Herpes & Nutrition
Controlling herpes outbreaks and their severity is possible by changing the foods you eat on a daily basis. Maintaining a diet that is high in lysine, but low in arginine is the one of the best methods to manage symptoms of herpes.
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What is Lysine?
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Lysine is an amino acid that the body needs, but does not manufacture on its own. It helps the body absorb calcium, and is a vital component in the production of collagen, which assists in the maintenance of skin and bones. Lysine can help reduce outbreak recovery time.
Lysine Sources
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Lysine is found in foods that are high in protein. Meats like beef and chicken, or fish, like cod, are excellent sources of the lysine. It can also be found in dairy products such as cheese.
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What is Arginine?
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Arginine is an amino acid that is created by the body. Its primary function is the creation of urea, which helps in the elimination of waste from the body. The body produces sufficent arginine on its own; therefore, increasing arginine to control herpes is unnecessary.
Nutritional Resources
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An itemized chart that outlines the lysine/arginine ratio found in specific foods can be found on herpes.com. The website advises that the chart should be used as a reference, and that it may not be necessary to avoid foods that have a low lysine/arginine ratio but to use discretion and common sense.
Warning
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People who follow a highly regimented diet and exercise routine have an increased potential for lysine deficieny. These individuals are encouraged to use lysine supplements regulary to help combat this problem.
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