Herpes diet can actually minimize the symptoms and recurrence of herpes outbreaks. Let us see some herpes diet tips which will help you to build a strong immune system and keep herpes outbreak in control.
What to avoid during herpes diet?
It has been stated by researchers that arginine, an amino acid may aggravate herpes virus and support virus outbreak. In case of frequent herpes outbreaks, nuts, chocolate and caffeine should be avoided. If in case you need to have a food high in arginine, balance it with by increasing lysine food or supplement. The dietary sources high in arginine are caffeine, nuts, chocolate, brown rice, oatmeal, seeds, raisins, whole wheat bread. Thus it is always better to avoid these ingredients in your diet during herpes outbreak. Arginine is produced naturally by human body also, so it is not possible to eliminate it completely. But it definitely helps to reduce herpes syndrome by avoiding high arginine food.
Processed food, junk food, sugar, artificial sweetners may trigger herpes outbreak so it is better to minimize these normally and avoid them completely.
A Simple Guideline of Herpes Diet
Food which should balance arginine by lysine in herpes diet
It has been stated by researchers that lysine, an amino acid retards herpes virus growth and eliminate the virus outbreak. High lysine food helps you in reducing the frequency of symptoms and helps in fast healing. High lysine food includes sprouts, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, chicken, fish particulary cod and sardines, meat, beef, beet, avocado, mango, tomato, apple, apricot, pear, fig and papaya.
Food with other nourishing nutrients for herpes diet
Along with lysine you need to include essential nutrients in your diet to nourish your skin and to resist the infection. Some of the nutrients also help in regeneration and repairing during infection. These nutrients are Vitamin C, Zinc and bioflavonoids. Let us see the resources available for these nutrients.
- Vitamin C: It is critical in our immunity, helps manufacture hormones, collagen, maintains our respiratory system and lung function and it is a powerful antioxidant. It also plays role in protecting against heart diseases, supporting function of vitamin E, protects sperms from damage. It is found in most fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce, bok choy, spinach, oranges, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, parsley, papaya, strawberries, bell peppers and cauliflower.
- Bioflavonoid: Grapefruits, lemon, lime, mandarins, cherries, cranberries, peppers, apricot, prunes, black tea, wine, rosehips etc.
- Zinc: Seafood, legumes, wholegrain cereals, pumpkin seeds, dairy products, beans and lentils.
Anti-oxidant for herpes diet
Anti oxidant rich food helps to ward off infections of herpes virus. It also helps in reducing the damage and repairing process in the body. It includes all types of berries, ginger, chili, red cabbage, dates, tomato, garlic, green tea, soy, wholegrain and carrots.
It is always better to choose food which contains antiviral and antioxidant properties in herpes diet. It is also necessary to have food which enhances immune system. Some more beneficial resources of herpes diet are coconut, barley grass, goji berries, Spirulina, shitaki and reishi mushrooms.
