Last Updated on 8 December 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Research strongly indicates that stealth pathogens may cause chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep, weight gain, fibromyalgia, neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases (1,2). Stealth pathogens are micro-organisms that hide in our cells and use tactics to evade or suppress our immune response and even lay dormant before reactivating (3,4).
These pathogens include Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Borrelia Burgdorferi, Streptococcus and Hookworm. They are associated with glandular fever, Lyme disease, iron deficiency anaemia and PANDAS (a paediatric auto-immune condition) (2,3,4,5,6,7). Groundbreaking research has linked EBV to developing Multiple Sclerosis (MS). And now medical researchers from Stanford University have revealed EBV triggers MS by priming the immune system to attack the nervous system (8.9).
Furthermore, EBV has been linked to other autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. The common factor linking EBV to these conditions is a deficient or exhausted immune response that fails to respond to the virus and its stealth strategies (2).
Who is more susceptible to stealth pathogen infection?
EBV affects most of us at some stage of our lives; only a small percentage will go on to have an autoimmune condition, chronic fatigue or other conditions. The course of a stealth pathogen infection is determined by the viral or bacterial load, each individual’s immune system which is determined by their genes and infection history. Importantly, several environmental factors influence the capacity of a person’s immune response (2).
Environmental factors that may reduce the immune response to stealth pathogens:
- Vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight and Vitamin D are thought to protect against autoimmunity by increasing the number of immune cells available to fight a viral infection (2).
- Obesity has been shown to impact cellular immune response to infection and create a state of chronic immune-driven inflammation that contributes to the pathogenesis of these conditions (2).
- Other major environmental factors promoting the development of auto-immune conditions are sunburn, cigarette smoking and exposure to silica dust (2).
Support your immune health:
- Lifestyle
- The following changes can positively impact your immune health based on the research above.
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)
- Safe sun exposure to increase vitamin D, but avoid sunburn
Feed the immune system:
- The following nutrients are important to our immune response and a deficiency in one or all of these may reduce the immune system’s capacity to fight infection (10).
- Vitamin A impacts many aspects of innate immune response; a deficiency alters the immune response and increases vulnerability to infection (10). Food containing vitamin A include carrots, apricots, egg yolk, barley grass, cod liver oil
- Vitamin D has immune regulatory properties (10). Food containing vitamin D include herring, calamari, chlorella, cod liver oil, cheese, egg yolk, sprouted seeds
- Vitamin E maintains and enhances the immune response by reducing free radicals and lipid peroxides (10). Food containing vitamin E include almonds, beef, corn, egg yolk, nuts and seeds, wheat germ
- Zinc deficiency impairs many aspects of immune response (10). Food containing zinc include nuts and seeds, oyster, poultry, liver, herbs, yeast spreads
- Selenium protects against the immune suppressive effects of oxidative stress (10). Food containing selenium include alfalfa, barley, Brazil nuts, broccoli, fish, garlic, oat bran, cheese, eggs
Food as medicine:
- Garlic is not only an effective antimicrobial but research has found that garlic creates balance within the immune system and reduces inflammation (11).
- Apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables and has been found to inhibit the reactivation of viral infection, particularly EBV (12).
Herbal heroes to the rescue:
Herbal medicine provides an effective tool kit to support immune health and protect against stealth pathogens. Herbs such as Myrrh, Chinese wormwood and Licorice have activity against stealth pathogens (13,14,15). A skilled naturopath or herbalist can personalise a herbal formula to best support your health needs.
In summary, Stealth Pathogens from viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites have mechanisms to evade our immune system and become chronic. This may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, aches, pains, interrupted sleep patterns, neurological symptoms and autoimmunity. Having a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, daily sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact your immune defences. When extra support is needed, herbal medicine and nutritional support have been shown to enhance your immune health and protect against Stealth Pathogens.
Learn how to recover from viral infections.. Click HERE or HERE or HERE
Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)
Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)
Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)
Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)
Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)
Locations We Service – Naturopathy
Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast
Naturopath Noosa
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Natural Therapies Brisbane
Therapists Brisbane
Relevant Naturopath links
- How Naturopathy Can Help You Recover Your Health
- Seeing a Naturopath: The Ultimate Guide
- Naturopaths
- Guide to Seeing a Children’s Naturopath
- The 6 Naturopathic Principles that Protect a Naturopath’s Patients
- ADHD Naturopath
- Brisbane Wellbeing
- Natural Dispensary Brisbane
- Achieving Good Health With A Holistic Approach
Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath
Gut Health
- Leaky Gut Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Gut Repair Support
- Naturopath for Gut Health
- Solving Gut Issues by Treating SIBO
- SIBO Test Brisbane
- Daily Ritual Gut Health
- 6 Digestive Problems that Cause Weight Gain
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 1: Digestive Markers
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 2: Microbial Markers
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain?
- Gut Health with Parasite Cleanse
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Controlling Constipation and Bloating
- How Stool Testing Helps Find the Causes of IBS and Other Digestive Health Problems
- Gut Health Specialist Brisbane
- Gut Microbiome Testing Australia
- Gut Health Test Australia
- Probiotics for Thrush
- What is Leaky Gut Australia?
- Daily Ritual Gut Health: Finding Your Best Daily Rituals
- Addressing SIBO for Gut Health Improvement
- Gut Health, Diet & Nutrition
- Improve Your Gut Health Brisbane
- Naturopath Gut Health
- IBS-Friendly Slow Cooked Porridge
Perimenopause and Menopause
- 3 Lifestyle Changes Women Need to Make After 40
- Guide for a Happy Menopause
- Menopause Clinic Near Me
- What is Menopause?
- Perimenopause
- Acupuncture for Perimenopause and Menopause
- Managing Menopause
Hormone Health
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Hormone Testing Brisbane
- Find Reliable DUTCH Test Providers Near Me and Look After Your Hormones
- Take an At Home Hormone Test – DUTCH Hormone Package
- Hormonal Health and Thyroid Issues
- PCOS and the Insulin Connection
- Identifying Insulin Resistance
- Looking at Luteal Phase Deficiency
- Experiencing Painful Periods? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
- Test Cortisol at Home
- Cortisol Test Australia
- How to Get Hormone Levels Checked in Australia
- Blood Analysis Cost in Australia
Thyroid Issues
- When You Suspect You Have Thyroid Issues
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism: When You Suspect You Have a Thyroid Issue
- Thyroid Disorders from a Naturopathic Aspect
- Thyroid Health for the Winter Months
- Thyroid Disease: A Brief Guide to Common Disorders
- Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
- Thyroid
- How Hyperthyroidism Can Affect Your Health
- Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease
- Naturopath Herbs for Thyroid Health
Detox and Cleansing
- Heavy Metal Toxicity: Strategies for Detoxing
- Detoxing Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Body
- How Long Does It Take To Detox Heavy Metals From The Body?
- Heavy Metal Detox for Kids
- Naturopathic Detox Cleanse
- Naturopath Detox
- Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox?
- Heavy Metal Detox Australia
Insomnia and Sleep Health
- Save Your Sleep with What You Eat
- Insomnia Linked to Mineral Deficiency
- Solving Insomnia: Naturopathy’s Five-Step Solution
- 5 Ways Insomnia Can Affect Your Life and What You Can Do About It
- Natural Treatment for Insomnia
- Naturopathic Remedies for Insomnia
Autoimmune Conditions
Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety and Depression
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Treating Depression with Naturopathy: What You Should Consider
- A Naturopath’s Guide to Improving Mental Health
- Naturopathic Anxiety Medication
- Naturopath Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): How a Naturopath Helps
- Pyrrole Disorder
- Breathing for Anxiety: How to Get Anxiety Relief Through Breathing Techniques
- Stress and How It Manifests
- Brain Fog: Causes And Some Treatments
- A Tasty Egg Curry for Stress and Anxiety Relief
- Warm Brussel Sprouts Super Salad for Increased Energy and Stress Relief
- Academic Achievement and its Links to Stress
Women’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Naturopath Women’s Health
- Women’s Health Week: It’s All About Women’s Wellness and Wellbeing
- Treating Vaginal Thrush the Natural Way
- The Lowdown on Low Libido
- Experiencing Painful Periods and What’s Causing Them
- Regulating Menstrual Cycles with Chaste Tree
- Painful Periods and Naturopathy
- Preventing Post-Pill Acne
Fertility and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pre-Pregnancy Fertility Care with Naturopathic Nutrition
- Fertility Naturopath Brisbane
- Acupuncture and Naturopathy for Pre-Conception Care
- Pregnancy Care and Naturopathy
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Getting Quality Sleep in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Wellbeing and Naturopathy are Great Partners
- Naturopathy for the Management of Constipation During Pregnancy
- Prenatal Naturopath
- Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
- Keeping Calm About Colic
Men’s Health
- Men’s Health
- The Sperm Health Decline
- Better Prostate Health with Natural Medicine
- Naturopathy and Men’s Health
- Support Your Thyroid Health Naturally
- Men’s Health Supplements
Children’s Health
- The Importance of Naturopathic Care for Children
- Omega 3 for Child’s Health
- Find Your Children’s Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
- Guide to Seeing a Children’s Naturopath
- Naturopath for Children and Teenagers
DNA Testing
- DNA Testing & Personalised Medicine
- DNA Testing Brisbane
- DNA Testing Brisbane, Australia
- Methylation Test Near Me
- Testing Functional Medicine
- Genetic Methylation Test Brisbane
- DUTCH Test Providers Near Me
- Full Genetic Testing Australia
- MTHFR Gene Test – Understand Your Genetic Health with Expert Guidance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Food Intolerances and Allergies
- 7 Useful Strategies for Overcoming Food Intolerance
- Hayfever and the Gastrointestinal Immune System
- Food Intolerance, Hypersensitivity, and Allergies Explained
- Everything You Need to Know About Food Intolerance
- Food Allergy Testing Near Me
- Food Intolerance Testing Brisbane
- Food Allergy Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing Package
- How to Get an Allergy Test in Australia
- Food Intolerance and Food Allergies: Why are they so Different?
Weight Loss
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain? (IBS)
- Naturopathy for Weight Loss
- Natural Weight Loss for Summer
- A Naturopathic Approach to Achieving an Ideal and Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Weight Loss Naturopath
- Kick-Start Weight Loss: 5 Science-Backed Tips
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Naturopath’s Weight Loss Programme
Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Optimising Nutrition for Skin Health
- The Seriousness of Sugar
- The Importance of Mindfulness and Meditation in Natural Medicine
- Nutrition Deficiency: Visible Body Look Signs
- Helping Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Sports Nutrition and Your Ideal Protein Requirements
- Creating a Healthy Diet for Good Health and Wellbeing
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Iron Deficiency and Anaemia: When Things Go from Bad to Worse
- Naturopathic Medicine: What You Need to Know
- National Herbal Medicine Week
- The Role of Nutrition and Naturopathy in Wellbeing
- Clinical Nutrients
- Mood & Food
Parasites
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- Parasites from Traveling
- Natural Treatments for Those Pesky Parasites
- Clean Your Body of Parasites
- Parasite Cleanse