Herpes is a highly contagious virus caused by herpes simplex type 1 or herpes simplex type 2. Type 2 usually causes genital herpes and type 1 usually causes cold sores near the mouth and lips. Either strain of the herpes virus can appear anywhere on the body. Your doctor can administer a blood test or take a culture of the lesions to determine whether or not you have herpes and which kind. There is a social stigma attached to herpes although more than 500 million people have it globally. The World Health Organization says 20 million people are infected yearly.
There is no cure for herpes, but supplements such as lysine can help control its symptoms.
Features
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lysine, also known as L-lysine, is an essential amino acid. The body can't make lysine so it must get it from food or in supplement form. Food sources of lysine include beef, pork, poultry, cheese, nuts, eggs, soybeans, spirulina, beans and legumes, and dairy products.
While lysine can't cure herpes it can help control symptoms and shorten the time of herpes outbreaks.
According to Herpes-Coldsores.com, lysine works by "repressing the metabolism of arginine." Arginine helps the herpes virus grow and replicate, which is not what herpes sufferers want.
Size
In the fourth edition of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends 1,500 mg of lysine daily to treat herpes. She said to take it on an empty stomach and don't take it with milk. It will be better absorbed if you take it with 50 mg of Vitamin B6 and 100 mg of Vitamin C, Balch says.
Significance
If the amount of lysine in the body is greater than the level of arginine, another amino acid, the herpes virus is inhibited. Lysine supplementation should be part of an overall treatment plan supervised by a doctor.
Considerations
Lysine has been shown to raise cholesterol levels and cause gallstones. People who take lysine also sometimes suffer from diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Prevention/Solution
Herpes can be prevented by practicing safe sex and by not kissing someone with a cold sore. There is no cure for herpes but symptoms usually lessen over time. Symptoms can be controlled with a healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Rest and exercise are also very important for herpes sufferers.
References
- Herpes.com: Treatment
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lycine
