How Does Lysine Prevent Fever Blisters?

What Is Lysine?

The body needs lysine (or L-lysine) to function. It's an essential amino acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But the body doesn't make lysine, so you have to get it from food or supplements. Low lysine levels can cause health problems and symptoms like nausea, tiredness, dizziness and lack of appetite. Lysine is an effective treatment against the herpes simplex virus.

Lysine and Herpes Virus

Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and there is no real cure. Taking a lysine supplement or applying the lip balm, however, can help suppress the virus. So how does it work? Basically, lysine inhibits the growth and replication of the herpes virus. The amino acid lysine actually works against another essential amino acid called arginine, which promotes the growth of the herpes simplex virus. Lysine inhibits the effects of arginine. Without arginine to feed the virus, it cannot replicate and continue to cause symptoms--like fever blisters.

Getting Lysine

To boost lysine in your system and help fever blisters to subside, add foods to your diet that are rich in lysine. Opt for lysine-rich vegetables, beans, dairy products, yeast, chicken and fish. You also can take a lysine supplement. For the greatest effect you should take at least 1,250 mg of lysine each day. It's also important to avoid foods that are rich in arginine--like chocolate, white flour, wheat flour, nuts, gelatin and oats.