Foods To Eat During Herpes Outbreak

Can I Get Genital Herpes More Than Once

There isnt a cure for HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes. Infections can come back . Recurring symptoms are usually milder than the first outbreak. Symptoms dont last as long with later outbreaks. Some people may only have one or two outbreaks during their lifetime. Others may have as many as four or five outbreaks a year.

After infection, the virus moves from skin cells to nerve cells. In the nerve cells, it becomes inactive . Certain things may reactivate the virus, such as:

• Illness or fever.

Simple Treatments For The Relief Of Discomfort

• Wear loose underclothes, preferably cotton , to help minimise discomfort and allow healing.
• Use plain water or saline solution with cotton wool to clean and soothe the area. To make a saline solution, use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600ml of water or a handful of salt in a shallow bath.
• Dont use scented soaps, bubble bath, etc in the area, as these may irritate it.
• Using a hairdryer on its lowest setting to dry the area may be more comfortable than using a towel.
• Pain relief medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may ease the pain. Check with your pharmacist or other health professional whether taking these is suitable for you.
• Ice wrapped in a face cloth or flannel and placed over the sores for 510 minutes may be soothing. Dont apply ice directly to the sores as this can cause ice burn.
• If you find peeing painful, try applying Vaseline® to the area or sitting in a warm bath before urinating or using a pump bottle full of water and spraying water on yourself while peeing.
• You can also try applying a pain relief cream such as lignocaine cream to the painful area. This is applied 5 minutes before peeing and should be used for a maximum of 12 days.
• Drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes your pee and may help reduce stinging.

Acidic Foods And Drinks

Some people recommend that you avoid all foods that cause acidity to prevent herpes. This includes:

• artificial sweeteners .

Some say that high acid levels weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to viral infections.

In addition, immune-strengthening herbs can help. Olive leaf, garlic, Echinacea, licorice and Propolis are valuable in boosting your immune system. Astragalus is usually prescribed in Chinese Medicine for those who have oral herpes, and a 2004 study showed its effectiveness . Just check out our list of herbal and natural herpes remedies here.

Also Check: What Causes Genital Herpes To Flare Up

Chocolate Tea Coffee And Herpes Outbreaks

Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are three substances that stimulate the central nervous system they form the methylxanthine family.

Coffee is one of the best sources of caffeine, chocolate is rich in theobromine and contains caffeine and tea is rich in theophylline, but also contains caffeine and theobromine.

Avoid coffee, tea and chocolate and you will be surprised by the results.

You should also keep in mind that chocolate and black tea are high in arginine and low in lysine: another reason not to include them in your diet.

Tip #3 Eat Foods Which Are Good For Your Skin

Lysine is beneficial but it is not the only nutrient that the body requires to ward off herpes. The skin should also be nourished with essential nutrients that are needed to resist an infection, as well as to regenerate and repair itself.

Make sure that you are getting plenty of zinc, vitamin C and bioflavonoids in your diet to help protect, nourish and strengthen your skin. This will help your skin to heal more quickly during breakouts, and will also help make your body more resistant to the symptoms surfacing in the first place.

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Summary Of 2 Trials Not Included In Previous Literature Reviews

Wright2 conducted a study of 28 patients with RAUs and 14 patients with herpes labialis using a 500 mg/day prophylactic dose and 4-g treatment dose, followed up by telephone interview after 6 months. All but 1 patient with herpes labialis and 1 with RAUs reported that lysine was effective. Patients were nonconcordant with prophylactic lysine, in some cases due to forgetfulness and in other cases due to believing they had been cured. Starting the treatment dose at onset of herpes labialis, prodrome was effective for only reducing the duration of lesions in 25% of patients. Two RAU patients required 1 g of lysine daily for prevention. One patient found no benefit from lysine but the other 25 patients found 500 mg/day to be 100% effective for prophylaxis.

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Topical Treatments For Early Cold Sores

There are several ways to treat cold sores while theyre still in the itching/tingling stage. If you rarely get cold sores, over-the-counter topical treatments like docosanol can provide a modest amount of relief and potentially shorten the amount of time needed for the cold sore to heal.

Topical medications are only effective on the area to which theyre applied, meaning youll need to use the medication over the area surrounding the cold sore as it begins to form.

Most topical medications will speed up the healing process, but theyre rarely the best option for preventing cold sores. If you get frequent outbreaks, the best option is usually to treat your cold sores using oral antiviral medication

Also Check: How Do They Test For Genital Herpes

Best Foods + Worst Foods To Avoid Herpes Outbreaks

Foods for herpes might relieve symptoms from HSV. Cold sores from oral herpes and genital herpes can both benefit. Certain foods might help prevent herpes outbreaks, while others trigger them. Learn the best foods for herpes and the foods to avoid on a therapeutic herpes diet, plus the reasons why.

Medically reviewed by Meagan Fleming, RN on Jan. 1, 2019

Surprising Trigger Foods You Missed

In a word: GRAINS. Yes, grains

Grains are, after all, seeds. All seeds have a relatively high amount of amino acids and are going to flunk the Arginine:Lysine Ratio test. Look at the Arginine to Lysine ratio chart in the next paragraph and notice how prominent bread, cereal, rice, corn, oats, cake and cookies are. Even without nuts or chocolate. If they include nuts, chocolate or coconut flakes, youve overdone it. Almond flour? Nope. Thats nuts again.

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Best For Skin Barrier: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

• Price: $3.2917.70
• Pros: available in a range of sizes, suitable for sensitive skin
• Cons: reports of product hygiene issues from online sellers

A person can purchase Vaseline online through Amazon.

Vaseline states it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive, dry skin.

It also claims that its product helps seal in moisture, which may help the skin heal naturally. Additionally, petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and outside elements.

This Vaseline product may be best suited to people with cold sores.

Vaseline costs between $3.2917.70, depending on the tub size.

Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes

These caplets are suitable for vegetarians and free of allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, and lactose. They are also free of sugar.

CVS Pharmacy claims these caplets may help support healthy skin, collagen production, and tissue maintenance.

CVS states it requires third-party testing for all supplements.

The company recommends taking one caplet a day on an empty stomach. Each pill contains 1,000 mg of L-lysine.

CVS Pharmacy L-Lysin Caplets cost $11.29.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What is the best treatment for me?
• What are the side effects of antiviral medications?
• How can I reduce the risk of future outbreaks?
• Whats the best way to prevent getting another STI?
• How can I protect my partner from getting genital herpes?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Millions of people are living with the herpes virus that causes genital herpes. Its a common STI. You shouldnt be embarrassed or put off seeking medical care if you develop symptoms. Treatments can ease symptoms, reduce outbreaks and protect sexual partners from infection. Having the virus shouldnt affect your relationships or sexual health. However, you do need to tell your sexual partners that you have the virus. Your healthcare provider can discuss ways to prevent spreading this STI.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/23/2020.

References

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The Importance Of Balance

If youre having trouble giving up these arginine-rich foods which wed understand as many of them are staple parts of a healthy, balanced diet then you may want to consider taking a daily lysine supplement to help balance your arginine intake. This may be the best idea since many of the above foods are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates.

One good strategy is to make sure to balance out your high-arginine foods with high lysine foods. For example, if youre eating a meal that contains wholewheat pasta, try balancing this out with some fish, beans or avocado.

If youre going to cut out anything from the above list, Id recommend nuts and chocolate, as these seem to be the worst offenders!

Food Is A Powerful Tool That Can Help Or Hurt Your Outbreak Recovery

• Dairy Products (Cheese, Yogurt, Kefir, Cottage Cheese, Sour
• All Fish & Seafood
• Fruit & Berries
• Vegetables without seeds

When we cut out as much of the arginine as we can while having a herpes outbreak it really will help our bodies heal from the inside out. Im assuming if you are having an outbreak you are probably taking an antiviral and or using some home remedies. I can promise that by cleaning up your diet while having an outbreak will help you heal faster too. Its like suffocating the virus from both directions.I have the downloads for you if you want recipes and the list of the foods to emphasize while having an outbreak. Go here to access them. If youre not a member of the Life With Herpes community I want to invite you to join. There are cool downloads like the one Im talking about now…lol and of course an online community with hundreds of people just like you and me who have herpes. Go there to join Let me know what questions you have. Xoxo,Alexandra

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Other Triggers For Genital Herpes Outbreaks

Other triggers of genital herpes may include:

• Sexual intercourse. Some people find that the friction of sexual intercourse irritates the skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce irritation. Don’t use one that contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9, however. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the . Oil-based lubricants are a no-no, too. They weaken latex, making condoms more likely to break. Even if the friction of intercourse seems to be a trigger for symptoms, it probably won’t cause a flare-up every time you have sex.
• Colds and sunlight. The common cold and sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks of oral herpes , but no proof exists that they trigger genital herpes outbreaks.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes, like those that occur in the menstrual cycle, can affect genital herpes outbreaks. No one knows why.
• Surgery, weak immune system. Trauma to the body, such as having surgery, may make herpes symptoms appear. It’s possible that having a weakened immune system does, too. People whose immune systems are weakened by HIV, for example, tend to have outbreaks more often than people with normal immune functioning.

Remember that triggers may not be the same for everyone, and doctors are not certain how much lifestyle affects outbreaks of herpes symptoms. If you think something in particular triggers symptoms, ask your doctor what you should do about it.

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Can Genital Herpes Be Prevented

The only sure way to keep from getting genital herpesor any other sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex. If you do have sex, practice safer sex.

• Before you start a sexual relationship, talk with your partner about STIs. Find out whether he or she is at risk for them. Remember that a person can be infected without knowing it.
• If you have symptoms of an STI, dont have sex.
• Dont have sex with anyone who has symptoms or who may have been exposed to an STI.
• Dont have more than one sexual relationship at a time. Having several sex partners increases your risk for infection.
• Use condoms. Condom use lowers the risk of spreading or becoming infected with an STI.
• Dont receive oral sex from partners who have cold sores.

Taking medicine for herpes may lower the number of outbreaks you have and can also prevent an episode from getting worse. It also lower the chances that you will infect your partner.

If you are pregnant, you should take extra care to avoid getting infected. You could pass the infection to your baby during delivery, which can cause serious problems for your newborn. If you have an outbreak near your due date, you probably will need to have your baby by caesarean section. If your genital herpes outbreaks return again and again, your doctor may talk to you about medicines that can help prevent an outbreak during pregnancy.

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Additional Dietary Tips For Herpes

1. Eat Foods Good for Skin

• Wholegrain cereals

2. Eat Plenty of Cruciferous Vegetables

There are plenty of foods to avoid with herpes but cruciferous vegetables are not one of them. High in indole-3-carbinol , foods with this compound may hinder the virus by interfering with its reproduction. Studies are showing significant evidence supporting this finding. Foods include:

3. Eat Stress-Relieving Foods

Research has found that stress weakens the bodys immune system, making it more susceptible to illness. It is important to de-stress and relax whenever possible. Certain foods and nutrients can help your body fight tension and anxiety, thus warding off a herpes outbreak. Foods and drinks high in vitamin B and magnesium can help your body bounce back from stressful situations quicker. If you decide to take a supplement, make sure it is in the form of a vitamin B complex so you keep the nutrients in balance. The complex includes B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. They help your body produce serotonin, which is the hormone that relaxes you and puts you at ease. Foods that can help you de-stress include:

• Green leafy vegetables

4. Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods

5. Drink Purified and Alkaline Water

Diet For Herpes Sufferers: Best And Worst Foods To Eat If You Have Herpes

2022-04-15 by S. Bell

If you are interested in the diet for herpes sufferers, you can learn about it in this article because I include information about the best and worst foods to eat.

This article is divided into four parts. The first three are dedicated to the foods that you should eat and those that you should not include in your diet according to their lysine and arginine content.

The fourth part contains a group of dietary recommendations that will help you in your diet to avoid herpes outbreaks.

Read Also: How Can You Know If You Have Herpes

Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic

You can see a GP, but they’ll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.

Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.

They’ll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.

Foods That Trigger Herpes Recurrence

While some foods can aid your recovery during a herpes flare-up, others can increase the chances of a recurrence of this infection. Following are some food items you should avoid:

Sugar: Sugar is bad for the immune system. Sugar hinders a main component of our complex immune response, slowing down the white blood cells that attack pathogens in the body. Besides the obvious culprits like sugary sodas, sweets, cake and pastries, sugar can hide in many processed foods as well. If you want to boost your immune system to help you fight herpes, lower your sugar intake by reading food labels closely and replacing sugar with natural sweeteners such as fruits, dates, figs, etc.

Unhealthy fats: Saturated fats, which are typically fats that are solid at room temperature, are not good for your body. You can limit their consumption by avoiding foods such as fatty meat, butter and cheese. Coconut and palm oils also have a high saturated fat content. Packaged and preserved foods are also known for high trans fat content and bad quality of oil. Choosing low-fat foods or those with unsaturated fat such as olive oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, walnut, etc to boost your immune response and help keep herpes flare-ups at bay.

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Foods That You Should Avoid

There are basically two amino acids that regulate the occurrence of herpes outbreaks. These amino acids include L-lysine and L-arginine. For reducing the herpes blisters and other symptoms, doctors recommend a diet that is high in lysine and low in arginine. Lysine works by inhibiting the metabolism of arginine, which is basically the compound that the virus needs in order to replicate itself. Here is a list of arginine rich foods that need to be avoided if you want to prevent the oral or genital herpes.