Herpes simplex virus could result to a viral infection known as cold sores. This condition can trigger the surfacing of painful red blisters on the oral area and the inside part of the genitals. These blisters are normally accompanied by itching, tingling and burning sensation within the affected regions. The outbreak of the sores is typically concentrated on the mucous membranes of the genital region and the lip, although this may occur in various parts of the body as well.
There are antiviral medications that can be opted for in order to control the outbreak and reduce its frequency. However, these medications are not capable of eliminating the virus. This is due to the fact that once you get infected by HSV; you will have the virus all your life. What an infected individual can do is to alleviate the symptoms of the condition and this can be done using medications and natural remedies. However, experts do believe that foods play a huge role in controlling cold sore conditions.
Foods that should be Avoided
Basically, there are two different types of amino acids that can help regulate the occurrence of cold sore outbreaks. These are amino acids L-arginine and L-lysine. In order to alleviate the symptoms of the condition, doctors normally recommend a diet that is high in L-lysine and low in L-arginine. Lysine is helpful in inhibiting the metabolism of amino acid arginine, which is the primary compound that herpes virus needs to replicate. The list of foods rich in arginine and should be avoided includes the following:
Foods to Avoid for Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is considered as a highly contagious condition that occurs in the genitals due to HSV. This condition can be transmitted sexually and the symptoms include the presence of watery and reddish blisters on the penis, vagina, anus or buttocks and the scrotum. Although antiviral medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms, it is also necessary to learn about the foods that can actually worsen the condition. Some of the foods that should be avoided when suffering from genital herpes include the following:
Foods to Avoid for Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is due to herpes simplex virus type 1 and the symptoms include the existence of painful cold sores on the gums, lips, roof of the mouth, tongue and the inside part of the cheeks. These are ulcerative lesions within the mouth that is normally accompanied with muscular aches and fever. Aside from the consumption of OTC medications and certain numbing products, dietary changes are considered as natural cures for oral herpes and the foods that should be avoided are as follows:
Aside from these, foods containing sugar, chocolate, vinegar, animal proteins, cola drinks and coffee should also be avoided. Such food and beverage products can put strains into the body’s immune system and trigger cold sores or fever blisters.
Foods to Eat for Oral and Genital Herpes
Aside from the foods that should be avoided, there are certain foods that should be consumed as well. These foods are high in lysine and are helpful in alleviating the symptoms of both conditions and in shortening the duration of the outbreak. Certain foods that should be consumed are as follows:
Apart from these, fresh fruit juices are also capable of boosting the immune system of the body and preventing various diseases. As much as possible, reduce the consumption of caffeine and sodas, and opt for herbal teas instead. With increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and consuming 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, it will be a lot easier to treat oral herpes or genital herpes.
Dark leafy vegetables like mustard greens and spinach
Shrimp
Lobster
Crabs
Caffeine
Brown rice
Gelatin
Nuts and other nut products
Chocolate
Caffeine
Oatmeal
Sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds
Raisins
Whole wheat bread
Sugary snacks
Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, peanuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts and almonds
Cocoa powder
Sesame seeds
Peanut butter
Cashews
Oatmeal
Tomatoes
Carob powder
Pecans
Chickpeas
Brown rice
Special consisting meat and vegetables such as seafood, chicken, lamb, etc.
A variety of pasta and rice preparations can be made as well as fried breads, cakes, pies and other items.
The preparation of meals at home is really an easy task and the combinations of food items needed to make it different from others is really wide. A huge variety of cooking can be done with the addition of spices and herbs.
Take for example the huge selections of Thai dishes that are out there.
