Nutrition and Herpes Outbreaks

Herpes is an infection that can only be transmitted between people. There are two subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The second one is the sexually transmitted one that causes sores on the genitals and in the genital area. HSV-1 is the subtype that causes herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores.

Once the virus that causes cold sores and genital sores is in the body, it tends to stay in the body for the rest of the person's life. Much of the time it stays in a dormant state inside the nerve cells but periodically reactivates. There are a variety of herpes triggers and some experts suggest that food can cause outbreaks or make them worse.

Amino Acids and Outbreaks

L-lysine and L-arginine are the two amino acids that affect herpes outbreaks of both types the most. It's recommended that those susceptible to outbreaks cut Arginine from their diets and increase high Lysine.

Arginine helps the virus replicate meaning it's basically a food source for the virus. If there is no Arginine, the virus can't grow into a full-blown cold sore attack. Lysine counteracts the production of Arginine so it's a good idea to eat food high in the former amino acid to reduce cold sore attacks.

Examples of Lysine-rich foods include eggs, avocados, tomatoes, beets, papaya, apricots, apples, figs and mango. Other good choices include brewer's yeast, brussel sprouts, fish and meats like chicken, beef and lamb. Examples of Arginine-rich foods include seeds, oats, chocolate, nuts, brown rice, peanut butter, flour, lentils, caffeine and wheat germ. Some protein shakes and multivitamins tend to be high in Arginine and should be avoided by those prone to cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks.

Acidic Foods

Highly acidic foods can cause breakouts more often or make breakouts worse because they place stress on the immune system. Try a diet low in acid but high in alkaline to control sores and neutralize acidic levels. High acid foods include beef (yes, it's also high in Lysine so eat it in moderation), artificial sweeteners, coffee, chocolate, fruit juices, processed maple syrup, table salt, alcohol, sulphured molasses and yogurt. Examples of high alkaline foods include figs, celery, watermelon, lemon, limes, pears, grapes and raisins.

Bioflavonoid and Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps form the connective tissue in the skin and helps heal wounds so making sure you have enough of this vitamin in your body can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak. Bioflavonoids have antioxidant and immune boosting qualities and also help with the absorption of Vitamin C. Foods high in Vitamin C include tropical guavam, apples, avocados and melons. Foods high in bioflavonoid include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, cherries, green tea, raspberries and citrus fruit.