Can Eating Certain Foods Help Heal & Prevent a Herpes Outbreak?
Herpes is the common name for infections caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters, involves the face, while genital herpes involves the genitals, buttocks or anal area. There is no cure for herpes, and some people experience frequent, troublesome outbreaks in response to triggers such as stress, sunlight and diet. Eating certain foods can help heal and prevent a herpes outbreak.
Whole Grains
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people obtain 45 to 65 percent of their daily calorie intake in the form of carbohydrates. However, in the December 2005 issue of “Alternative Medicine Reviews,” nutritional medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D., claims that ingesting large amounts of refined carbohydrates impairs immune function. In humans, Gaby writes, ingesting just 300 calories of glucose produces measurable decreases in immune-system function in as little as 30 minutes. Although Gaby admits that specific studies on refined carbohydrates and herpes have never been conducted, he writes that many of his patients have noticed the correlation. Whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats, barley and quinoa represent healthful and tasty alternatives to refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice, sugar and corn syrup.
- The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people obtain 45 to 65 percent of their daily calorie intake in the form of carbohydrates.
- However, in the December 2005 issue of “Alternative Medicine Reviews,” nutritional medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D., claims that ingesting large amounts of refined carbohydrates impairs immune function.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Lysine Herpes Diet
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Meat, poultry and fish contain a high ratio of lysine to arginine, two essential amino acids implicated in herpes outbreaks. According to Gaby, the herpes virus requires arginine in order to reproduce. Lysine, by contrast, counteracts the growth-stimulating effects of arginine on herpes and stimulates the production of an enzyme, arginase, that breaks down arginine. In addition to amino acids, these foods also provide key minerals such as iron and zinc, low levels of which also contribute to the risk of herpes outbreaks. While meat, poultry and fish can help fight herpes, they can cause other health problems. It’s important to choose lean cuts of meat and poultry and follow local public health advisories on fish consumption.
- Meat, poultry and fish contain a high ratio of lysine to arginine, two essential amino acids implicated in herpes outbreaks.
Fruits and Vegetables
Vitamins and other, non-vitamin compounds such as flavonoids in fruits and vegetables also help fight herpes. In the 2007 edition of “Integrative Medicine,” University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D., specifically recommends consuming at least seven or eight servings per day in order to ward off herpes outbreaks and speed symptom resolution when outbreaks do occur. Good choices include citrus fruits, bell peppers, mangoes, onions and broccoli. In addition to their effects on herpes, higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are also associated with reduced risk of several major health problems, notes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including stroke, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
- Vitamins and other, non-vitamin compounds such as flavonoids in fruits and vegetables also help fight herpes.
- In addition to their effects on herpes, higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are also associated with reduced risk of several major health problems, notes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including stroke, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Herpes Simplex
- “Integrative Medicine”; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- “Alternative Medicine Reviews”; Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; Dec. 2005
- United States Department of Agriculture: Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- McQuillan G, Kruszon-Moran D, Flagg EW, Paulose-Ram R. Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in persons aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016. NCHS Data Brief. 2018;304.
- Tronstein E. Genital Shedding of Herpes Simplex Virus Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With HSV-2 Infection. JAMA. 2011;305(14):1441. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.420
- World Health Organization (WHO). Herpes simplex virus. Updated January 31, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed). Updated January 31, 2017
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet. Updated August 28, 2017.
- Chun H, Carpenter R, Macalino G, Crum-Cianflone NF. The role of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-1 progression: A comprehensive review of the literature. Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2012;2013(176459):1-15. doi:10.1155/2013/176459
- Heslop R, Roberts H, Flower D, Jordan V. Interventions for men and women with their first episode of genital herpes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Aug 30;(8):CD010684. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010684.pub2
- Jin F, Prestage GP, Mao L, Kippax SC, Pell CM, et al. Transmission of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in a prospective cohort of HIV-negative gay men: the health in men study. J Infect Dis. 2006 Sep 1;194(5):561-70.
- Schulte JM, Bellamy AR, Hook EW 3rd, Bernstein DI, Levin MJ, et al. HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence in the united states among asymptomatic women unaware of any herpes simplex virus infection (Herpevac Trial for Women). South Med J. 2014 Feb;107(2):79-84. doi:10.1097/SMJ.0000000000000062
Writer Bio
Heather Gloria began writing professionally in 1990. Her work has appeared in several professional and peer-reviewed publications including "Nutrition in Clinical Practice." Gloria earned both a Bachelor of Science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois. She also maintains the "registered dietitian" credential and her professional interests include therapeutic nutrition, preventive medicine and women's health.