Herpes Diet and Supplements

Herpes is a viral infection that causes painful sores and blisters on the genitals. These blemishes and watery blisters are also seen on the face and the lips. An easy way to manage this disease is to have a diet prescribed for herpes patients. If you don't want the virus to dictate your life, then it is essential to have herpes diet and supplements. A poor diet can worsen this disease, hence it is very important to eat the right food.

Correcting your diet and avoiding certain foods can definitely help to ease the symptoms of herpes. Eating a well balanced, nutritious diet is the best treatment, as it controls this infection effectively. People diagnosed with this viral infection must stay away from packed and processed foods, and decrease intake of caffeine and toxins wherever possible.

Your diet must include lots of vegetables and fruits. Eating broccoli, brussels, and cabbage sprouts can successfully suppress herpes. Ensure that vegetables are freshly cooked, to get the maximum benefit. Instead of having coffee, you can opt for herbal tea or water. Intake of sufficient amount of water (6 to 8 glasses per day) can flush out harmful toxins from the body.

Research has shown that a diet low in arginine and high in lysine is beneficial to herpes patients. L-lysine and L-arginine are 2 amino acids that are found in foods. Lysine is very effective against this viral infection and slows down the growth of the virus. Fruits such as apricots, mangoes, apples, and pears are considered to be rich in lysine and recommended for herpes patients. Most vegetables available in the market too are rich in lysine. Foods that contain high amounts of arginine can aggravate this condition. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, coconut and nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds) are foods high in arginine, and should always be avoided.

Individuals suffering from herpes should also include eggs, legumes, fish, tomatoes, potatoes, and dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk) in their diet. Clinical studies have proven that lysine can prevent herpes outbreak. Cutting back arginine rich foods can help to lessen the symptoms of this viral infection.

In case you feel your diet does not contain adequate amounts of lysine, you can take a recommended lysine supplement. Studies have shown that a daily dose of lysine should be at least 1250mg to control herpes. Lysine is safe, and is considered the best treatment for herpes patients. Lysine supplements that contain minerals, (zinc, bioflavonoids) and vitamins can work wonders to prevent and manage herpes. Doctors often include vitamin C supplements, zinc, and Vitamin B complex in the herpes diet.

Another popular supplement used for the treatment of herpes is turmeric extract, commonly known as curcumin. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and makes the body cells more resistant to viral infections. Cayenne pepper, a traditional supplement, is also often recommended by doctors to fight the invasion of the herpes virus. Either of these can be applied externally to relieve pain. You can create a paste of turmeric and apply it as needed. Red marine algae (RMA) is also a wonderful supplement as it assists the immune system to fight against the virus and prevents recurrence of herpes.

An easy way to beat herpes virus is to include a diet that promotes lysine rich foods and cuts arginine rich foods. This form of treatment will definitely help to get rid of the herpes virus and control the pain.