What Foods To Avoid With Herpes

What Foods to Avoid With Herpes

Dec 12, 2010 | By Kelly Taylor

Herpes, a virus that attacks your immune system, causes problems such as genital warts and cold sores. Changes in your stress levels and foods you eat can likely cause the virus to breakout, reports Herpes.org. However, certain foods are likely to lead to an outbreak, as they may trigger the herpes virus to activate and cause associated symptoms.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, oats, whole wheat tortillas, barley and brown rice, contain substantial amounts of the amino acid arginine, according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Whole wheat bread is high in arginine because it is normally fortified with additional amino acids and vitamins. The herpes virus requires the arginine amino acid to replicate. You may want to opt for basic white bread to avoid herpes breakouts.

Candy

Excessive sugar consumption is a major cause of herpes outbreaks, reports Herpes.org. This occurs because sugar reduces your white cells ability to defend itself against harmful microorganisms. Most candies, whether gummy, hard or chewy, are full of sugar. Herpes.org reports that sugar can often hinder your body's ability to properly absorb B vitamins, which can help your body cope with stress. Candies packed with sugar are not recommended if you are carrying the herpes virus, since stress can trigger herpes virus outbreaks.

Peanuts

According to Herpes.org, peanuts are high in arginine and low in acid, lysine, an amino acid that helps keep herpes dormant in your body. Oriental foods, candies, desserts and other snacks often contain peanuts or peanut oils. In order to minimize herpes triggering effects while eating peanuts, eat foods high in lysine such as meat or take a lysine supplement.