Editorial Sources And Fact
Hope For Herpes Sufferers
Posted by Karen Jensen, ND | Jan 20, 2021 | Health & Wellness |
Herpes viruses are widespread. At least half of all adults have cold sores, and most people have had one form or another of this virus. Herpes simplex 1 causes oral herpes, commonly called “cold sores,” and HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the sources of genital herpes. Varicella zoster, another member of the herpes family, is directly linked to chickenpox in children and can cause shingles later in life.
Most people get HSV-1 as an infant or child, and it is common for a parent or loved one to lovingly share the virus with a simple kiss. Herpes simplex viruses can spread skin to skin by salivary contact with someone who already carries it. Symptoms are very similar for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. There may be an early stage fever, irritability, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle pain, and outbreaks can also be preceded by itching, tingling, burning, and blisters, and if left untreated, the lesions may take up to three weeks to heal.
When it comes to shingles, this little virus can be very nasty and extremely painful. Anyone who has experienced this virus would agree. The most common areas affected are the trunk, face, and scalp and can be dangerous if located on the face. If you suspect a shingles outbreak, seek medical attention as this virus can be severe, and most cases need to be treated with antiviral and pain medications. The shingles vaccine is also available.
Supplements And Vitamins For Herpes Outbreaks
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Herpes, whether oral or genital, can be an annoying, frustrating virus. Whether you get frequent outbreaks or have asymptomatic herpes but worry about transmitting the virus to others, herpes can cause a variety of difficult physical and psychological symptoms. These days, the most common drugs used to treat herpes are oral antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir.
Weve covered these medications beforein general, they should be your first line of treatment in the event of a herpes outbreak. However, are there alternatives? We’ve all heard the stories about people using supplements and vitamins for herpes outbreaks, but is any of it true?
In this guide, well look at some of the most widely used vitamins and supplements marketed as herpes treatments. Well look at the scientific data behind each supplement and the benefits of each product to help you make informed, effective buying decisions.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Herpes Sores
Best Supplements For Hsv 2 Cause Herpes Outbreaks
No. There are no known supplements that cause herpes outbreaks. The supplements we talked about earlier support the bodys immunity and help prevent the development of herpes or further outbreaks. These supplements may not be as effective as antiviral drugs however, they have medical benefits that strengthen the bodys capacity to fight any infection, including herpes.
If using these supplements is essential for your health, talk to your doctor first before purchasing them. Note that the first form of treatment will always be antiviral drugs however, boosting your immune system has never been a bad idea. Discuss your plans with your doctor and seek approval before using supplements for herpes.
How To Get Rid Of Herpes Naturally
Not every person with a herpes infection actually experiences breakouts of cold sores throughout his or her lifetime or even after initially becoming infected. How often someone has a herpes cold sore outbreak, how severe the outbreaks are, how contagious someone is after infection and how long the sores take to heal all depend on someones individual immune response.
1. Boost Nutrient Intake
If youre going to keep the herpes virus from frequently causing outbreaks, the first step in how to get rid of herpes is to improve immune function by boosting nutrient intake. Include these healing foods in your diet to keep the virus dormant as much as possible:
2. Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Certain foods can raise inflammation, weaken immune defenses and make skin irritation even worse. Avoid the following foods as much as possible to limit outbreak severity and duration.
3. Consider Supplements
- Antiviral herbs: These include elderberry, calendula, echinacea, garlic, astragalus and licorice root.
- L-lysine : Can help treat and prevent outbreaks.
- Lemon balm extract: Apply as a topical cream for healing.
- Vitamin C : Vitamin C boosts immune function improving herpes.
- Zinc : Zinc benefits include supporting immune function, keeping viruses dormant and rebuilding skin tissue to speed up healing.
- B-complex : B vitamins help your body deal with stress and can prevent outbreaks.
4. Try Essential Oils
5. Ease Cold Sore Pain Naturally
Related: How to Use Witch Hazel to Clear Up Your Skin Fast
Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take For Herpes Medication To Work
Rich Sources Of Highly Effective Polysaccharides Shown To Reliably Boost Immune System Function Promote Healing From Hsv Infections And Prevent Future Recurrences
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Herpes Causes And Risk Factors
Causes of herpes include acquiring the virus through sexual contact, coupled with immune system suppression and sometimes nutritional deficiencies.
HSV-1 is primarily transmitted by oral-oral contact. On the other hand, HSV-2 is considered a sexually transmitted disease and usually passed during oral or vaginal sex.
A scary finding is that more cases of genital herpes than ever before are now being caused by HSV-1 , and about 85 percent of people with genital herpes dont even know it. Studies show that about 50 percent of the new genital herpes infections in young adults are due to HSV-1 and about 40 percent in older adults. The fact that most people dont ever find out theyre infected is one of the reasons that transmission rates are steadily climbing.
Risk factors for acquiring herpes include:
- Kissing someone who has symptoms of an active herpes virus
- Engaging in any form of unprotected sex
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Spreading the virus through contact with cold sores on the eyes, secretions on the fingers, or ulcers/sores on buttocks and upper thighs
- Having certain other illnesses that lower immune function, such as HIV/AIDS, an autoimmune disorder or hepatitis
- Eating a poor diet that causes nutrient deficiencies and lowered immunity
- Smoking cigarettes, drinking high amounts of alcohol or abusing drugs
Read Also: Can Herpes Turn To Hiv
Herdox Contains L Lysine
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of oral L-lysine monohydrochloride for the prevention and treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infection was conducted.
The treatment group was given L-Lysine monohydrochloride tablets 3 times a day for 6 months.
A total of 27 subjects on L-lysine and 25 subjects on placebo completed the trial. The L-lysine treatment group had an average of 2.4 less HSV infections, symptoms were significantly diminished in severity and healing time was significantly reduced . L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.
What Happens If Herpes Goes Untreated
The first outbreak of genital herpes can be the most severe and can cause complications such as vaginal yeast infections, urinating problems, and meningitis.
Treatment may not be necessary for subsequent outbreaks, but anyone experiencing very regular or severe outbreaks should speak with a doctor about preventive treatment.
Recommended Reading: How Does Herpes Affect Your Health
Herpecillin & Herpecillin Plus
Herpecillin and Herpecillin Plus are the only two-in-one supplements in this lineup: you take both supplements simultaneously to help protect your body against HSV-1, cold sores, fever, blisters, and other infection symptoms.
Vitamin C, L-lysine, zinc, astragalus , and Momordica charantia fruit are among the ingredients used in these extra-strong supplements. With the first signs of an outbreak, you should take one serving of each supplement. The supplier promotes it as a 100 % advanced and helpful way to defend your body against herpes, using all-natural components.
Herpecillin and Herpecillin Plus are herpes supplements with unique ingredients not found elsewhere on this list. Other than fighting off the vicious symptoms of herpes, these supplements might also very well help you manage virus symptoms.
Side Effects Of Herpes Supplements
The natural ingredients used in herpes supplements are not typically associated with any side effects. Healthy adults should not have any adverse reaction if they find the explicit instructions provided.
Individuals who currently take any medications could potentially experience side effects from the herpes virus if they do not speak with the doctor beforehand. The doctor can educate them on the correct combination of treatments to ensure that they do not have a bad reaction.
While supplements are undoubtedly safe for consumers, the same cannot be said of herpes medications. The majority of people that take these medications end up with some kind of side effect, including dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, depression, headaches, joint pain, and more. Those are just the side effects for individuals that choose Valtrex as their solution. Individuals that use Zovirax can even experience mood changes and bruising during the use of this product. With supplements, these types of side effects are not possible.
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Bonus: Top 4 Herpes Remedies Guides And Home Tests For 2021
When taking care of herpes, the magical solution wont just be the right supplement for the body. Other changes might have to be made, which is where these following four guides will come in.
HSV Rapid Remedy: Fight the Herpes Virus
HSV Rapid Remedy provides users with instructions on the best ways to use alternative medicines to deal with herpes. Dr. Christine Buehler is the author. Dr. Buehler says that it is possible to eliminate the herpes virus with these methods, even though the methods wont necessarily work for everyone. Thats why they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
The program is designed to work for individuals infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2, and it should take no more than three weeks to work. Plus, theres no medication that users will have to take.
Herpes Cleaner
Herpes Cleaner has a recipe that introduces essential and potent ingredients to the body. According to the claims in the guide, the use of the ingredients can put herpes to sleep, which stops additional outbreaks from happening.
The whole program takes 17 days to pursue, but this time should be enough to stop the outbreaks and all of the symptoms that come with it. It will stop cold sores, scars, and painful itching, focusing on supporting the immune system. Users dont have to take any medication with the program, though users that currently have a prescription may want to check with their doctor first.
Herpes Eraser
Foods With Higher Lysine
- fish, chicken, beef and lamb
- apples, mangoes, apricots, papaya, beets
- nutritional yeast
This doesnt mean you have to completely avoid foods that are high in arginine. I love nuts, coconut, oats and chocolate and I still eat them. Im just mindful about the fact that they are high in arginine and make sure I balance things out by eating foods that are high in lysine as well. Its also important to remember that while fish, meats and dairy products are high in lysine, eating too much of these high protein foods can make the body too acidic, which can also cause a cold sore outbreak. As always, moderation is the key.
Recommended Reading: Herpes Outbreak Or Yeast Infection
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 , 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 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 and diarrhea.
Can My Kids Use This Too
Many peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown light therapy to be safe and efficacious. However, if you have any concerns about using it with children, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please also note, all treatments with children should be done under adult supervision.
Started using this device during the middle of an outbreak I had while taking Acyclovir. Since using this treatment, Ive been able to get off meds.
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Foods To Help Reduce The Frequency Of Herpes Outbreaks
The Canadian Government recently recognized that a diet rich in the amino acid l-lysine may help protect against oral herpes outbreaks. In fact, in Canada l-lysine supplements can now make a cold sore treatment label claim. The United States FDA has not yet followed suit. However, for those who suffer from herpes outbreaks a diet rich in l-lysine, and low in l-arginine is well worth trying.
The easy method of increasing lysine intake is to take an l-lysine supplement. However, you can also examine this list of foods that are rich in lysine and those rich in arginine :
Eat these Foods Rich in Lysine
- Apples, mangoes, apricots, pears .
Avoid these foods rich in Arginine
In addition, some experts recommend an alkaline diet, which consists of foods that are low in acid. Heres a list of acidic and alkaline foods.
Eat these alkaline foods:
- Peppers, asparagus and parsley
In addition, immune-boosting herbs might help. Garlic, Olive Leaf, Echinacea, Propolis and Licorice have a traditional value in boosting the immune system. In Chinese medicine, Astragalus is often prescribed for those suffering from oral herpes.
There is not a cure for herpes – but you may be able to keep the condition in check with a proper diet.
The Best Herpes Supplements In 2021 Final Thoughts
Though, indeed, there isnt a herpes cure , there are several things that you can do to support and strengthen your bodys immune system and to help your body naturally fight off the infection and prevent future outbreaks. Additionally, by making dietary and lifestyle changes, you can also lessen the effects of active outbreaks and prevent the risk of developing future outbreaks.
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Best Herpes Supplements For Natural Outbreak Prevention Support
Today, more people suffer from herpes than you can imagine more than 60% of adults worldwide suffer from either oral or genital herpes. The latest numbers released by the CDC show that almost 12% of Americans suffer from genital herpes, with more than half a billion people globally acting as carriers for the HSV-2 virus.
Luckily, various supplements are available in the market to help you get rid of herpes without going through much hassle. These formulas work differently and take unique approaches to rid the body of herpes.
Some target the virus and eradicate it from the body some boost the immune system and let the body do the rest the approaches vary from formula to formula, but they all have the same task to perform ridding the body of herpes and everything related to it.
However, with so many supplements available in the market, it can be hard to single out the best one for yourself, which is why our team of experts has gone through all the trouble to pick out the best herpes supplements available in the market today.
The best herpes supplements available in the market today have been ranked below.
Scientific Evidence For Herpes Supplements
Since scientists generally agree that there is no current cure known for herpes, how did these supplements help consumers? What does the science behind the product say?
Some ingredients in the industry can help with the bodys natural defense against the herpes virus. Even individuals that cannot cure the virus overnight or have long-term results can still help with the severity of an outbreak. Thats why these supplements are so important.
The majority of the herpes supplements on this list contain an amino acid called L-lysine. L-lysine is one of the most studied ingredients to use in herpes supplements now. According to studies, this nutrient may reduce the severity of an outbreak, though it can also reduce the amount of time that the individual has to heal. Consumers do not have the same visible symptoms during an outbreak with the last healing time.
A study in 2017 showed that researchers examine the current evidence on the market for lysine and herpes. The researchers discovered that supplementation wasnt effective as a way to prevent or treat herpes. However, by consuming more than three grams per day, patients seemed to have a less severe encounter with the virus. It could alleviate the symptoms, even if it could not provide a cure.
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Can You Use Supplements And Vitamins For Herpes
Before we get into the benefits of specific vitamins, minerals and supplements, lets clear up a common misconception.
Currently, there is no cure for herpes. Boom. Period. Herpes is a lifelong infection that can only be treated, not cured. This means you can and should ignore any claims made by makers of supplements that their products can cure herpes. They cant, and they wont.
Its also important to remember that vitamins, supplements and other natural products arent as effective at treating herpes as real antiviral drugs like valacyclovir . If you have herpes, the optimal approach is to use antiviral drugs as a first priority, with vitamins and supplements as a second defense.
However, some vitamins, minerals and other health supplements may have benefits for treating herpes. Its important to remember this distinction, as theres a big difference between treating a virus and curing it completely.