In the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D., asserts that herpes has been troubling the human race for more than 2,000 years. The name herpes, Rakel says, comes from the Greek word meaning "to creep or crawl." It reflects the virus' predilection for hiding in the nerve cells and creeping out to produce symptoms, often at the most inopportune times. Recognized triggers for herpes outbreaks include stress, illness, fatigue, injuries and even sunlight. Consuming a balanced diet that focuses on specific foods may minimize the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Lean Protein
Lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, low-fat dairy products and, to a lesser extent, meat such as pork and beef provide the amino acid lysine. Diets emphasizing lysine have become a popular recommendation for people with herpes, according to Rakel. In a test tube, lysine blocks the growth-promoting effects of another amino acid, arginine, on the herpes virus. However, Rakel cautions that "clinical studies have shown mixed results." Consuming lysine in the form of lean protein can do no harm. To maximize the effectiveness of this strategy, it also helps to avoid high arginine foods such as chocolate, nuts, seeds and gelatin.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as non-vitamin compounds like flavonoids and quercetin that help support the immune system. Since herpes outbreaks often occur when the immune system is weakened or distracted by other problems, immune system health plays a key role in preventing outbreaks. Rakel recommends consuming at least seven or eight servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Good choices include citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy greens such as spinach, sweet and white potatoes, berries and cantaloupe. Eating a variety of foods helps ensure all needs are covered. Since many Americans don't obtain enough vitamins -- especially vitamin E -- from the diet, a multivitamin can also help.
Whole Grains
Whole grains supply fiber that contributes to general health, but they also play an important role in fighting herpes. In the December 2005 issue of "Alternative Medicine Reviews," holistic medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D. describes how refined carbohydrates such as white flour, sugar, corn syrup and white rice impair the function of the immune system. In rats, supplying just 10 percent of daily calories in the form of sugar suppresses the production of antibodies that fight infections like herpes, Gaby says. While the B-cells of the immune system produce antibodies, another type of immune system cell, called the T-cell, plays a direct role in attacking viruses. However, these, too, are affected by diets high in refined carbohydrates with measurable decreases in function following as little as 30 minutes after the ingestion of 300 calories of refined carbohydrates, Gaby says. Replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grain choices such as whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, barley and quinoa supports the immune system with the added health benefits of extra fiber.
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex; Alan R. Gaby, M.D. ; Dec. 2005
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin E
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