The herpes simplex virus is very common.
There are approximately one million new cases of herpes diagnosed each year.
About eighty percent of American adults get cold sores that are caused by herpes simplex virus outbreaks.
Luckily, research has come a long way in figuring out how to control these viral outbreaks and provide relief.
Holistic Help for Herpes
Question for Dr. Leia: Are their any holistic approaches for curing herpes with foods or natural remedies?
Dr. Leia’s Answer: Herpes is caused by a virus: the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. It is a highly contagious viral disease that is easily and quickly spread to other people and other parts of the body through direct contact, especially through oral and sexual contact.
This virus lives in the nerve root or ganglion plexus, deep within the body. During times of stress, trauma, or bad diet, the virus can come out of hibernation and cause an acute attack or outbreak on the skin.
This outbreak is usually in the form of an ulcer, which is extremely painful, and can occur anywhere around the lips, mouth, and oral area, and in the genital area, including the rectal and buttocks. Since the virus can continually shed, it can be transmitted to another person even when there is no visible sore or lesion noticeable.
Good hygeine is important during outbreaks, especially after touching the lesions or sores.
Foods That Feed the Herpes Virus
The foods which feed the herpes virus and cause the virus to proliferate are foods which are high in the amino acid arginine.
Arginine can be found in highest amounts in nuts, especially in peanuts, coconut, carob, soya beans, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, and many more.
Other foods that are common which also feed the herpes virus are: Chocolate, coffee, caffeine, cola drinks, oats, lentils, and wheat products.
These foods are to be avoided as much as possible to keep the virus from erupting.
Foods High in Lysine
Foods that contain the amino acid lysine actually help to inhibit the growth of the herpes virus.
Lysine foods include all dairy products, chicken, fish, vegetables, sprouts, and beans or legumes.
Also, you can obtain a supplement of lysine in pill form, and take higher doses during an outbreak or one capsule daily for prevention.
Healthy Foods Boost the Immune System
Of course, it is important to eat a healthy, nutritious diet daily with lots of fresh vegetables and avoid foods high in sugar, fried foods, highly refined foods, alcohol, and acid-producing foods.
You want to eat foods that are rich in lysine and also low in arginine. For instance, beet root nutrition is a perfect choice because the red juice from the beet supports so many of the body’s systems.
Other foods to add to your shopping list to help lessen herpes symptoms by implementing a healthy diet include:
- papaya fruit
- omega 3 rich eggs
- avocados
- tomatoes
- dairy products
- brewer’s yeast
- sprouts
- most fruits and green vegetables
- fish, chicken, and lamb
Good fats play an important role in supporting healthy body functions. Supplementing with monolaurin (glyceryl laurate) is also a good choice due to its anti-viral properties.