What Is CMV Virus? Everything You Should Know.
You might have heard of cytomegalovirus (CMV) but not know what it is!? It’s actually so common that most people have it and don’t even realize it! So, what is CMV virus exactly? In this blog, we will explore what it is and how it may affect you even if you don’t know you have it, and we will look at natural remedies for CMV to help keep your Immune System thriving.
Cytomegalovirus Facts
CMV is a member of the herpesvirus family, sharing space with better-known viruses like chickenpox (caused by the varicella-zoster virus), herpes simplex, and mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
What makes CMV unique is its ability to remain in your body for life. Once it enters, it typically goes dormant, hiding out in your tissues without causing any noticeable issues. But it can reactivate under certain conditions—like stress, illness, or a weakened Immune System. That’s when it may start making its presence known.
Is CMV Common?
Yes! CMV is more common than you might think. The virus spreads easily through everyday interactions, which is why so many people contract it without realizing it. It can be transmitted through:
- Saliva (e.g., sharing drinks or utensils). Bioenergetic connection: Digestive System.
- Blood (e.g., transfusions or open cuts). Bioenergetic connection: Blood System.
- Urine and feces (e.g., caregiving or diaper changes)
- Breast milk (while nursing) Bioenergetic connection: Lymph, Endocrine Systems.
- Sexual contact (via semen and vaginal fluids) Bioenergetic connection: Urogenital System.
Because of its many transmission routes, CMV is practically everywhere. In fact, research shows that 50–85% of adults in developed countries carry CMV, even if they’ve never had any symptoms. By age 40, there’s a good chance you’ve already been exposed. If symptoms do show up, they’re usually mild—think fatigue, fever, or swollen glands that mimic a common cold.
Who Does CMV Affect the Most?
While CMV is common, it’s typically harmless for most people. However, certain groups are at a higher risk of complications:
- Pregnant Women: CMV can cross the placenta to the unborn baby, potentially leading to developmental delays, hearing loss, or other challenges.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS are at higher risk for serious CMV-related complications, including pneumonia and vision problems.
How Does CMV Reactivate and Become Chronic?
For most people, CMV stays quiet, living in the body without causing a fuss. But sometimes, this “silent guest” wakes up and starts creating problems. This is known as reactivation, and it’s more common than many realize.
So, what wakes up CMV? Think of your Immune System as a 24/7 security team that keeps CMV in check. When your security team is healthy and well-equipped, CMV stays dormant. But when your Immune System is stretched thin, the virus gets a chance to “break out.”
Reasons for CMV Reactivation
CMV doesn’t wake up without a reason—it needs the right conditions to reactivate. Here’s what might give CMV the green light:
- Chronic Stress: Stress is like a constant alarm bell for your body, pumping out cortisol (a stress hormone) that weakens your immune defenses. With your body stretched thin, CMV can sneak back into action.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Big hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menopause, can lower your Immune System’s guard.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is critical for immune regulation. Low levels are linked to a higher likelihood of viral reactivation.
- Low Antioxidants: Imagine antioxidants as your body’s clean-up crew. Without enough nutrients like vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, oxidative stress builds up, creating the perfect environment for reactivation.
- Protein Deficiency: Protein isn’t just for building muscles—it’s essential for immune health. Without enough amino acids, your Immune System can struggle to keep CMV in check.
- Physical Exhaustion and Sleep Deprivation: Burning the candle at both ends? Lack of sleep or chronic overexertion leaves your Immune System running on fumes.
- Age-Related Factors: As we age, our immune system naturally becomes less effective (a process called immunosenescence), allowing dormant viruses like CMV to reactivate more easily.
- Environmental Toxins: Exposure to things like mold, heavy metals, or pesticides is like adding extra weight to your Immune System.
- Reactivations of Other Viruses: CMV reactivation is often seen alongside the reactivation of other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This is because these viruses share similar pathways for dormancy and reactivation.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is like a double-edged sword—it weakens your Immune System while adding stress from co-infections. This creates a perfect storm for CMV to reactivate potentially. To make matters worse, Lyme and CMV share symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain, making it tricky to tell which is to blame. When CMV reactivates, it can even amplify Lyme symptoms, creating a frustrating cycle.
Natural Remedies for CMV
If you’re wondering about natural remedies for CMV, there are several ways to support your body naturally. You can focus on boosting your Immune System to help keep it in check. Some natural approaches include:
1. Nourish with Immune-Boosting Nutrients
Fuel your body with:
- Vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers)
- Zinc (pumpkin seeds, shellfish)
- Selenium (Brazil nuts)
- Vitamin D (sunshine or supplements)
2. Show Your Gut Some Love
A healthy gut = a stronger immune system. Add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut and prebiotics like bananas and garlic to your diet.
3. Supplement Helpers
- Elderberry and Echinacea for viral support
- Astragalus to reduce stress on the Immune System
- L-Lysine to inhibit viral replication
- Olive Leaf Extract for its antiviral properties
- Monolaurin for overall immune defense
- Artemisia, also known as sweet wormwood, has an affinity for this virus.
Testing with CBH Energetics can help you determine if these antiviral herbs or supplements are balanced for you. Many of our home health bioresonance tests, like the Full Scan, Brain Scan, or Balancing Scan, include an optional balancing regimen, which tailors remedies to your body’s unique needs. For example, if stress shows up on your Immune System dial, remedies targeting this system may be included! We always advocate for a test, don’t guess approach!
4. Detox Naturally
Toxins like mold or pesticides can stress your body. When your Immune System seems chronically compromised, consider the environment where you spend your time. This includes your workplace and home. Mold is everywhere, and we strive to empower individuals to take measures of protection and detox wherever possible.
If you suspect you have a mold issue at home, consider mold testing along with bioenergetic testing! This way, you have a deeper understanding of your environment, can make decisions on home improvements (or mold remediation), and can give your body what it needs to assist in detoxification.
This can include drinking plenty of water, eating more antioxidants and liver-supportive foods, and testing may reveal balancing remedies like Dandi Intrinsic or a milk thistle tincture.
5. Move Gently
Stay active with light exercises, such as walking, yoga, or other bioenergetic exercises, to keep your body strong without overexerting it. This also increases sweating, circulation, and detox. Exercise in the outdoors will also expose you to fresh air and sunlight and give you a break from your indoor environment!
When it comes to CMV, knowledge is power! CMV is more common than many realize, and while it often stays dormant, reactivation can happen under certain conditions. By focusing on the foundations of detox and drainage, natural remedies for CMV, and supporting the Immune System with the right nutrients, you can give your body the best chance to maintain balance.
DISCLAIMER: Balanced Health, LLC/CBH Energetics and any parent, subsidiary, affiliated, or related entities and companies do not provide medical advice or services. This post and the bioenergetic products and services offered by Balanced Health, LLC/CBH Energetics including, but not limited to, bioenergetic tests, bioenergetic scans, bioenergetic reports and related products and services (collectively the “Bioenergetic Products and Services”) are designed for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, condition, complaint, illness or medical condition and are not a substitute for professional services or medical advice. Testing is not used for the purpose of obtaining information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease or, the assessment of a health condition or for identification purposes.
