Lysine Herpes Treatment

Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 are two versions of a virus that affects people regardless of age or sex. Herpes simplex 1 usually appears as oral herpes (also known as cold sores or fever blisters) around the mouth and nose region and is contracted through contact with an infected individual (such as through kissing) or sharing objects (such as eating utensils or toothbrushes). Herpes simplex 2 appears as sores around the genital area and is contracted through sexual contact.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of herpes simplex 1 include:

  --small, painful blisters filled with fluid around the mouth, nose, hand or fingers
  --tingling or burning around the area where the sores will erupt a few days prior to appearance
  --fever
  --sore throat
  --swollen glands/lymph nodes

  Herpex simplex 2 symptoms include:

  --small red sores around the genital region or inner thighs; in women the sores appear outside the vagina
  --sores that may or may not be sore
  --unusual vaginal discharge
  --fever
  --muscle aches
  --headache
  --painful urination
  --swollen lymph nodes in the groin area

Possibility of Lysine Treatment

• Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids, a building block of the human body. Though not all scientists agree, several studies have shown that Lysine may reduce the number of herpes outbreaks for herpes simplex 1 and possibly herpes simplex 2. Lysine may also be able to shorten the duration of an outbreak. It seems that Lysine affects the herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses by inhibiting their ability to grow and replicate by limiting herpes' food intake.
  Lysine can be obtained through a diet including foods that contain Lysine or by taking a supplement.

Using Lysine to Treat Herpes

• Ideally, individuals can increase their Lysine intake by focusing their diet on foods rich in Lysine. Such foods include: watercress, seaweed, parsley, soybeans and soy products, fish, shellfish, red meat, pork, chicken, eggs, cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheeses (particularly Parmesan and Edam), yogurt, beets, papaya, apricots, apples and beans (such as black beans).
  Lysine is available as an herbal supplement in pharmacies and natural food-herb stores. Taking 1 to 3 grams per day is sufficient.