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Foods That Cause a Herpes Outbreak

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Depending on which simplex is active, the virus infects the mouth or the genitals. The infection causes painful and contagious skin lesions. Currently there is no cure or vaccine to treat herpes, but some foods have been shown to increase the likelihood of a herpes outbreak.

  1. Herpes Diet

    • Individuals infected with the herpes virus can benefit from following a diet that is high is lysine and low in arginine.

    Arginine

    • Because the herpes virus needs the arginine to reproduce itself, foods which are high in arginine should be avoided. This decreases the chance of a herpes outbreak and helps to speed the healing time of active lesions.

    Foods with Arginine

    • Foods which are high in Arginine include chocolate, peanuts, almonds, seeds and most nuts. These foods should be avoided at all times.

    Lysine

    • While avoiding foods high in arginine, foods high in lysine should be consumed. Not including foods high in lysine can also cause a herpes outbreak. These foods have antiviral properties and should not be avoided. High lysine foods include chicken, beans, fish, turkey and vegetables.

    General Nutrition

    • Foods that are processed and contain little nutrition should be avoided in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and decrease herpes attacks.

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