Arginine Dosage in Protein Powders and the Effects on Shingles Symptoms

Excellent response. I have the same problem with Herpes Zoster as well as Herpes Simplex One. This article answered everything I needed to know. Thanks.

Why not take a 1000mg lysine tablet every time you have a protein drink that has more arginine than lysine?

Hi Mari, There are studies that suggest too much lysine will cause diarrhea. If you added what was in the protein drink already with the added 1,000mg it would be a lot of lysine.

I have recurrent shingles and whey protein has consistently been the best for me. I have problems digesting soy and gluten myself. Also, if the thyroid isn't healthy and that is affecting the entire immune system, soy is definitely not the way to go due to the estrogenic effects. I used to take lysine and ramitidine as a prophylactic against further outbreaks, then switched to acyclovir (oral, 200 mg). I recently had a shingles vaccine. Not sure yet if it worked but I'll know when I get off the acyclovir. Also, watch exposure to the sun. It seems to be a shingles trigger.

Trust me If you want to drink a protein shake you will break out way often than you ever though. I have Genital Herpes and I would break out once every two months. The blisters were small and I would get only one or two of them which would go away in about 2 days. I started taking whey protein which has about 4:1 ratio of lysine to arginine. I take about 120 grams of protein a day and it been a nightmare. I never thought it was possible but I had three very bad outbreaks in one month. The outbreak is similar to my first one, and I had one break out right after the other. They also keep popping up instead of getting one or two and that is it. I need the protein and I have no girlfriend or sexual partner so I'm dealing with it. If you don't have to take the protein shakes then find another means of getting it because its really not worth the aggravation.

Herpes and cold sores are the same virus, so listen up, now you have it so deal with it. If you are drinking a protein shake the only protein you can use is Whey. The Lysine/Arginine Ratio is too high in the others. Also take Super Lysine tablets 3-4 times daily. This ensures you have adequate lysine in your system. Here is a suggested protein drink mix that is cheap. It makes a great breakfast shake each day and is quick to do. one Scoop of EAS Whey Protein, 23grams from Sam's Club, $25-$30 for 5lbs. 1/2 to 1 Banana depending on the carbohydrates you want, add 1 tbsp of Fiber from, Wholefoods store, and 1 Cup of Strawberries from Sam's Club which costs $8-$9, Dole brand 5 pound bag. Add tea as desired depending on how thick you want it. Next go to an Asian Market and buy: Green or White Tea in Bulk, Prince of Peace is a good brand, 100 bags for $2 to $4, and Peppermint Tea which is good for the stomach and tones down the Green or White Tea. Then make the tea as follows: the night before put it in to a steel mug from Starbucks and put in the refrigerator after adding 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water and three Green or White and one Peppermint bag. In the morning this will be cold to add to your shake. Only drink one of these a day or you will have problems. Other protein sources: Eggs, depending on size, Small(4gm), Medium(5gm), Large(6gm), Extra Large(7gm), and yogurt which is a huge source of lysine, and Chobani, 14-15gms per serving found at Sam's Club at one dozen for $12 and eat this daily. Jay Robb, makes a great whey protein that has no MSG, Aspartame, Acesulfame-K, Sucralose, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. Most other Proteins have the above, but this one is pure. Stay away from soy and soy Lethicin. This might be hard to do because also everything you buy at the store or when eating out has it. That is why you must keep lysine in your system at all times. Stay away from peanuts, nuts, seeds, and chocolate because they are loaded with Arginine. Stay away from gelatin. Your vitamin powders are often are encased in these capsules. They are high in Arginine. The bottom line, watch your diet just like a diabetic or others with a chronic illness do. This virus mutates and the more you don't watch your diet the more it mutates. I have lived with this for 30yrs and can tell you 1st hand. Everytime I've had an outbreak I can usually trace it back to the above. Don't worry it's estimated as much as 20% of all Americans over 18 have this little bug. You are not alone. Millions are in the same boat. So Hang in there, chances are your spouse will have it also. And yes you can and will get married and have children if you desire to do so. This is no big deal once you understand what you are dealing with and how to control it. It's a game you must play daily just like watching your stocks in the market. Make corrections as needed. If you watch your diet your life will be pretty normal. Don't ever have unprotected sexual relations! Need I say more?