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Fatigue is one of the most persistent and frustrating symptoms for those with thyroid issues. For years, I struggled with overwhelming exhaustion after a bout of Epstein-Barr virus (or EBV, also known as “mono”) in college, and I know I’m not alone. But oddly enough, for me and many of my clients, treating a gut infection was what finally helped to get the virus under control.
In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, I spoke with Dr. Kasey Holland, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in chronic illness, including fatigue, stealth infections, and viral reactivations like EBV. Dr. Holland’s personal experience with reactivated EBV has fueled her mission to support others in finding the root causes of their fatigue and truly healing — not just managing symptoms.
We covered the complex landscape of EBV and fatigue: from testing and diagnosis to why some people feel like they never fully recover from mono. We also talked about the connection between EBV and autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s, and how toxins, infections, and even stress can tip the scales toward viral reactivation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why crushing fatigue after mono isn’t “all in your head” — and what to do about it. If you’re still wiped out months or even years after having the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), there’s a reason. Dr. Holland breaks down the science behind viral reactivation — and how it disrupts energy, mood, and immunity long after the initial infection.
- The hidden EBV–Hashimoto’s connection doctors often miss. You’ll learn how a virus you got years ago could be fueling thyroid issues today — and what labs to ask for to find out if the virus is reactivated or contained by your immune system.
- Why “fighting the virus” won’t fix your fatigue — unless you fix this too. From parasites to mold to nutrient gaps, this episode unpacks the overlooked root causes that weaken your immune system and allow EBV to flare again and again.
- The overlooked role of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. When this happens, your cells and tissues become more vulnerable to damage — and so does your immune system. When your body’s defenses are down, EBV has an opportunity to thrive. From mold to glyphosate, high oxidative stress also makes it easier for viruses like EBV to “turn back on.”
- What actually works for EBV symptoms — and what’s a waste of time. Discover what really moves the needle — including specific herbs, light therapies, IV vitamin C, adrenal support, and more.
Guest Resources / Connect with Dr. Kasey Holland
- Follow Dr. Holland’s Instagram (@drkaseyholland) to get more information about her new program, the FREED Method. This is a comprehensive program designed to eradicate fatigue by addressing root causes like EBV, mold, and adrenal dysfunction.
- Website: Work with Dr. Holland or explore her blog and programs.
- Follow Dr. Holland on Facebook, YouTube, X
Supplements We Discussed
- Valacyclovir – An antiviral used off-label to reduce EBV viral load.
- Astragalus – An adaptogen and immune supporter that may help regulate inflammation and reduce viral activity.
- Olive Leaf Extract – Known for its antiviral properties.
- Lysine – Especially helpful in managing herpes family viruses.
- Vitamin C (IV and oral) – High-dose IV Vitamin C can reduce EBV antibodies and support detoxification.
- Curcumin – Targets inflammation via NF-κB and supports immune resilience. A product I like is Rootcology Curcumin Absorb.
- Magnesium – Supports relaxation, sleep, and stress reduction. One product you might like to try is Rootcology Magnesium Citrate powder.
- Zinc & Selenium – These are important cofactors for immune and thyroid function. Supplements you may want to consider trying include Rootcology Selenium + Myo-Inositol, and Zinc 30 from Pure Encapsulations.
- Glutathione – The body’s master antioxidant, especially vital during oxidative stress.
Other Tools and Resources
- High-dose IV Vitamin C therapy – Effective for reducing EBV antibody levels.
- Low-level light therapy (LLLT) – LLLT (or photobiomodulation) can stimulate immune and mitochondrial function, support tissue growth, support circulation, reduce pain, aid in recovery, and offer other benefits for health issues like Hashimoto’s and EBV.
- Dr. Holland recommends light therapy products from the Germany-based company Weber Laser Systems such as this helmet for people with brain fog and neurocognition problems common in mold, Lyme, and EBV, red light mats, and an Endolight Band, a lightweight laser therapy device that is worn like a watch.
- Ozone therapy – Best used after other root causes are addressed; very powerful but must be timed right.
- Infrared sauna – Supports detoxification and helps regulate core body temperature, especially helpful for hypothyroid patients.
- Epsom salt baths – A gentle way to support magnesium levels and detox pathways.
- Methylation support – For those with detox impairments or MTHFR mutations.
- Ivermectin (off-label) – May provide symptom relief in chronic cases involving parasites or long-haul viral symptoms.
- Neurofeedback & trauma therapy – Especially important when stress and nervous system dysregulation play a role.
Books and Articles About Thyroid Health and Viral Triggers
- Research article: EBV presence in thyroid tissue (Polish 2015 study)
- Could the Epstein-Barr Virus Be a Hashimoto’s Trigger?
- Could a Virus Be Your Hashimoto’s Root Cause?
- Common Hashimoto’s Patterns Seen in the GI-MAP Test
- 11 Strategies to Overcome Hashimoto’s Fatigue
- Lyme and Hashimoto’s
- Mold: A Potential Trigger of Hashimoto’s
- 9 Sneaky Thyroid Toxins Hiding in Your Home
- Is Blasto Behind Your Hashimoto’s, Hives & IBS?
- Candida and Hashimoto’s Connection
- Are Your Adrenals Sabotaging Your Health?
- The Benefits of Vitamin D for Thyroid Health
Learn More About My Fatigue and Brain Fog Fix in Six Program
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram:@izabellawentzpharmd
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Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
About Our Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
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About Our Guest
Dr. Kasey Holland is passionate about empowering people in their health. She helps patients navigate complex health concerns and restore health and vitality. As a licensed Naturopathic doctor, she believes that your health is made up of mind, body and spirit. Through her clinical experience, she has seen environmental toxins, infections, chronic inflammation, and stress disrupt these pillars of health. She uses a complete holistic approach to tackle health concerns no matter how simple or complex they may be.
After graduating from Montana State University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with an emphasis on Biomedical Sciences, she earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA through a four year CNME accredited program. While there she completed specialty rotations in environmental medicine, immune wellness, oncology, IV therapy, Parkinson’s disease, emergency medicine and mind body medicine. During her residency, she worked in an Integrative health clinic that incorporated functional medicine. This well-rounded medical training and experience has provided her with exposure to a wide variety of pathologies and patient care in order to serve you better. Dr. Kasey specializes in complex and chronic cases often related to what she calls “The toxic trio”: Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, and mold. Her specialties include chronic fatigue, Epstein -Barr virus and stealth infections, mold illness, environmental toxins, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.
Dr. Kasey is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Montana. She sees patients currently at her clinic location in Bigfork. She is also licensed in Naturopathy in Alaska and California and offers telehealth services in all three states. She is an active member of the Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the National Association of Environmental Medicine. In her free time she enjoys playing volleyball, hiking to alpine lakes, and traveling with her husband and dogs – Ranger and Glacier.
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