Herpes -- one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, according to Planned Parenthood -- comes in two forms: herpes simplex virus Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 affects your mouth, and Type 2 occurs on your genitals. While there is no cure, your physician may prescribe medications to inhibit an outbreak. You can also make changes to your diet, getting the nutrition you need to inhibit a herpes attack or ward off infection.
Foods High in Lysine
Including foods high in lysine may help prevent a herpes outbreak. A study published in the May 2011 "The Journal of Biological Chemistry" indicates that lysine, an amino acid, inhibited the growth of herpes simplex virus Type 1. The University of Maryland Medical Center website says it may benefit those with herpes simplex virus Type 2 as well. Choose red meat, poultry and pork to boost your intake of this amino acid. Parmesan cheese, cod, sardines, tofu, beans, nuts and spirulina are also good sources of lysine.
Honey
Eating honey may ward off a herpes outbreak because of its propolis content. All honey contains small amounts of propolis, a compound made by bees. This flavonoid-rich substance derives in part from tree sap; bees use it for a variety of purposes in the hive. Research featured in the November 2002 issue of the "The Israeli Medical Association Journal" correlates use of propolis with inhibition of herpes simplex virus Type 1.
Link Between Herpes and Obesity
Your risk of contracting herpes may increase if you are obese, according to a study in the May 2011 "PLoS One" journal. Researchers note that your weight may influence your immune response, which can make it easier for the herpes simplex virus Type 1 to infect your body. These researchers argue that the obesity link should be part of herpes prevention programs, and obese populations should receive warning of this risk. To that end, a nutritious, reduced calorie and reduced fat diet may help decrease your chances of getting herpes.
Foods To Avoid
If you have either herpes simplex virus, certain foods may trigger an outbreak or make it worse. Avoid consuming alcohol, saturated fats, sugar and refined foods -- in addition to possibly causing herpes sores, eating less of these foods may help prevent obesity, which can ward off an infection in the first place. Cut back on your caffeine as well to prevent an outbreak. In addition, avoid foods high in arginine, such as chocolate, nuts and nut butters, seeds and grains.
References
- "The Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Anti-Heparan Sulfate Peptides That Block Herpes Simplex Virus Infection In Vivo; V. Tiwari, et al.; May 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herpes Simplex Virus; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; July 2010
- Honey Flow Farm: Winter 2006 Newsletter
- "The Israel Medical Association Journal"; Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Effect of An Aqueous Extract of Propolis; M. Huleihel, et al.; November 2002
- "PLoS One"; Association Between HSV1 Seropositivity and Obesity; Z. Karjala, et al.; May 2011
