Herpes is a highly contagious virus. Herpes simplex virus 1 mainly causes cold sores, while herpes simplex virus 2 mainly causes genital herpes. No cure for herpes exists, but symptoms usually lessen over time.
To weaken outbreaks, a herpes prevention diet can be followed. It should include foods high in the amino acid lysine and low in the amino acid arginine. Lysine is an amino acid thought to suppress the herpes virus.
Features
Some good food choices are low-fat plain yogurt, certain cheeses, most fruits and vegetables, and eggs. Good fruit and vegetable choices are avocados, papaya, figs, pears and green, leafy vegetables. Chicken, beef and lamb are integral to a herpes prevention diet, says Herpes-coldsores.com.
In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis Balch recommends supplementing your diet with 1,500 mg of lysine daily, and to take it with water or juice on an empty stomach.
Lysine and arginine are amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. They're needed for metabolic processes in the body. Lysine is an essential amino acid and must be obtained through food or supplementation because it isn't made by the body.
Benefits
The benefits of following a herpes prevention diet are that you'll have less severe outbreaks or hardly any outbreaks at all. This will help you have a better quality of life.
Potential
Herpes outbreaks in sufferers can also be controlled with a combination of healthy eating, getting adequate rest, taking lysine supplements and eating foods high in lysine. Keep your stress levels down and keep your immune system strong. By combining these tactics with a herpes prevention diet, you should be able to keep your outbreaks under control.
Prevention/Solution
Balch's "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" says foods high in arginine should be limited during herpes outbreaks because arginine is an amino acid thought to suppress lysine.
Balch recommends eating almonds, barley, cashews, oats, chocolate, corn, dairy products and peanuts in moderation. By avoiding alcohol, processed foods, soda, white flour and sugar, and coffee, you can lessen the chance of a herpes outbreak, she says.
The only way to prevent genital herpes is to practice safe sex.
Effects
Herpes isn't life threatening, but it is a nuisance and can be uncomfortable. By following a herpes prevention diet, you can hopefully diminish your outbreaks and be able to lead a normal life.
References
- Herpes-Coldsores.com: Herpes Nutrition
- Herpes.com: Diet and Nutrition
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing (fourth edition)"; Phyllis Balch; 2008
