Dosage Of Lysine For Herpes Outbreak

Dosage And Possible Side Effects

Lysine is available not only as a dietary supplement but also as a cream. To treat cold sores, apply lysine cream to the affected area every two hours for 11 days. The recommended dosage for dietary supplements is 1 gram three times a day, both for disease management and prevention. If you do not notice an improvement in your condition, discuss doses and alternative treatments with your doctor. If symptoms worsen, stop treatment. Zinc and vitamin C supplements also strengthen the immune system.

Up to 3grams of lysine a day do not cause side effects in the body. However, in large quantities side effects can occur, such as diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain and nausea.

There is not enough information about the safety or side effects of lysine during pregnancy.

Before taking lysine or any other supplement, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. Lysine may interact with medications you may be taking. It can increase the absorption of calcium and this can affect the functioning of the organs.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a variety of lysine supplements!

References

Lysine For Cold Sores: How Does It Work And How Much To Take

If you are looking into what you can find over the counter to help clear up that cold sore, you will likely come across many recommendations for Lysine.

But just what does Lysine do for cold sores, how effective is it, how much should you take, and can you use it along with other anti-viral medications?

In this article, we will cover the basics of taking Lysine for cold sores and help you get some answers.

Try Taking The Supplement Lysine

In terms of taking supplements to prevent breakouts, I especially recommend L-lysine. This is the primary supplement for herpes, Gade says. L-lysine is an amino acid, a building block of protein. When you have an outbreak, it can be taken orally to shorten the outbreak in conjunction with an antiviral medication.

Lysine appears to be useful in reducing the number and the severity of outbreaks. The usual daily dose is between 1 and 3 milligrams.

Some studies suggest that taking lysine regularly may help prevent outbreaks of both cold sores and herpes sores. In Gades experience, patients have had no side effects using lysine. In some people, though, there have been reports of the supplement causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Also Check: How Long Do Herpes Out Breaks Last

How Effective Is Lysine For Cold Sores

Most studies back up the benefits of supplementing with lysine for cold sore breakouts.

One older questionnaire study enrolled 1543 participants with either herpes labialis or genital herpes and had some of them take Lysine supplements. The participants that took the Lysine supplement reported a shorter healing time than the group that did not take Lysine, and 88% considered Lysine an effective treatment for herpes.

A placebo-controlled study had 27 patients with herpes take 1,000mg Lysine 3 times daily for 6 months, and had 25 herpes patients take a placebo 3 times daily. At the end of the 6 months, the group taking Lysine had an average of 2.4 fewer outbreaks, shorter healing times, and less severe symptoms than the placebo group.

However, some studies, like this 1984 study by DiGiovanna, did not find any benefits of Lysine supplementation compared to placebo. But, this could be due to the dosing being much lower than some of the other studies at only 400mg three times daily.

Can The Amino Acid L

Herpes is an infectious virus which is commonly passed through sexual intercourse. While there is no cure for herpes, it has come a long way in terms of treatment, so far in fact that herpes patients can even get a prescription online.

While most herpes treatments are prescribed by a doctor, there are some natural supplements thought to improve symptoms. L-Lysine is one such treatment. L-Lysine is an amino acid which helps with the construction of protein cells. In this way it helps your body build muscle tissue and transport fat for energy. Harvard Medical School writes, âL-lysine, or simply lysine, is an essential amino acid involved in making proteins and metabolizing carbohydrates and fatty acids. In the laboratory, it hampers the activity of arginine, an amino acid that promotes the growth of HSV. This suggests that increasing lysine intake might work against HSV infections.â The study of L-Lysine for herpes is still being researched.

Here, weâll discuss herpes, L-Lysine, and the possible uses L-Lysine has in treating herpes.

Herpes Causes and Symptoms

Herpes is caused through exposure from one infected person to another during a breakout. This usually occurs during sexual intercourse for genital herpes , or during kissing or sharing objects used orally for HSV-1. It is also possible to pass on herpes during childbirth if the child is born during a breakout of genital blisters.

Traditional Herpes Treatments

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How I Figured Out My Diet Was Making My Herpes Worse

Anyway, so after battling herpes for a couple of years, I kinda got out of working out due to some personal problems that had me kinda depressed. While I still had outbreaks, they tended to be less severe and less frequent.

I also happened to be single during this time and I thought maybe that the lack of sex may have something to do with the less frequent outbreaks. My doctor had advised me that sex is one of the outbreak triggers.

Since getting herpes I really didnt feel much up to dating or having to disclose that information to someone and then get rejected. So, I just went without for a long time. In fact, Im still single. I havent gotten to where I can handle trying to tell someone about it, but its getting better.

While there are some good resources for how to adjust to having herpes and how to tell a potential partner that you have herpes, there is a special place in Hell for my ex.

Back to my story.

So while I wasnt working out, the outbreaks were less. But, then, after having gained a lot of weight from sitting on my ass and eating crappy junk food all of the time, I decided it was time to get my crap together and lose some weight.

I began eating a healthier diet which included plenty of nuts, seeds, and so forth for protein. I also started working out again, and since I planned to gain some muscle, I started drinking my favorite vegan protein shake.

What The Research Says

If you eat a balanced diet that includes red meat, fish, and dairy products, you probably consume enough lysine. Its also widely advertised as a dietary supplement. In the body, lysine knocks out another protein building block, or amino acid, called arginine. To boost the effect of lysine, avoid arginine-rich foods such as nuts and seeds.

A large review concluded that L-lysine had no reliable effect on cold sores. In a smaller study that seemed to show an effect, participants took an average of just over 900 milligrams of the supplement daily for six months. At this or even higher levels, L-lysine appears to have no toxic effects.

Whether L-lysine is likely to work on reducing the intensity or duration of shingles symptoms is a separate question.

Theres not a shred of evidence that it works, says Aaron Glatt, MD, chairman of the department of medicine at South Nassau Communities Hospital and spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Its probably not dangerous, but I wouldnt tell someone to spend money on it.

If youd like to explore L-lysine as a treatment option for shingles, make an appointment with your doctor. You can discuss whether its the right treatment for you.

Possible side effects include:

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Interactions With Supplements Foods & Other Compounds

Lysine supplementation increases the absorption of calcium and may reduce its excretion.1 As a result, some researchers believe that lysine may eventually be shown to have a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.2

Lysine works with other essential amino acids to maintain growth, lean body mass, and the bodys store of nitrogen.

How Do I Use Lysine For Cold Sores

Lysine for cold sores is a known and effective treatment for many who suffer from open sores on the lips and genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus . L-lysine, the biologically active form, is available in pharmacies, grocery stores, or specialty vitamin retailers in capsules from 500 to 1,000 mg. Excess lysine is excreted through urine, so it does not accumulate in the body. Effective dosages range from 1,000 mg up to 3,000 mg per day during an active outbreak. Lysine should not be taken with food.

HSV is acquired through contact with carriers of the virus by the exchange of body fluids such as may occur during kissing, coughing, unprotected sex, or touching open cuts. HSV is very common. Many asymptomatic people are carriers and spread the virus unknowingly. Upon infection, people will harbor the virus for the rest of their lives. The virus will lie dormant between outbreaks, at which time the carrier will become contagious.

Lysine for cold sores has been observed to dramatically decrease the frequency of outbreaks. Outbreaks are often triggered by some form of stress. Stress can take the form of ultraviolet light, colds, or other infections, or the anxieties of daily activities. Lysine deficiency is rare, since it is found in many proteins. Vegans using grain as their sole source of protein may need to take lysine supplements.

Recommended Reading: How Soon To Test For Herpes

Why Take A Lysine Supplement

• Studies have shown that taking lysine on a regular basis may help prevent outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes.
• Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is necessary for human health, however the body canât produce it, so you must get it through food or from supplements.
• Lysine is important for proper growth it plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol.

Will Taking The Amino Acid Supplement Lysine Prevent Or Treat The Herpes Simplex Virus

• ContactAffiliationsThis article was written by Wendy Marcason, RD, of The American Dietetic Association’s Knowledge Center in Chicago, IL. ADA members can contact the Knowledge Center by sending an

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Take A Food Inventory

The best way to approach this question is to make a list of foods that you commonly eat and then make two columns next to this list. Title one column lysine and the other arginine.

Next, visit the SuperTracker at choosemyplate.gov and look up each food on the list. Write down its lysine and arginine values.

Outlook For Treating Cold Sores With Lysine

A cold sore infection cant be cured, but lysine treatment can reduce its recurrence. Though shown to be effective, lysine isnt recommended for pregnant women since there isnt enough information on how safe it is for these women.

Before pursuing treatment, discuss lysine and other alternatives with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your cold sores.

Last medically reviewed on March 28, 2018

Also Check: Can You Pass Herpes While On Medication

What Other Drugs Will Affect Lysine

Other drugs may interact with lysine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take lysine without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• calcium supplements or

• gastrointestinal medicines .

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lysine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Recommended Reading: Witch Hazel And Genital Herpes

Report Problems To The Food And Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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. Zhonghua Yi.Xue.Za Zhi. 1982 62:11-12. View abstract.

Doraiswamy, T. R., Singh, N., and Daniel, V. A. Effects of supplementing ragi diets with lysine or leaf protein on the growth and nitrogen metabolism of children. Br.J.Nutr. 1969 23:737-743. View abstract.

Heinrichs, W., Fauth, U., Seufert, W., and Halmagyi, M. . Infusionsther.Klin.Ernahr. 1987 14:252-255. View abstract.

Kagan, C. Letter: Lysine therapy for herpes simplex. Lancet 1-26-1974 1:137. View abstract.

Matsuda, I., Arashima, S., Imanishi, Y., Yamamoto, J., Akaboshi, I., Shinozuka, S., and Nagata, N. Lysine intolerance in a variant form of citrullinemia. Pediatr.Res. 1979 13:1134-1136. View abstract.

Metges, C. C., Eberhard, M., and Petzke, K. J. Synthesis and absorption of intestinal microbial lysine in humans and non-ruminant animals and impact on human estimated average requirement of dietary lysine. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2006 9:37-41. View abstract.

Miller, C. S. and Foulke, C. N. Use of lysine in treating recurrent oral herpes simplex infections. Gen.Dent. 1984 32:490-493. View abstract.

Milman, N., Jessen, O., and Scheibel, J. . Ugeskr.Laeger 10-22-1979 141:2960-2962. View abstract.

Pellett, P. L. and Ghosh, S. Lysine fortification: past, present, and future. Food Nutr.Bull. 2004 25:107-113. View abstract.

Also Check: How Would You Know You Have Herpes

Lysine May Prevent Cold Sore Outbreaks

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Long before prescription medications became available to control herpes simplex outbreaks, which cause cold sores, lysine was considered a useful weapon to combat herpes infections. Many people still prefer the natural remedy over a newer prescription drug because of lysines safety and low cost. An amino acid, lysine is not produced in the body but can be found in high quantities in milk, soybeans, lentils and meat.

Uses: Primarily to prevent recurrences, and limit the severity, of cold sores. While the amino acid arginine, which is found in nuts and chocolate, promotes the growth of the herpes virus, lysine is thought to suppress the virus by increasing the ratio of lysine to arginine.

Dose: High doses of lysine, 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day, are typically taken for a short period of time to control a herpes outbreak.

Precautions: Taking high doses of lysine for long periods of time could be risky, and, thus, is not recommended. Lysine can cause mild stomach distress in some people taking high doses.

Research: The studies on lysines prevention of fever blisters have generally pointed to evidence of some benefit. Some studies also indicate lysine may help the body absorb calcium, but more research in humans is needed.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your health-care provider for advice on selecting a brand.

How To Take Lysine For Fever Blisters

Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. The virus lies dormant in your body and is usually kept in check by your immune system until something, such as an illness or stress, weakens your system and triggers an outbreak. Lysine, an amino acid, may help prevent or reduce the duration of these outbreaks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Lysine is available in tablet form in the supplement section of most major drugstores. Always consult your physician before starting a supplement program.

Swallow one 1,000-mg capsule of lysine. Consume the supplement three times per day, with a full glass of water or juice, to prevent outbreaks. Take one dose in the morning, one at midday and one in the evening.

Take up to 9,000 mg per day to treat an outbreak. Use the lysine at the first sign of a fever blister, usually when you feel the distinctive tingle in your lip. Break the doses up into three daily doses and take it with a full glass of water. Continue using this dose until the fever blister heals.

Make lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy diet, get adequate rest and wear sunblock to help prevent further outbreaks, according to MayoClinic.com 2.

Tips

If you continue to get frequent outbreaks, or if this outbreak does not resolve within 14 days, consult your physician for more aggressive treatment.

Warnings

Also Check: How Do You Know If You Ve Got Herpes

Who Shouldnt Take Lysine Supplements

Certain people should avoid taking lysine supplements, including:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding: There is not enough evidence to know if lysine is safe for these populations.
• People who take calcium supplements: Lysine may increase the amount of calcium your body absorbs, which could potentially lead to hypercalcemia.
• Anyone with lysinuric protein intolerance: This is a rare condition in which the body cannot properly digest lysine and other amino acids.

Itâs important to talk to your healthcare provider first before starting any new supplements.

Also Check: How Can You Have Herpes And Not Know It

A Multicentered Study Of Lysine Therapy In Herpes Simplex Infection

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