Herpes is a contagious virus that causes oral or genital infections. It can spread through sexual and non-sexual contact, causing painful sores that burn or itch.
Certain foods, especially those high in the amino acid arginine, can worsen herpes. In contrast, increasing dietary lysine intake may help manage herpes outbreaks.
Discover common triggers of this widespread condition and learn more about the best herpes outbreak prevention diet to manage viral infections naturally.
What is the herpes simplex virus (HSV)?
Herpes simplex virus, widely known as HSV or simply herpes, is a highly communicable virus that can trigger the development of oral or genital blisters.
Although symptoms can be eased with oral and topical antiviral medications and managed with lifestyle changes, herpes is generally considered incurable.
There are two types of herpes simplex: HSV-1 and HSV-2, also known as type 1 and type 2 herpes.
HSV-1 is a form of oral herpes that spreads through non-sexual contact, such as kissing, sharing utensils, or, more rarely, during childbirth or breastfeeding. It’s estimated that more than half of the world’s population carries the virus, often without symptoms.
HSV-2 is classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital herpes, and it’s believed that approximately 13 percent of the world population has contracted HSV-2.
Symptoms of HSV-1 include blisters, widely known as cold sores, in or around the mouth. Signs of herpes type 2 include ulcers around the genitals or anus. These blisters may open, ooze, and scab over.
While herpes flare-ups can cause mild burning sensations, pain, or itching, many patients experience no symptoms.
Watch the video below to learn about the best foods to eat if you have herpes.
What triggers herpes outbreaks?
The herpes virus can lie dormant in nerve cells for several years before reactivating.
Many factors can trigger a herpes outbreak, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle. This is likely due to hormonal fluctuations disrupting the immune system’s ability to suppress herpes simplex.
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases found higher viral replication rates in women with genital HSV-2 infections during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.1
Additionally, wearing tight clothing or overexposure to the elements, such as the sun and wind, can reactivate the virus in nerve cells by irritating or damaging the skin.
Factors that directly compromise the immune system, such as chronic stress, fever, or illness, also seem to play a role in herpes outbreaks.
Finally, kissing, sharing utensils or food, or sexual contact with someone experiencing an active herpes outbreak, can lead to a first-time infection or reactivate a dormant virus already in the body.
Best foods for herpes
Certain foods promote stronger immune functions, which may help the body suppress the herpes virus, thereby minimizing the risk of flare-ups.
L-lysine, or lysine, is an essential amino acid that humans cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities, which means it must be obtained from food sources.
It’s believed that lysine may interfere with the virus’s replication ability, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
A study published in Dermatologica highlights that L-lysine appears to reduce the risk of HSV infections, and symptoms in those already infected were significantly diminished in severity.2
Some of the best lysine-rich foods include:
- Fish
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Cheese and other dairy products
- Bean sprouts
Additionally, foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers, are an essential part of a healthy herpes outbreak prevention diet.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can bolster immune function, reduce oxidative damage to skin cells, and may help inhibit viral replication.
Worst foods for herpes
Foods high in arginine, another amino acid, can promote herpes virus replication, potentially leading to or worsening an outbreak.
The herpes simplex virus requires arginine to replicate, which explains why a high-arginine diet can directly trigger or contribute to herpes flare-ups.
Common HPV trigger foods high in arginine include:
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Chocolate
- Seeds
- Garlic
- Gelatin
- Carob
- Wheat germ
- Berries
- Grains
- Beans
- Eggs
Balancing dietary L-lysine and arginine ratios is key to managing herpes symptoms naturally.
Because the two amino acids compete for utilization within metabolic pathways, increasing lysine intake reduces arginine availability, which may help suppress HPV infections.
Lifestyle tips for managing herpes
In addition to dietary management and conventional treatment options, there are several other natural ways to reduce the risk of herpes spread or reactivation.
Here are four lifestyle tips for managing herpes.
1. Combat stress
Stress management is vital to preventing viral reactivation, as physical and emotional stress affect immune function and hormone levels.
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, into the bloodstream. Cortisol can reduce immune functions by suppressing immune cell activity and increasing inflammation, creating a favorable environment for herpes flare-ups.
Moderate exercise, engaging in hobbies, breathing techniques,, and spending time in nature are excellent ways to lower stress levels and reduce the risk of a herpes outbreak.
2. Prioritize sexual health
Because HPV-1 and HPV-2 can be spread through sexual contact, it’s recommended to talk with your partner about sexual health practices, such as routine STD testing to identify potential infection.
Those with active outbreaks should abstain from sex or wear a condom to reduce the risk of spread. Remember that, while condoms can provide some protection, they cannot completely prevent exposure to other infected areas of the body.
Additionally, avoid kissing and don’t share items that come in contact with saliva with someone who is infected with oral herpes.
3. Get adequate sleep
Poor sleep can weaken the immune system, elevate stress levels, and induce inflammation, all of which increase the susceptibility to viral infection and herpes reactivation.
Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night and support quality rest by adopting healthy habits, such as limiting screen time before bed, keeping your bedroom cool, and winding down with a warm bath.
4. Implement prolonged fasting
Prolonged fasting periods between 18 and 24 hours induce autophagy, a survival mechanism characterized by the body’s ability to remove and recycle damaged proteins, cellular organelles, and invading microbes.
“Autophagy targets potentially harmful pathogens, including fungi, mold, bacteria, and viruses, such as herpes,” explains Dr. Berg. “This process is vital for nerve cell homeostasis, helping protect the body from herpes reactivation.”
The most popular way to induce autophagy is through intermittent fasting, which involves alternating between time-restricted periods of fasting and eating windows.
For example, limiting eating to a 6-hour window–from noon to 6 p.m.–creates an 18-hour fasting period, which may help stimulate autophagy.
Key takeaways
There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which can spread through sexual and non-sexual contact.
Though incurable, foods high in lysine, including meat and fish, may help manage herpes naturally. In addition, avoiding arginine-rich foods, such as nuts and seeds, berries, and grains, can help minimize reactivation of the herpes virus.
Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress, prioritizing sexual health and quality sleep, and practicing fasting, can optimize immune function and reduce the risk of herpes outbreaks.
FAQ
What helps fight off the herpes virus?
Diet plays a key role in supporting the immune system, and eating foods rich in the amino acid lysine, such as fish, chicken, and beef, may help combat the herpes simplex virus (HSV) by interfering with its ability to replicate in nerve cells.
Which foods are highest in lysine?
Animal products, such as fish, chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and cheese, contain the highest amounts of lysine. Bean sprouts and non-starchy vegetables can also be consumed on a herpes-friendly diet to support immune function and general well-being.
How do I avoid herpes outbreaks naturally?
Managing stress, strengthening your immune system with vitamin C-rich foods, and boosting lysine intake can help manage herpes outbreaks. Additionally, fasting, quality sleep, and safe sex can minimize the risk of herpes outbreaks.
Can I eat high-carb foods if I have herpes?
No, it’s not recommended to consume high-carb foods if you have herpes. Many high-carb foods, such as grains and beans, contain large amounts of arginine, which can trigger herpes out of remission or exacerbate a current outbreak.
