Can Diet Cure Herpes?

Infection with herpes viruses is extremely common. Epidemiologists agree that 90 percent of the population of the United States has been exposed to HSV-1 (oral herpes) and about 22 percent of the population has been exposed to HSV-2 (genital herpes). Most of the people who have been exposed to herpes are between the ages of 19 and 39.

Eating foods rich in the amino acid lysine and avoiding foods rich in the amino acid arginine is of proven value in controlling herpes infections. The presence of arginine has been long believed to be a "trigger" for the virus to replicate itself. Lysine has a chemical structure that is similar to that of arginine. It competes with and blocks arginine from entering the nerve tissues that harbor the herpes virus between outbreaks. Lysine more recently has been found to be essential to "coding" the virus so that it is recognized and destroyed by antibodies.

In a study conducted in the mid-1980's, herpes patients were given lysine in a large dosage (3,000 mg per day) along with restriction of chocolate, gelatin, and nuts. After 6 months, herpes outbreaks were 25 percent less frequent among patients treated with lysine than in the placebo group. Apparently a high dosage is necessary for successful treatment. A clinical test using a lower dosage of lysine (1,200 mg) failed to show that lysine supplementation helps control herpes outbreaks.

How do you use whole foods to moderate outbreaks of herpes? Avoid foods that contain high concentrations of the amino acid arginine, especially almonds, chocolate, Jell-O, and peanuts. Eat foods that contain high concentrations of the amino acid lysine, including most vegetables, chicken, fish, and turkey.

Read Could Broccoli Cure Herpes. Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health including Healing without Medication.

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Herpes: What You Need To Know

People have a common notion that herpes is a disease specifically acquired through sexual contact. But that isn't entirely true. Simple direct skin contact may also cause herpes virus transmission. Some people also believe that the herpes virus may be passed on via inanimate objects like toilet seats, etc. Although the last idea may be highly unlikely due to the fragility of the virus itself. The herpes virus passes through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth and genital areas. Healthy skin acts as really good protective barriers against this infection. In cases of mucous membranes, even the slightest scrape or scratch is enough to expose the nerve endings into which the herpes virus entwines itself. This is the main reason why herpes infections usually manifest in areas where mucous membranes and normal skin merges. A good example is the corner of your mouth. The virus has been said to be passed on by sharing razors with an infected person. Unlike toilet seats, the virus can survive in the moist areas between the blades. This disease may also be passed from mother to infant during birth, however, most cases show that infants acquire the said condition after birth.

Herpes may be categorized into oral and genital herpes. Oral herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). They are commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Fever blisters often appear as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters on the face. These usually appear on the lips. Genital herpes, on the other hand, is caused by HSV-2 and is characterized by painful, itchy sores in the genital area.

People infected with this virus usually do not know they have it because it manifests no symptoms. Its manifestations may be too simple that I can go unnoticed. Most reported cases noted that the first outbreak was the worst. Some never get the outbreak again, and some experience it again after a very long time.

When one has herpes, be it on the mouth of the genital region, you will notice the presence of small, red bumps, blisters, or open sores in the infected area. These blisters will be very itchy and/or painful to the touch. These blisters will rupture and become ulcerations that will eventually turn into scabs and heal on its own.

There is no true cure for herpes, only preventive measures for future breakouts. Antiviral medications like acyclovir and other similar drugs help lessen the symptoms and frequency of cold sore recurrences. Proper care for blisters before and after eruption may help lessen the discomfort one may feel during periods of outbreaks.

A parody song of Britney Spear's “Gimme More” discusses about the topic of herpes. The lines go like this: “ Every time you pull your pants down. You will know what I did that night with you. You've got blisters round that place now, it'll start itching very soon.” It may sound funny hearing about it in a song, but it brings up a pretty good point about having careless, casual sex with strangers. Next time you think of getting it on with someone you just met, think twice if you're ready for any complications it may bring.

What Is The Best Herpes Treatment & How Do You Prevent Breakouts?

Both conventional and alternative or natural therapies can be used for herpes treatment, though there is currently no cure for the disease. Those suffering with an outbreak of the virus may want to try various treatments to find an individualized “formula” that works for them, helping them minimize symptoms and speed the healing process.

Herpes treatment options can help control symptoms during an outbreak. New infections are typically the worst, and once a person gets through the initial infection, he or she should find that subsequent episodes are shorter and less intense than the first. Outbreaks, however, appear when they are least welcome, during periods of emotional or physical stress on the body that has diminished immune system function.

Before we discuss the newest herpes treatments, let's start with the conventional options. There are antiviral medications such as Valtrex prescribed to treat symptoms and to help prevent future outbreaks. Some cold sore medications may help prevent the growth and spread of lesions by creating a film over the top of the blisters. Anti-microbial creams are being developed that may be effective against herpes, particularly in preventing the spread of the virus. Since herpes-related skin lesions are often painful, over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful with pain control as well as fever relief.

The newest herpes treatments are natural remedies that may offer relief from symptoms without the side effects that can accompany the use of prescription medications. Natural treatments for herpes include nutritional supplements geared at shortening symptomatic outbreaks and aiding the healing process of lesions. For example, adding the amino acid lysine to the diet may help both in the treatment and prevention of herpes outbreaks. Natural herbal antiviral therapies can help fight the virus while boosting the immune system.

Home remedies are also among popular treatments for herpes. Since the skin lesions caused by the virus have been found to heal most quickly when they are kept clean and dry, infected areas should be cleaned and then dried well yet gently with a towel or a cool hair dryer on the cool setting.

Soaking affected skin in a salt bath can encourage the sores to dry up and can feel soothing to the irritated skin. Ice can be used as a natural pain and inflammation reducer. Drinking plenty of water is effective in controlling a mild fever and keeping the body as healthy as possible as it fights the herpes symptoms.

Those with genital herpes lesions inside the urethra will find that remaining hydrated helps reduce pain during urination since the urine is diluted.

Researchers continue to investigate the virus to help develop better treatments, a vaccine, and a cure for herpes. Additional natural remedies are also under investigation. For now, the best defense against a flare-up of herpes symptoms is a strong immune system built through a healthy lifestyle, including stress management, good nutrition, and adequate sleep.

Talk to your doctor to decide whether conventional or one of the newest herpes treatments is right for you.

Sheldon Miller is a health researcher who has been studying natural remedies for herpes and other STDs for many years. He is a regular contributor to Herpes Symptoms & Treatment. Find out about conventional and alternative herpes treatment options on the site.

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Having Stress With Herpes

Herpes is a virus that preys really host the central nervous system. When a person who has the herpes virus is above their game, the virus is kept silent. With nerves hidden in a site of infection, but when stress strikes is like a red flag to the virus - the celebration for the former HSV. (Funny how it has the same initials as a big red car).

Often it is just when a person thinks "nothing else can take place" when the herpes appears to say, "remember me" with Dr. Evil smile. The best way of prevent herpes outbreaks, and to minimize them when they occur is really to manage stress. Some types are harder then others to face May ie be easier to cut back on caffeine, it is to lock your partner in the closet to feel calm.

Improving diet can help reduce stress, just think of all the Conservatives useless crap, caffeine, sugar and chemicals whoseewhatsit which is on sale in supermarkets around the world. If your body is taken, the digestion and absorption of real food - food, he knows and understands the body and then stress will be less. Vegetables, fruits, cereals, fish and fresh meat are food agency recognizes easily. All our enzymes have a food group whom they deal, and when he created are chemically and non-healthy foods be ingested daily balance is well and truly laid off. And the herpes virus is here to jump and eat it.

The herpes virus eat foods rich in arginine and is inhibited by foods rich in lysine. If you have the Herpes virus chances are that you've heard of these two amino acids - if it is time to meet. High-Lysine foods include fish, chicken, lamb, milk, beer yeast, mung bean sprouts and oatmeal. Top Arginine Foods (to avoid during home) are peanuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, chocolate, peas, garlic, ginseng, whole wheat. It is a good idea to adopt the directive around any time of stress.

It is good to take a note of the arginine-lysine factor with regard to the stress and herpes viruses, as some food classics are those of our hands out when one wants to feel better, especially chocolate and bread. It is not difficult to eliminate such a short time when the other option is suffering a herpes virus. For other options, food is an excellent idea to see a naturopath who can provide a measure which has specific plan.

Other ways a naturopath can help eliminate outbreaks of herpes viruses is to provide a plan to stress is treated easily, and it is comfortable to stay healthy with an impenetrable immune system.

The herpes virus is a serious condition and may be severe with large numbers of people. The stigma attached to the Herpes virus adds to stress, particularly genital herpes. A great stress reduction activity could be to join a herpes chat room, or tell a close friend, if you've always someone to talk about this. Having always the information is really useful not only for recovery but an extraordinary life and health.
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Herpes and the Pain

These two types of herpes virus live in neurons lymph nodes near the site of infection. For cold sores pose latent virus in the region around the ATM nerves in the genital herpes virus poses latent in the lumbar area sacred. When the virus activates a symptom of fire is pain and tenderness in the nerve where the virus was alive.

This type of pain that the herpes virus inflicts on its host (or poor victim) is similar to the sciatic nerve pain, and that small continues, it is located on the site of the first infection. The pain is more radiant and can be incredibly intense. In genital herpes that can cause discomfort during the meeting, urinating and serious epidemics in the march may even aggravate the pain.

With cold sores (herpes), the pain can be aggravated by wind, salt or acidic foods and division if, in the corners of his mouth. As with any type of failure in the mouth, it is extremely difficult not to play with it with the language or teeth, which in turn, take longer to heal, but with the intense pain -- What are you doing?

A mixture of news and internal applications herbs help to minimize the pain while treating herpes virus. St John's Wort is a great herb to treat herpes, because it has an affinity for the virus, and has historically been used to treat nerve pain. St John's Wort is also a great Nervine often used to treat depression. Before considering the use of St John's Wort to treat herpes, it is crucial to check with a naturopath or medical herbs such as St. John's Wort not interact with some prescription medicines.

Propolis topical is extremely effective to minimize duplication and pain of a herpes outbreak. Studies have shown that propolis reduce recovery time and severity of the epidemic. Often, herbalists make a balm or ointment be applied only in the affected region. It is essential to use a cotton bud or some kind of device so as to avoid spreading the infection.

Having a friend to talk symptoms of herpes virus May help alleviate some of the physical pain, especially with genital herpes. It is a virus fully loaded, it sticks around, taps into the nerves and strikes at the emotions of guilt and shame. Having all this to organize and cope with being uncomfortable and descent is a lot to have to carry. There are also support groups around each community where the stories can be shared and solutions found.

For a well-rounded and well-being of individuals Herpes plan, it is a good idea to consult a naturopath or medical herbs. Each infected person will have a somewhat different symptoms image and have different triggers. The best way to avoid the pain of herpes is to build an impenetrable immune system, which will keep the virus dormant forever. I think that herpes as a barometer for the host of health. If the host is strong, integrity and balanced mind, body, feeling and spirit, then the virus will be no room to move. However, a small problem in all sectors and the virus can come alive and revel in the misery in incurs.
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Treating Herpes the Natural Way

Once you have contracted herpes, it is important to reach an agreement with the fact that you are going to do for the rest of your life. Do not let this fear you, because herpes does not have to control your life. In fact, most of the time, the virus remains dormant. There are effective treatments herpes. Here are some tips to help you feel comfortable living with herpes, a prospect that you will find is not as daunting as it sounds.

1. You are probably suffering from feelings of guilt and anger projected to yourself. Forgiving you will be essential to your quality of life and the first step to do what forgiveness is the person who gave you the virus. Holding a trigger resentment stress that aggravate your virus. You'll feel much more at peace once you learn to engage in the power of forgiveness.

2. Many people with herpes bear a stigma they bring to them, making them feel ashamed and ostracized. Forgiving you will help alleviate these feelings so that your self is not compromised. After all, you are the same person you were before you contracted the virus. More than half of American adults have some form of the herpes virus and most of them bring shame on themselves. How do you feel about will probably be a projection of how others think of you.

3. Tell family members, sexual partners and close friends that you have herpes virus. You'll feel much better when you have the support of those you love who can help share the burden of knowledge. Let others know you are at peace with the fact that you have herpes. Being in peace will help you feel better about the continuation of support from members of the community.

4. Be very familiar with what will trigger your virus so that you can get in the habit of controlling your diet and your habits. Herpes remain dormant for most of the time, but it will re-activate itself when it is triggered by stress, poor diet choices, overexposure to the sun, the yeast Candida, excessive consumption of drugs or " alcohol, lack of sleep, or unprotected sex with an infected partner. These are all signals that follow the virus, but it will remain dormant until one of these signals is triggered.

5. Making peace with your herpes virus and do everything in your power to maintain peace in your mind. This will help prevent the virus from the awakening of your body. Many people seek peace and balance through prayer, meditation or visualization; find the method that works for you and get in the habit of repeating every day. Soon, engaging in these and other healthy habits become second nature, and not just your herpes is more likely to remain dormant in your body, but in your mind as well. So you keep the virus to rule your life.

Here are some examples of things you should and should not eat when infected with herpes:

Avoid all types of caffeine - even chocolate, tea and coffee. Avoid nuts, seeds (with the exception of hemp and linen), gelatin, cereals, carob, and raisins. Do not use nicotine or drink excessively. Avoid L-lysine is not to be found naturally in foods, but also remain on the sidelines of DMSO, hydrogen peroxide, and nonoxynol-9. Although presented as such, are not magical quick fixes for herpes.

Enjoy foods that are rich in omega fatty acids, like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, olives, avocados, and hemp and flax seeds. Eat plenty of garlic or take a supplement of garlic. Take a supplement of selenium or eating yeast beer. Engaging in a regime that is low in sugar with moderate amounts of whole grain breads and pasta. Eating organic yogurt per day with at least 2.5% fat. Get all day in a routine exercise, sport or yoga, tai-chi, or qi gong and practice.
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Recognizing and Understanding Genital Herpes

How can you tell someone has genital herpes? Do you look at the person? Ask yourself and look straight in the eye? Do not ask about their sex life? Well, my answer is no, maybe and perhaps.

It May be a good idea to ask someone if they are conscious of having genital herpes. The more sexual partners a person has had in their lives, the more they are likely to be infected with herpes. But these methods are totally inadequate. Did you know that the majority of people who have genital or oral herpes are not aware of it? So how do you explain that? Simple, many oral or genital herpes only people infected have no symptoms of herpes, others have symptoms that are mild enough to confuse them with a rash or a mosquito bite or whatever this is causing May, redness, swelling, itching, burning and blisters, May and some not even know what the symptoms are herpes.

The fact that someone does not have herpes or recognize the symptoms does not mean that they have not. About 25% of the U.S. population is infected with genital herpes, with women being more affected than men. Studies have shown that the vast majority (80% -90%) persons who have genital herpes have not been diagnosed with the disease.

According to a recent article published by the Carnegie Mellon University in January 2006, most sexually active adolescent girls know almost nothing about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with the exception of AIDS, before it is too late. Another 2006 study led by Dr. Herbert Kaufman, Boyd professor of Ophthalmology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, found the herpes virus-1 in 98 percent of participants in good health . None of them showed any symptoms, but they throw the herpes virus in their saliva and tears at least once during the 30 days of study. Although this study does not directly target genital herpes, it shows that most people can be totally ignorant of carrying the virus and be infected with herpes.

The surrender or excretion means that the virus is present on the skin and ready to be transmitted. Herpes is transmitted by skin contact 98% of the time. Studies have shown that excretion occur in May nearly 40% of HSV-2 (most often associated with genital herpes) of those infected. Excretion viral symptoms last May 1 to 5 days, which means that a person can be contagious without showing any symptoms at the time. The average duration of each period of viral shedding was determined by laboratory studies, but is just an estimate.

So how can you say for a fact if someone has genital herpes? The only way to know is to examine blood, swab or PCR test results. Swab and PCR tests are very accurate when they detect herpes. However, if a test was carried out late or returned at the end laboratory, May return a false negative result. Western blot test, a blood test, is the most accurate test, but a May return false negative if the person has been infected in the past 3 months. It is not easy to know whether a person has genital herpes or not.

A final consideration, herpes simplex
1 or HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes and cold sores and herpes simplex-2, genital herpes. But herpes virus-1 genital herpes is increasingly common nowadays. It is mainly transmitted during oral sex of a person who has an infection by oral herpes with or without symptoms. So if get genital herpes is a concern for you, you should consider oral herpes and genital herpes when he asked a partner.

As you can see, it is very difficult to assess whether a partner has genital herpes. There is no proven products in order to prevent transmission of genital herpes at the moment. Some are currently being tested for FDA approval and, hopefully, be marketed soon. In the meantime, the best option is to use a condom.
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