Herpes is a common infection that is divided into two types, i.e., HSV 1 and HSV 2. Herpes HSV 1 affects every two people from three under the age of 50 years. Whereas 11% of the people under 50 are also affected by HSV 2. However, herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas.
Herpes causes recurrent outbreaks of itchy, painful blisters or sores. Many herpes patients do not notice or mistake the sores for something else. As a result, they may be unaware that they are infected. Even if you don’t have any sores or symptoms, you can spread herpes.
Unfortunately, there is no herpes cure, but you can take some steps to limit your outbreaks. This includes a healthy diet and proper medication. However, herpes is a very common infection that can live in your body for the rest of your life. More than half of all Americans have oral herpes, and one out of every six has genital herpes. So there’s a good chance that you know someone who has herpes.
In this article, we will guide you about all the food items you should avoid if you are a herpes patient. Let’s dive into the article.
Genital Herpes Vs. Oral Herpes
First, let’s understand the difference between genital herpes and oral herpes.
Because there are two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) that can live on various body parts, many people are unsure what to call these infections. However, it is quite simple.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 on or near your genitals. It includes herpes on vagina, vulva, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, buttocks, and inner thighs. Genital herpes can cause genital pain, itching, and sores.
However, it is possible to not have any visible symptoms of genital herpes. But you still might transfer the disease to others if you are infected. There is no cure for genital herpes. However, along with the natural treatment for genital herpes like consuming food items rich in zinc, taking over-the-counter genital herpes treatments can help prevent herpes outbreaks. But medications can relieve pain and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is caused by the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 in or around the lips, mouth, and throat. They are also considered cold sores or fever blisters. Oral pain relievers like Tylenol or Aleve and 1% hydrocortisone cream can help you.
HSV-1 causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes, each strain prefers to live in its preferred location. However, both types of herpes simplex have the potential to infect either area.
Food to Avoid If You Are a Herpes Patient
It is essential to reduce the frequency of viral replication to reduce herpes outbreaks. Due to higher amino acid arginine, HSV metabolizes and multiplies itself. Another amino acid, lysine, inhibits the action of arginine, according to Murray and Pizzorno’s “Textbook of Natural Medicine.”
Maintaining proper amino acid ratios can be crucial in managing this condition. Most food items contain lysine and some arginine. The goal of herpes dietary treatment is to increase lysine intake while decreasing arginine. To avoid vaginal infections, one should take the best probiotics for vaginal health.
Food Items Rich in Arginine
Some foods contain a higher concentration of arginine. As a result, they can cause severe irritation to you if you are a herpes patient. So, to minimize the irritation and outbreaks, you should avoid them at all costs. The following are the food items you should eliminate from your diet:
- Chocolate,
- Peanuts and peanut butter,
- Almonds and almond butter,
- Caffeine,
- All nuts and seeds, including coconut.
However, there are some more food items that you should be careful of. You should eliminate these foods only during your outbreak period:
- Wheat,
- Corn,
- Oats,
- Rice, and
- Carob.
Acidic Food Item
If you are a patient of HSV 1, then having cold sores is quite common for you. However, to limit your outbreak period, you should avoid more acidic food items. These include:
- Soda,
- Citrus fruits, like orange and grapefruit,
- Tomatoes,
- Beef,
- Beer, and
- Sugar.
Natural Treatments for Genital Herpes and Oral Herpes
There is no herpes cure, but there are many ways to treat the symptoms and manage the infection. Herpes medication causes outbreaks to resolve faster and prevents them from recurring frequently.
Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment options for your specific situation. However, your doctor can prescribe herpes medication to help your sores heal faster if you have an outbreak. You can also help to alleviate the pain by the following methods:
- Taking a hot bath.
- Maintaining the cleanliness of your genital area (moisture makes the sores last longer). In short, personal hygiene is very important to lower irritation.
- Putting on soft, loose clothing.
- Applying an ice pack to the wounds.
- Taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or acetaminophen as a pain reliever. Tylenol can also help you.
What Happens If You Avoid Herpes Treatment
The best part about herpes is that it is not fatal or even too dangerous. Herpes may be irritating, but unlike other STDs, it does not worsen over time. It also does not cause any serious health problems.
If you do not get treated for herpes, you may continue to have outbreaks regularly. However, they may also occur only infrequently. After a while, some people naturally stop getting outbreaks.
Moreover, people may refuse treatment for a variety of reasons. They may not have many outbreaks, or their outbreaks may not bother them. Whatever your circumstances are, you have the option of receiving herpes treatment.
Herpes can make it easier to contract HIV because the sores allow HIV to enter your body. So, always protect yourself from direct skin-to-skin contact.
Conclusion
Herpes simplex virus symptoms, such as cold sores or blisters around the mouth, can be torturous. If you are constantly experiencing herpes outbreaks, you are still consuming certain foods that you should avoid.
It is best to follow a diet that will help to reduce these outbreaks and symptoms. Rather than eating food with high arginine and low lysine, it is advised that you consume a healthy diet. A diet low in arginine can help strengthen your immune system.
Also, try to identify the foods that cause herpes symptoms. Eliminate them from your diet, and replace them with more beneficial food items.