There are some foods that have proven to be "herpes friendly" and some that seem to trigger outbreaks. So by knowing the "good" food and which ones to avoid, you could significantly lower the occurrence, severity and duration of your herpes outbreaks.
The reason some food is good and some bad is mainly because of two amino acids, namely Lysine and Arginine. Both these amino acids are found naturally in food. A Lysine-high and Arginine low diet is highly recommended for the treatment of herpes symptoms.
Why Lysine
Herpes needs Arginine to replicate itself. That is the reason why a Arginine Rich diet will result is more frequent, severe and longer outbreaks. Lysine on the other hand has an exact opposite effect.
Extensive Research has proven that Lysine hinders the absorption of Arginine; therefore limiting the replication of the herpes virus. This will result in less frequent and less severe herpes outbreaks.
Even though a high Lysine herpes diet alone may not be enough to stop herpes outbreaks, it is highly recommended that you include it as part of your herpes prevention program.
One more thing to keep in mind is that the effects of Lysine on herpes are stronger on Oral herpes than Genital Herpes.
With that said, here is a list of food that is high in lysine and should be included in your herpes diet:
- Cheese
- Meat
- Legumes
- Dairy products
- Chicken
- Potatoes
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Vegetables
- Fish
- Avocado
- Beef
- Milk
- Soy Products (not Soya products, there is a difference)
- Broccoli
- Cranberry
- White and green tea
- Chocolate
- Coconut
- Nuts
- Oats
- Soya beans
- Raisins
- Whole wheat bread
- Cereal grains
In addition to a high Lysine and low Arginine diet, You could also take Lysine Supplements on a regular basis. The best supplement I know is "HERP-EEZE (TM)". This is a Lysine supplement made specially to fight the herpes virus.
For other supplements I would suggest you ask your doctor or dietician. Keep in mind though that lysine supplements are not recommended during pregnancy.
Herpes Diet conclusion: Try to create a balance in your herpes diet , there is no reason totally exclude Arginine Rich Foods in your diet. However try by all means to keep the ratio of Lysine Rich foods higher than that of the Arginine Rich Foods. If this is not possible you could try out some Lysine supplements as they will have the same effect.