and endometriosis while enhancing overall well-being and fertility potential.
Mentioned resources
- Epstein-Barr Virus Solution Book: A comprehensive best-selling book by Dr Kines
- Recent Study on Heavy Metals in Tampons: Highlights concerning findings about contaminants in feminine hygiene products:
- https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/news-media/research-highlights/first-study-to-measure-toxic-metals-in-tampons-shows-arsenic-and-lead
- Shearston et al. (2024). Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(oids): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849
Further Reading:
- Wang et al., (2024). Evodiamine suppresses endometriosis development induced by early EBV exposure through inhibition of ERβ. Doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426660. PMID: 39148548; PMCID: PMC11324466.
- Grabarek et al. (2023). Detection and Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus (HPV16/18), Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), and Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in Endometrial Endometroid and Ovarian Cancers. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/3/397#
Make sure to check out the Endo Fertility Podcast Goodie Bag 📦 because there is a new goodie’s from Kasia in support of this episode.
This episode is sponsored by the Ultimate Endo Fertility Library – sign up HERE to get yourself on the mailing list and started with a Quick Start Endo Fertility E-book, a symptom tracker, delicious recipes, workbooks, guided meditations, and other helpful resources.
Upcoming Podcast Episodes:
- EF#56 – Christmas Support Meditation
- EF#57 – New Year Vision and Goals Creation
- EF#58 – Emotional Freedom Technique with Sarah Holland from Fertile Mindset
How to work with Lizzie:
One off 1:1 coaching sessions e.g. blood test reviews and fertility strategy sessions
Bespoke 1:1 Endo Fertility Coaching Programs (starting at 12 weeks long with different levels of coaching support: bronze (meet once a month), silver (fortnightly) and gold (weekly)).
Book your free 30 minutes 1:1 health review >>HERE<<
- [COMING SOON] Endo Fertility Mastery Monthly Membership – join the waiting list HERE.
I’m excited to announce that I’m setting up an affordable monthly membership program “The Endo Fertility Mastery Membership“. This initiative aims to help women transform their health, manage endometriosis symptoms, and optimise their fertility at an AFFORDABLE cost, as not everyone can afford to do 1:1 coaching programmes especially alongside costly fertility treatments.
If you are interested in knowing more, then sign up for the waiting list below and I will send you out further information as soon as it is available.
Further Endo Fertility resources:
- If you have a question or feedback for the podcast – you can leave me a 90 second voice note >>HERE<< I can also leave a short voice note reply to you!
Join my Endo Fertility community – find us in the FREE Thrive and Conceive with Endometriosis Facebook Group.
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This podcast is for educational purposes only. As I do not know your personal circumstances, none of my podcast episodes, blogs, guidance in the Facebook group or any other materials available to you where I have not taken you on as a one to one client shall be construed as medical advice and I shall have no liability to you in any circumstances should you choose to rely on any of the materials I publish.
