Wellness
Living With Epstein-Barr Virus: Exploring a Functional Medicine Perspective

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is one of the most widespread viruses in the world. Most people contract it at some point—often during childhood or adolescence—and for many, it passes with little more than flu-like symptoms. But for others, EBV seems to linger, showing up again later in life with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or swollen lymph nodes.
In recent years, more people have turned to functional medicine to explore why this happens—and what can be done to support their immune systems.
What is Epstein-Barr Virus?
EBV belongs to the herpesvirus family. It spreads primarily through saliva and is perhaps best known as the virus behind mononucleosis, or “mono.” But once someone contracts it, the virus stays in the body in a dormant state.
Most of the time, that’s not a problem. But under certain conditions—such as stress, poor sleep, or other immune challenges—it may become active again. This reactivation doesn’t always lead to noticeable symptoms, but for some, it’s associated with ongoing health issues.
How It’s Typically Managed
In conventional settings, EBV is usually approached with supportive care. This might include rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and body aches. There are no medications specifically approved to eliminate EBV, and because it’s a virus, antibiotics won’t work.
For many people, these supportive strategies are enough. But for those dealing with long-lasting or recurring symptoms, it can feel like a never-ending cycle.
Functional Medicine: A Broader Lens
This is where functional medicine comes in. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, functional medicine looks at the whole picture—lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, environmental exposures, and more. The goal is to better understand what might be affecting a person’s immune resilience.
This approach often starts with a deep dive into a patient’s history and daily habits. Are they sleeping well? Eating in a way that supports immune health? Dealing with high levels of stress or hidden inflammation? These questions help shape a more personalized view of what might be contributing to symptoms.
Dr. Anju Mathur of Angel Longevity Medical Center in Los Angeles says, “From my viewpoint, Functional Medicine is something that you use to estimate the current status of the person functionally. Because think about it — a body is used to function. “
While functional medicine does not claim to cure or directly treat EBV, it may offer supportive strategies aimed at optimizing overall well-being.
Dr. Mathur goes on to say, “In Functional we’re not using a symptom to give a drug to the person like a band-aid. We discover what systems in the body are not in balance, so that we can then bring them into balance — and the symptoms drop away. We’re actually addressing the underlying pathology that leads to the manifestations of disease in a person.”
Tools and Therapies Some Clinics Use
Some functional medicine clinics offer therapies that are less familiar in traditional settings. One example is Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation Therapy (UVBI)—a treatment that involves exposing a small amount of a patient’s blood to UV light before returning it to the body. Some providers describe this as a way to help support immune function, though it remains a niche and evolving area of research.
Other supportive strategies often include nutrient optimization, stress management techniques, and individualized nutrition plans. These are not EBV-specific treatments, but may be part of broader efforts to help the body function at its best.
A Holistic Conversation
At the heart of the functional medicine approach is curiosity: Why is this happening? What might be making things worse—or better? It’s not about replacing conventional medicine, but complementing it with a broader view of health.
That said, it’s important to approach any new health strategy with care. Not all therapies are backed by large-scale clinical studies, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you’re struggling with fatigue or other lingering symptoms and wonder if EBV could be part of the picture, it may be worth having a conversation with a medical professional. Functional medicine offers one perspective in a growing, evolving dialogue about how best to support long-term health.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): EBV and Associated Conditions
- Angel Longevity Medical Center: Functional Medicine Insights on EBV
- American Academy of Environmental Medicine: Overview of UVBI
- Mayo Clinic: Epstein-Barr Virus Overview
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health or wellness routine.
Travel
Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.
Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.
Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.
3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road
1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.
Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.
2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.
3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.
Quick Tips by Age
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Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
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Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
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Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
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Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.
Travel Smarter with Routine
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Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
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Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
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Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.
Climate & Altitude Considerations
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Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
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High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.
A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Safe travels—and sip often!
Wellness
Vitex (Chasteberry): A Natural Hormone Balancer for Women

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease PMS, regulate your cycle, or support fertility, Vitex—also known as Chasteberry—may offer a gentle, effective solution. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, this herbal remedy supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health in women.
What Is Vitex (Chasteberry)?
Vitex agnus-castus is a small fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Its berries have been used for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans associated Vitex with purity and balance, calling it “Chasteberry.” During the Middle Ages, it was used in monasteries to help support celibacy, which is why it’s also known as “monk’s pepper.”
Despite the folklore, Vitex doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it influences the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—key regulators of hormone production. The result is a natural boost in progesterone levels, helping to balance cycles often disrupted by estrogen dominance or irregular ovulation.
Benefits of Vitex for Women
1. Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms
If you deal with mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability before your period, Vitex may help. It works by lowering prolactin levels, which are often elevated during PMS, helping to ease both emotional and physical symptoms.
2. Supports Cycle Regularity
For women with irregular periods or inconsistent ovulation—especially after stopping birth control or in cases of PCOS—Vitex can help bring consistency. It supports the hormonal signals that govern regular menstrual cycles.
3. Boosts Fertility Naturally
Vitex is often used by women trying to conceive, particularly if they have a luteal phase defect or low progesterone. By supporting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels, Vitex helps create a more favorable environment for conception.
4. Eases Perimenopausal Symptoms
As hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, Vitex offers support without the need for synthetic hormone replacement. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
How to Take Vitex
Vitex is available in several forms, including:
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Capsules
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Liquid tinctures
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Herbal teas
For best results, take Vitex in the morning when hormone levels are most responsive. Consistency is key—daily use for 8–12 weeks is typically needed to see noticeable changes.
As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Recommended Vitex Supplements
These trusted options are known for quality and effectiveness:
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Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry: A potent, organic capsule formulated for daily hormone balance.
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Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit: A budget-friendly capsule with a standardized extract.
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Hiland Naturals Chasteberry Tincture: A liquid version for those who prefer flexible dosing.
Vitex is a time-tested herb that continues to support women’s wellness today—helping with everything from monthly cycles to fertility and perimenopausal transitions. With consistent use and the right guidance, it can be a valuable part of your holistic health routine.
Travel
Beat the Heat: Your Essential Guide to Summer Travel Hydration

Summer adventures are all about making memories—from hiking rugged trails and wandering vibrant cities to basking on sun-soaked beaches. But while you’re checking off destinations, don’t forget the one travel essential that truly fuels the journey: hydration.
Why Hydration Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your Packing List
Traveling in the summer heat puts your body under extra stress. Whether it’s from blazing sun, higher elevations, long flights, or hours of outdoor activity, these conditions can quietly and quickly lead to dehydration. The effects? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or worse—heat exhaustion.
The good news is that staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can keep your energy up and your body balanced, no matter where your passport takes you.
How to Build a Smart Hydration Strategy for Summer Travel
Start with these simple, proactive steps before you even zip your suitcase:
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Look up the weather and climate of your destination
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Set hydration reminders if you tend to forget to drink regularly
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Learn the early signs of dehydration—dry mouth, fatigue, darker urine
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Pack hydration aids in both your carry-on and checked luggage
Now let’s take a look at three standout hydration essentials to help you beat the heat in style.
1. HYDRATED Bioactive Precision Peptides™ Drink
If you want hydration with benefits, HYDRATED by MAKE Wellness is a smart pick. It isn’t just flavored water—This refreshing drink is loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.
Why travelers love HYDRATED:
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Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat
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Comes in travel-ready packaging with refreshing flavor options
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Offers a subscription model with discounts (10% off initially, 20% off by month four)
Whether you’re trekking through deserts or strolling busy summer streets, HYDRATED helps you stay resilient when plain water just isn’t enough.
2. HydroFlask Insulated Water Bottle
A trusty water bottle is a travel MVP, and HydroFlask lives up to the hype. With sizes from 18oz to 64oz, these bottles keep your drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours—no matter how hot it gets outside.
Why it’s a summer essential:
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Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold and hands dry
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Built tough for outdoor use and airport toss-arounds
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Easy-to-fill design (great for ice cubes or HYDRATED mixes)
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Works with multiple cap styles for different activities
Pair your HydroFlask with HYDRATED in the morning, and you’re set for a full day of adventures with refreshingly cool hydration at your side.
3. Nuun Hydration Electrolyte Tablets
Short on space? Nuun electrolyte tablets are a clever solution. Just pop one into your water bottle and you’ve got a lightly flavored, electrolyte-rich drink on the go. A study even found they help improve fluid balance in active men and women.
Why travelers reach for Nuun:
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Lightweight, travel-friendly packaging
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Low in sugar, but high in key electrolytes like sodium and magnesium
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Variety of flavors to fight “water boredom”
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Fast-dissolving and ready in minutes
They’re a great backup to HYDRATED or a stand-alone option for minimalist packers and budget-conscious explorers.
Tailoring Your Hydration to the Destination
Beach Vacations
Sun and salt draw moisture from your body faster than you think. Start your day with 16oz of HYDRATED, then sip 8oz per hour while you’re out under the sun. Keep your HydroFlask in a shaded spot to help it stay cool longer.
Mountain Trips
Higher altitudes increase water needs by 25–50%, and the dry air means you’ll feel thirsty less often even as you lose more fluids. Aim for 16–20oz of HYDRATED in the morning, and refill whenever you can.
City Explorations
Urban adventures often mean miles of walking. Map out water refill stations (many cities have apps for that), and don’t forget to carry your insulated bottle for all-day hydration.
Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before
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Drink 16oz of water or HYDRATED before bed
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Chill your water bottle in the hotel fridge overnight
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Lay out any electrolyte supplements you’ll need for the next day
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Check the forecast to plan your intake accordingly
Hydration = Energy, Enjoyment, and Ease
Your travel memories should be defined by great experiences—not the fog of dehydration. By packing a hydration strategy (and a few smart tools like HYDRATED), you’re investing in energy, recovery, and comfort on the road.
Don’t wait until you’re parched to sip. Start early, stay consistent, and let hydration help you unlock every moment of your summer escape.
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