The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores and genital herpes. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While it is more common for HSV-2 to cause genital herpes and HSV-1 to cause cold sores, either strain can cause either type of outbreak. While a person always carries the virus once it is contracted, outbreaks are not always present. Outbreaks are often triggered by stress, fatigue, hormone changes, food allergies and other infections. The frequency of these outbreaks, as well as the symptoms of the outbreak, can sometimes be lessened by alternative therapies.
Vitamins and Minerals
Many vitamins and minerals can be used to boost the immune system and combat stress, thereby possibly reducing the number of outbreaks. Vitamin A helps the immune system fight infections and is also important for healthy skin. Vitamins B and C are also important for a healthy immune system, and vitamin B also helps the body deal with stress. Zinc plays a role in a healthy immune system as well as helping people with skin ulcers, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements Consumer fact sheet.
Amino Acids
It is possible that the amino acid lysine can help to prevent herpes outbreaks. While the results of studies have been mixed, Eric R. Braverman, M.D., states in his book, "The Healing Nutrients Within," that "Our experience at PATH Medical is that lysine, along with other factors, can be beneficial." Braverman recommends eating foods high in lysine or taking supplements of L-lysine, as well as avoiding the amino acid arginine, which competes with lysine in the body.
Nutrition
Because they contain high levels of arginine, it is recommended that the following foods be avoided: most nuts, chocolate, corn, dairy products and cereal grains. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," also recommends avoiding alcohol, refined flour and sugar products, sodas and coffee. During outbreaks, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus should also be avoided.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies work on the basis that "like cures like." Minute doses of a substance that could actually cause similar symptoms are used to stimulate the body to fight those symptoms. For this reason, Mark Stengler, N.D., author of "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies," recommends the homeopathic remedy Apis mellifica, which is made of honeybee parts, for herpes outbreak that have a strong stinging sensation. Other homeopathic remedies that may help with herpes outbreaks are Rhus toxicodendron and sepia.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- "The Healing Nutrients Within"; Eric R. Braverman, M.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C; 2006
- "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies"; Mark Stengler, M.D.; 2001
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