Type 2 herpes simplex virus, or HSV-2, is a common viral infection affecting the genitals and it is estimated to effect between 20 and 30 percent of the population in America. Although HSV-2 is not curable a strong immune system and healthy diet can help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Eat a Hypoallergenic Diet
According to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, food allergies and sensitivities may be responsible for your herpes outbreaks. The school explains that many people have hidden food allergies and it is especially common to develop allergies to foods that you consume daily. Symptoms can be mild and the onset is often delayed, so it is hard to recognize these food allergens. Eating allergenic foods triggers an immune response and overtime it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to herpes simplex outbreaks.
How to Identify Food Allergens
In order to identify and eliminate possible food allergens, CSNN recommends following an elimination diet. For three weeks you eliminate the most common food allergens, which include dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, chocolate, coffee, citrus, strawberries, potatoes and tomatoes; as well as any food item you consume excessively. You then reintroduce one food item per day and eat it in large quantities. Monitor your body closely, a herpes outbreak would be an obvious sign that you have an allergy, however any ill health symptom that you did not experience during the 3-week elimination protocol, can be indicative of a food allergy.
Avoid Immune-system Stressors
In addition to eliminating personal food allergies, Phyllis Balch recommends in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," that you eliminate foods and substances that stress the immune system. These include alcohol; coffee, tea, soft drinks and other sources of caffeine; sugar, and foods that contain sugar as a main ingredient; refined foods and white flour products; and all highly processed foods. CSNN says that spicy foods and meat should also be limited. The school explains that meat contains a substance called arachidonic acid that contributes to inflammation in the body and too much inflammation can trigger an outbreak or worsen current lesions.
Foods to Emphasize
CSNN says to eat a whole foods diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes. L-lysine is an amino acid that is thought to prevent and enhance the healing time of herpes. Foods such as whole grains, lima beans and soy are all excellent sources of l-lysine. Cold water fish also contain lysine and have the additional benefit of being high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are thought to enhance the immune system. For immune boosting purposes, consume between 2 to 3 servings of the following fish a week salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, sardines and cod.
Consider Capsaicin
Finally, Balch says that more research needs to done but consuming capsaicin may be able to help prevent HSV-2 outbreaks. Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in high amounts in all members of the pepper family that taste hot, as well as in hot sauces such as Tabasco. A study done by the American Society for Microbiology, on an extract of capsaicin found that rats with HSV experienced a significant reduction in symptom severity and a substantial increase in remission time between outbreaks when given capsaicin.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
- American Society for Microbiology: Civamide (cis-Capsaicin) for Treatment of Primary or Recurrent Experimental Genital Herpes
