Worst Foods To Eat If You Have Herpes

Worst Foods to Eat If You Have Herpes

Mar 28, 2011 | By Dana Cholish

Keeping herpes outbreaks at bay may be as simple as trading in the trail mix during snack time. Certain foods, specifically those high in the amino acid arginine, may trigger viral growth. Current dietary guidelines for combating viral diseases suggest consuming a diet high in lysine and low in arginine. Reducing the consumption of some foods will help control herpes outbreaks and minimize symptoms.

High-Arginine, Low-Lysine Foods

Arginine aids the growth and reproduction of the herpes virus, while lysine inhibits it. Herpes sufferers may consume foods high in arginine as long as the arginine-to-lysine ratio favors lysine. To avoid viral outbreaks, minimize your consumption of foods high in arginine but low in lysine, such as nuts and seeds, orange juice, coconut, chocolate, carob, wheat products, lentils, oats, gelatin and protein supplements.

Arginine-Elevating Foods

According to a study in the Journal of Nutrition, citrulline, a nutrient found in high concentrations in watermelon rind and flesh, is a precursor to arginine synthesis. This means that consuming watermelon can increase blood-serum levels of arginine. Citrulline is also present in other cucurbits, like cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. Minimize these foods in your diet if attempting to avoid herpes outbreaks.

Acid-Forming Foods

Avoiding all foods that increase acidity is recommended for herpes prevention. This includes all junk food, excessive red meat, processed or white flour products, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, artificial sweeteners and food additives. High acid levels compromise the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viral attacks. Caffeine may also increase arginine utilization, leading to a frequency of flare-ups.