|  | Conditions Treatments | Herpes

Good Diets to Avoid Herpes Outbreaks

Herpes is a condition that is normally spread through sexual contact. Genital herpes is very common. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one out of five individuals over the age of 12 (45 million people) has suffered an infection from herpes. Although there is no treatment to permanently cure the condition, the frequency of outbreaks can be somewhat controlled through compliance with a restrictive diet.

  1. Diet Basics

    • Increase your consumption of foods containing the amino acid lysine while simultaneously decreasing your consumption of foods containing the amino acid arginine to potentially curb herpes outbreaks. Although research has yet to confirm this suggestion, anecdotal reports that this is a viable strategy for reducing the number of outbreaks, so you have little to lose by trying it for yourself.

      Lysine is sold as an over-the-counter supplement, but some sample foods containing higher than average amounts of lysine, including yogurt, margarine, cheese, milk, butter, and beets. Foods containing abnormally high levels of arginine to avoid include nuts, peanuts, peanut butter, berries, onions, yams, rice, oats, and wheat. Beyond balancing intake of the aforementioned amino acids, information from HerpesOnline.org recommends decreasing your intake of both alcohol and caffeine as well.

    Continuing Dietary Education

    • Consider keeping a food journal. According to HerpesOnline.org, this is the best way to tell which foods positively or negative affect your level of outbreaks. In the journal, write down the foods you consume each day, along with keeping a running commentary, noting any outbreaks or unusual signs or symptoms. Over time, you will be able to correlate outbreaks (or lack thereof) with certain food items, which you can then eliminate from your diet (or increase the prominence of). This constant process of continuing education and dietary manipulation is the best way to ensure you develop the most optimal herpes diet for your particular situation.

Herpes - Related Articles