Herpes is a viral infection that results in outbreaks of sores on soft tissues like the lips and genital area. Herpes simplex virus one is characterized by cold sores on the lips. Herpes simplex virus two is noted by genital and anal sores. Within four to seven days of having unprotected sex with an infected partner, you will show signs of infection, according to Burton Goldberg and colleagues in "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide."
Arginine Foods
Foods that contain large amounts of L-arginine seem to increase severity of herpes outbreaks. Arginine is an amino acid commonly found in chocolate, coconut and sunflower and sesame seeds. Nuts, especially peanuts, almonds, cashews and walnuts, also contain arginine. If you are suffering from blisters, you should avoid these foods until your blisters have completely healed, according to Goldberg.
Goldberg and colleagues also advise judicially eating foods with a moderate arginine intake during an outbreak as well. These foods include wheat, lentils, all forms of soy, rice, tomatoes, barley, corn and squash.
L-lysine
L-lysine is an amino acid that seems to hinder the virus from causing outbreaks in oral or herpes simplex one, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Weil also mentions that increasing your lysine intake doesn't seem to decrease frequency of outbreaks with genital or herpes simplex two. According to Living With Herpes, foods rich in l-lysine can aggravate the herpes virus as well. Foods rich in lysine include brewer's yeast, potatoes, fish, chicken and eggs.
Other Foods
According to Living With Herpes, avoiding all kinds of sugary foods will help with outbreaks. Avoiding foods that contain caffeine like black tea, coffee and popular energy drinks should help as well.
Helpful Foods
Weil recommends increasing your intake of monolaurin by coconut oil or coconut oil supplements to help with outbreaks. According to Weil, the lauric acid found in coconut oil may render the fat lining of the virus cell ineffective and harmless. This could be a good way to help lessen outbreaks and their severity. Before using coconut oil or monolaurin supplements, speak with your physician. This supplement is not intended to replace current therapies you are on or discourage you from seeking medical treatment if you believe you have either herpes virus.
References
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri and John Anderson; 2002
- Dr. Weil: Treatment of Herpes
- Living With Herpes: Living with Herpes--How to Control and Manage
