Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a rash that can be painful. According to MayoClinic.com, shingles typically resolves on its own, but medications can help speed up the healing process and relieve pain. Certain nutrients have displayed pain-relieving properties, and incorporating these into your diet can help with shingles or painful complications. Talk with your doctor about how dietary modifications may help with your situation, and before using any supplements, ask if they are safe for you to consume and what dosage to take, to avoid adverse effects.
Step 1
Add foods to your diet that are rich in lysine. Or you can take a lysine supplement. Lysine is an amino acid that may prevent herpes virus outbreaks, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dietary sources of this amino acid include meat, cheese, sardines, eggs, soybeans, beans and legumes. Fenugreek seed is also a good source of lysine.
Step 2
Eat shellfish, eggs, beef and dairy products, all of which contain vitamin B-12. Although oral B-12 has not been tested for shingles, intravenous B-12 has been shown to be effective for postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that can continue after the singles rash has resolved, states Mount Auburn Hospital, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ask your doctor whether taking vitamin B-12 would be appropriate for you.
Step 3
Take a vitamin E supplement. Mount Auburn Hospital recommends taking 1,200 to 1,600 international units per day of vitamin E for postherpetic neuralgia. Dietary sources of vitamin E include almonds, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, tomatoes, peanuts and peanut butter.
Step 4
Stock up on foods high in vitamin C and zinc. MayoClinic.com states that shingles outbreaks can occur due to an impaired immune system, and vitamin C and zinc are essential in promoting a healthy immune system. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, leafy greens, peppers and potatoes. Oysters, red meats, chicken, legumes and whole grains are also good sources of zinc.
Tips and Warnings
- Some herbal supplements have been shown to be effective in helping to treat symptoms of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, including licorice and wood betony. Ask your health care provider whether these are safe for you to use and whether they might be helpful in your situation.
- Do not take any supplements without first checking with your doctor that it is safe for you. Do not try to treat shingles or postherpetic neuralgia by yourself. See your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Talk with your doctor about dietary changes you can make to help minimize symptoms.
References
- Universiity of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine
- Mount Auburn Hospital: Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- MayoClinic.com: Shingles: Treatments and Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Shingles: Risk Factors
