Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, represents the second eruption of the virus that causes chicken pox. After a person becomes infected, the body never actually clears the virus. Instead, it remains inactive within the roots of nerves along the spine or inside the brain. Involvement of the nerves means that shingles usually produces more severe and long-lasting symptoms compared to chicken pox. The University of Michigan Health System, UMHS, says that a diet low in the amino acid arginine "may be helpful" in alleviating these symptoms.
Relationship
Varicella-zoster, the virus that causes shingles and chicken pox, belongs to the same family of viruses as herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. Arginine cues herpes simplex to begin growing and supplies raw materials to support that growth. UMHS says that some doctors believe that arginine may serve the same function for varicella-zoster, although it acknowledges that there is no scientific evidence to prove this.
Types
Arginine is found in almost all foods, however some foods contain more than others. High arginine foods linked to herpes simplex symptoms include nuts, seeds, chocolate and gelatin. Arginine also comes as a dietary supplement in the form of creams, pills, powders and liquids. UMHS recommends abstaining from both high arginine foods and arginine supplements for the duration of a shingles outbreak.
Risks
The major risk of avoiding high arginine foods during a shingles outbreak is that it will have no effect. There is no direct evidence linking arginine consumption to the risk of developing shingles, nor is there any direct evidence that arginine consumption influences the duration or severity of symptoms, once the disease occurs. The evidence linking arginine to herpes simplex is direct, but weak. In the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. says that clinical studies have shown mixed results.
Benefits
Limiting arginine consumption during a shingles outbreak could modestly improve the duration or severity of symptoms. For example, in the case of herpes simplex, a 1987 study published in the journal "Dermatologica" and led by Indiana University professor of infectious diseases Richard Griffith found that 74 percent of people who took lysine, an amino acid that counteracts the effects of arginine, rated it as "effective" or "very effective" at controlling symptoms.
Considerations
Following a diet that emphasizes lysine-rich foods maximizes the effectiveness of avoiding arginine-rich foods. Examples of lysine-rich foods include low-fat dairy products and lean cuts of meat, chicken or fish. Diet does not replace conventional medical treatments for shingles or any other medical condition. People who have shingles should see a doctor. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir make shingles attacks shorter and less severe, and also reduce the risk of complications, like the chronic pain condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- "Dermatologica"; Success of L-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection; Richard S. Griffith, M.D. et al.; April 1987
- Shingles: Hope Through Research
