Shingles, a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, occurs when one of your nerves -- and the skin surrounding it -- becomes infected. Two principal symptoms are associated with this unilateral, or one-sided, condition: pain and an itchy rash. Dietary supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating this condition, but you should avoid using supplements until you have discussed their risks and benefits with your physician.
Shingles and Health
Shingles is an extremely common health complaint among Americans. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports that 50 percent of all Americans will have experienced a bout of shingles by the time they are 80 years old. Although shingles is most commonly experienced by people between the ages of 60 and 80, shingles can occur in anybody, at any time. If you develop shingles, you may experience a burning, itching or tingling sensation on your back, chest or around your ribcage.
Commonly Used Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may be commonly used in treating shingles, but further testing using contemporary scientific research methods may be required to validate their purported beneficial health effects. Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that L-lysine and vitamin C with bioflavonoids are essential supplements for this condition. Other important supplements for shingles may include beta-1,3-D-glucan; vitamin B complex; zinc; SAMe; garlic; and vitamins A, D and E.
Supplement in Focus
L-lysine may be one of the most frequently prescribed dietary supplements in the treatment of shingles. L-lysine, an essential amino acid that is a required building block for all protein, helps heal your shingles-related wounds and may also be helpful in combating the virus that causes shingles. L-lysine helps synthesize antibodies, hormones and enzymes and has been used to help fight cold sores and herpes viruses. Lysine cannot be produced by your body, notes Balch.
Warning
Shingles-related pain can be extreme, and this condition should always be managed by a qualified health care professional. Your health care provider can counsel you on treatment methods that may be most beneficial for you. For the most helpful information about shingles supplements, meet with a health care professional specializing in clinical nutrition. Not all supplements may be appropriate for you, and some supplements may cause negative health effects if they are used improperly.
References
- National Health Service: Shingles
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease: About Shingles
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
