How Does Lysine Work
There are two amino acids that have been found to significantly influence herpes , these are Lysine and Arginine.
Lysine can be a valuable weapon in reducing outbreaks and in healing the infection quickly, whereas Arginine can provoke outbreaks and is required by the herpes simplex virus to replicate and cause symptoms. Learn more about this relationship in the Blog Article Herpes Diet Questions and Answers.
Tissue culture studies show that Lysine works by repressing the metabolism of Arginine, an amino acid that is essential for the herpes virus to replicate and become active.
For more information about the safety of taking Lysine supplements please read the article Is Lysine Safe? which addresses some commonly asked questions.
How Does A Femiclear Subscription Work
Subscribing is the best way to shop FemiClear subscription orders always come at a discounted price and are eligible for free USPS First Class shipping on orders over the free shipping limit.
Starting a subscription is super simple choose the product youd like to subscribe to, how often you want to receive the product, and wait for it to get delivered to your doorstep!
Risks And Side Effects
L-lysine supplements have been known to cause some minor side effects, although consuming natural sources of lysine is not proven to have the same effect. These side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea.
There has also been one report of kidney disease linked with lysine supplements, so patients with kidney and liver impairment should use caution and consult with their health care providers before beginning to take a lysine product.
Because its effects on pregnant mothers has not been researched at length, those who are pregnant and/or nursing should avoid taking L-lysine supplements.
While L-lysine benefits those with a large number of diseases, there is evidence that it can increase the viral load of HIV patients. For this reason, those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS should not take L-lysine supplements and consume high-lysine foods only .
On the positive side, scientists discovering this phenomenon are now able to use this to speed up testing of HIV-fighting treatments.
. 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.
Also Check: Is Hpv And Herpes The Same Thing
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.
Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md
Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.
Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.
You May Like: Lysine Vitamins For Genital Herpes
What Foods Contain Lysine
Lysine is one of eight essential amino acids. It is a building block of protein that the body cannot synthesize from other sources and therefore must be obtained from our diet.
A healthy diet high in Lysine and low in Arginine can be helpful in reducing herpes and cold sore outbreaks. Taking an additional Lysine supplement can help to ensure the correct balance in the body,
This could include eating healthy amounts of foods rich in Lysine such as vegetables, fish, chicken, cheese, milk, brewers yeast and beans and avoiding foods such as nuts, chocolate, whole and white wheat, oats and gelatin, which are high in Arginine.
What Is The Lysine Dosage For Cold Sores
L-lysine supplementation appears to be ineffective for the treatment of herpes simplex lesions with doses below 1 g/day without low-arginine diets. Doses above 3 g/day appear to improve patients subjective experience of the disease.
Some sources also recommend that people with a history of herpes infections take 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of lysine supplements a day.
You May Like: How Do You Transfer Herpes
Read Also: Why Am I Having Frequent Herpes Outbreaks
Top 13 Best Herpes Support Supplements Of 2021 For Outbreaks
- Friday, September 17, 2021 11:08am
- National Marketplace
Despite the stigma around herpes, the condition is still relatively common. With over 500 million currently suffering from HSV-2 , the use of supplements can have a profound effect. The companies that make these products provide the body with essential nutrients that can help the immune system.
Some supplements promise to help users eliminate the virus, offering antiviral benefits with the ingredients. The top products on the market will help consumers potentially get rid of herpes entirely. Even though most scientists agree that this is a lifelong condition, reducing the outbreaks and making them much easier to handle.
For some people, these supplements can work, but why? Which ones are the best herpes supplements on the market right now? Thats what this guide aims to reveal.
Recommended Reading: Do Normal Std Tests Check For Herpes
What Is The Conventional Treatment
Prescription drugs taken orally, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir have been developed to effectively treat herpes infections. These medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of an outbreak and shorten its course or to suppress recurrences, reduce the number outbreaks and prevent spreading the disease. This type of treatment is not curative and can get expensive, especially if it is used daily to suppress outbreaks.
Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Genital Warts Or Herpes
Avoid Or Limit Processed Or Preservative
Processed food synthetic preservatives that may contribute to oxidative stress. Keeping oxidative stress levels low may help promote healing during outbreaks.
Try limiting highly processed foods, like freezer meals, refined grain products, and candies, from your diet.
Supplements may help by supporting your immune system and helping your body suppress outbreaks.
But important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements like drugs. You should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Do I Need To Taketo Prevent Outbreaks
This is a tough question to answer directly because it depends greatly on each individuals specific diet. However, nutrition is key to preventing herpes outbreaks. Some people naturally consume high levels of lysine compared to arginine and would need significantly less lysine supplementation to prevent herpes outbreaks.
Other people like vegans or athletes either consume relatively little lysine on their regular diet or utilize it so fast for muscle building and repair that they need to supplement with significantly higher doses.
Also Check: How Do You Pass Herpes
Best For Quick Results: Stdcheck
- Collection method: blood test
- Follow-up care: consultation with doctor and a written prescription for $95
- Cost:$45 for HSV-1 or HSV-2 only, $79 for both
- Pro: rapid results
- Con: requires a visit to a laboratory
STDcheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45, or they can order a test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 for $79. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
To order a test, a person must enter their ZIP code on the company website to find their nearest testing center. The company claims it has over 4,500 test centers nationwide, making them a convenient option for most people.
A person needs to attend their local test center for a blood test. They should then receive their online results within 12 days. Anyone who receives a positive result is eligible for a phone consultation with a STDcheck doctor. The doctor may prescribe treatments at their discretion.
Lysine And The Immune System
L-Lysine plays a predominantly important role in the immune system. However, since it cannot be produced by the body you must get lysine through your diet.
Many foods contain lysine, but if you have allergies or eat a vegan diet you may need to supplement your lysine intake. Consuming both lysine with arginine will give you the full effects of boosting your immune system.
You May Like: How To Test If You Have Herpes At Home
Also Check: How Long To Genital Herpes Sores Last
Vitamin Deficiencies Might Affect Herpes
Scientific data shows that certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can have a negative effect on your immune system. For example, deficiencies of micronutrients like zinc and selenium show a correlation with a weakened immune system in some studies.
This means that if youre deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, theres a risk that your immune system could be weakened.
The herpes virus usually begins as an initial outbreak, which can last for several weeks. As your body launches its immune response, the virus retreats into the nerve ganglia, where it remains in a dormant state between outbreaks.
A weakened immune system makes the risk of the virus resurfacing greater, increasing your risk of experiencing an oral or genital herpes outbreak.
This makes it important to focus on maintaining a healthy immune system if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, especially if you experience symptoms of the virus.
These Studies Prove Vitamin Deficiencies Do Impact Herpes Outbreaks
Vitamin deficiencies stunt your bodys ability to function properly, especially in relation to your immune system. Since your immune system houses your bodys main defense from herpes outbreaks, its no surprise that research suggests vitamin deficiencies do influence the impact of the herpes simplex virus.
A study on micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins, for example, found that deficiencies in vital nutrients may reduce the function of the killer cells that defend against infectious agents. The herpes simplex virus is one such infectious agent that gains easier access into the body when your immune system isnt working at full capacity.
Another study showed that zinc deficiency is linked to serious immune system disruptions and negative health effects. One zinc supplementation occurred, researchers observed decreased oxidative stress and reduced inflammation in the body.
These studies indicate the real impact that vitamins and supplements may have on your mission to prevent and treat herpes outbreaks.
Don’t Miss: Can I Spread Herpes Through Saliva
Other Cold Sore Treatment Options
While itâs uncertain whether taking an oral lysine supplement or using a cream containing lysine could provide the results you may be looking for, itâs worth noting that you have many other cold sore treatment options.
The Mayo Clinic assures that blisters do typically clear up on their own within two to four weeks, but if you are interested in a quicker recovery, your doctor might prescribe an oral medication, such as valacyclovir or acyclovir, to help speed up the healing process. At-home treatments, such as using a cold compress, applying lip balm or using an over-the-counter cold sore cream, can also help ease your discomfort.
Another way to cope with HSV-1 is to learn what triggers your outbreaks and try to avoid those triggers. Some people find that stress often leads to the formation of blisters, for example. Practicing stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, might help you relax and avoid an outbreak.
Ultimately, the best thing to do if youâre curious about trying lysine for cold sores is talk to your doctor. They can give you advice on the benefits or drawbacks of using a supplement and can recommend other treatments to keep your cold sores under control.
Why Our Bodies Need Lysine
Our bodies build proteins by stringing together amino acids in a chain. In order to build proteins, it is necessary to have all of the necessary amino acids present. Our bodies produce some of these proteins, but there are some we are unable to synthesize. These are known as essential amino acids because they are essential for us to get in order to survive. If you are missing just one amino acid, proteins cannot be synthesized. When we cannot synthesize proteins, we cannot grow or repair our bodies.
Think of it like building a house. If you have lumber, shingles, and concrete for the foundation you are pretty well on your way to having a nice home. Without nails, though, you wont get very far. Essential amino acids are like the nails.
Lysine is more than just a building block of protein. It also helps to convert fatty acids into energy and lower cholesterol. Lysine helps with the absorption of calcium from the diet and is an important component of collagen which is a connective tissue that holds our bodies together.
Read Also: How Do I Prevent Herpes Outbreaks
Will Lysine Help Prevent Cold Sores
Lysine is occasionally promoted as a natural remedy for cold sores. The Mayo Clinic lists it as an alternative treatment option, available as either an oral supplement or a cream, and PennState Hershey Milton S. Hershey Medical Center notes that lysine supplements may potentially help to reduce the occurrence of cold sore outbreaks, though not all experts believe it works.
One theory on why lysine is thought to help reduce cold sore outbreaks is that the amino acid may interfere with the activity of arginine, another amino acid, and block herpes replication, according to an article in Clinical Advisor.
So far, studies focusing on lysine for cold sores in humans havent drawn any firm conclusions. One study, published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinicians Journal, revealed that lysine supplementation of less than 1 gram per day wasnt effective at treating or preventing cold sore outbreaks, but higher doses â above 3 grams per day â seemed to have a positive effect on patients. In contrast, a Cochrane review found that lysine offered no preventative effects against cold sores.
Also Check: How Do You Transfer Herpes
Symptoms Of Cat Herpes
You can tell if your cat has the cat herpes virus if it displays excessive sneezing and nasal discharge. Cats infected with the feline herpes virus can also get rhinitis, or an inflammation of the nose. It is uncommon for a case of cat herpes to affect the eyes, except in young kittens, which have a less developed immune system. Ocular infection also grows more likely as the cat gets older. Kittens usually experience so much ocular discharge that their eyelids stick together, while adult cats that contract an ocular case of rhinotracheitis are more likely to display corneal ulcers and recurrent conjunctivitis .
Don’t Miss: How To Prevent Recurrent Herpes Outbreak
Expect The First Outbreak To Be The Worst
Remember that although herpes lasts a lifetime, the first outbreak typically causes the most pain, while later outbreaks tend to be much milder.
You will always have herpes, and the sores will come and go, but you can decide not to treat the current outbreak. If its not that unpleasant or uncomfortable, some patients will do that, says Gade.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Herpes Virus From Your Body
Lysine Deficiency Herpes Diet
Failure to get enough lysine can lead to reproductive disorders, slow growth, agitation, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, anemia, and blood shot eyes. People who may not get enough lysine are burn patients , athletes , and vegans who do not eat enough legumes .
Although a vegan diet can be much healthier than a diet containing animal products, lysine is one thing that is not very prevalent in vegan foods. If you are a vegan who does not watch his or her nutritional intake closely , then you might just opt to take a lysine supplement. The other nutrient vegans may wish to supplement is B12. Like lysine, it is scarce in the vegan diet, but both can be obtained in vegan form for supplementation.
As you will see, making sure that you have enough lysine is critical to avoiding herpes outbreaks. Call it the Herpes Diet.
Recommended Reading: How To Eliminate Herpes Forever
Symptoms Of Genital Herpes In Females
Getting a menstrual period can cause an outbreak of genital herpes.
Also, a person may mistake the symptoms of genital herpes for those of a yeast infection or bladder infection.
Genital herpes can spread in the following ways:
- receiving oral sex from a partner with a cold sore
- touching a herpes sore, then touching the genitals
- a baby can contract genital herpes during birth if the mother has the virus
People can sexually transmit the virus even if they have no visible symptoms.
It is not possible to contract genital herpes from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or touching other objects. The virus can only spread from human-to-human contact.
Also Check: What Meds To Take For Herpes
Do Antibiotics Cure Herpes
Can herpes be cured by antibiotics? No. However, antibiotics may be helpful if you have both an infection caused by bacteria as well an infection with the herpes virus. In this case, an antibiotic will treat the bacterial infection and may make those symptoms go away, but the herpes virus will remain in your body.
Read Also: How To Know If You Have Herpes Outbreak
Read Also: Can I Give Plasma If I Have Herpes