Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, type 2. It is spread through sexual contact with someone infected with the virus. Once inside the body, this infection can affect your genitals, rectum, buttocks and reproductive system. Symptoms include genital itchiness, tingling, sores, pain and blisters, enlarged lymph nodes in your groin, painful sexual intercourse and urination, vaginal discharge, fever and body aches. A variety of factors such as stress, genital irritation, menstruation or illnesses can trigger genital herpes outbreaks. A variety of vitamins can ease genital herpes symptoms and ward off future outbreaks.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that repairs damaged genital and rectal tissues, alleviates genital pain, tingling, itchiness and blistering, aids in the healing process, prevents the spread of the herpes simplex virus, shortens the duration of the outbreaks, aids in white blood cell production and prevents reoccurring genital herpes eruptions, according to Jeffrey Klausner and Edward Hook, authors of the book "Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." The daily recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin A include mozzarella cheese, cantaloupes, livers, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, eggs, mangoes, milk and spinach.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that boosts immune system function, prevents the herpes simplex virus from spreading throughout your reproductive system, heals genital sores, minimizes blistering, alleviates genital discomfort and lowers your risk of chronic genital herpes outbreaks, according to Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements." The daily recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B-1 is 1.2 mg for men and 1 mg for women. Foods rich in vitamin B-1 include molasses, bran, fortified cereals, wheat germ, beans, lentils, bacon, milk and cabbage.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from damaging free radicals that can trigger or worsen genital herpes, according to Deborah Mitchell, author of the book "The Complete Book of Nutritional Healing: The Top 100 Medicinal Foods and Supplements and the Diseases They Treat." Mitchell says that vitamin C also accelerates the healing process, relieves genital itchiness or pain, increases collagen production, prevents the herpes simplex virus from spreading throughout your reproductive system and reduces the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks. The daily recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 1,000 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include blackberries, cherries, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, lemons, limes, tomatoes, spinach and mustard greens.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and prevents the spread of the herpes simplex virus, according to Robert Anderson, author of the book "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine." Anderson says that vitamin E also supports tissue reproduction, soothes irritated and sensitive genital sores, heals genital lesions, aids in red and white blood cell production, hydrates your skin and protects it from drying out and cracking during the healing process, reduces the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks and relieves genital discomfort. The daily recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E is 15 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, corn oil and kiwi.
References
- "Genital Herpes"; Greg Saulmon; 2006
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases"; Jeffrey D. Klausner and Edward W. Hook; 2007
- "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine"; Robert A. Anderson; 2001
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2010
- "The Complete Book of Nutritional Healing: The Top 100 Medicinal Foods and Supplements and the Diseases They Treat"; Deborah Mitchell; 2008
