The herpes diet should include foods rich in lysine, an amino acid that helps fight infections caused by viruses. Lysine can be ingested through food or supplements. Some sources of lysine are meat, fish and milk.
Furthermore, it is also important to increase your intake of foods that are sources of zinc, vitamin C, selenium and omega 3, such as guava, sardines and sunflower seeds. This is because these foods strengthen the immune system, helping to fight herpes. Understand better what herpes is and the main types.
On the other hand, it may be recommended to reduce the consumption of foods rich in arginine, as it is believed that this amino acid can favor the replication of the herpes virus in the body, increasing the recovery time from injuries.
Foods that should be prioritized
To avoid recurring herpes attacks, the following foods should be included in the diet:
1. Foods rich in lysine
It is believed that lysine prevents recurring herpes and helps speed up its treatment, as this amino acid strengthens the immune system, fighting infections caused by viruses. Lysine is an essential amino acid because the body does not produce it and, therefore, it must be ingested through food.
Some foods rich in lysine are milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, avocado, peas, meat, chicken and fish. See all foods rich in lysine.
2. Foods with vitamin C
It is important to include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet, as this vitamin stimulates the immune system. Furthermore, vitamin C also promotes the formation of collagen, an important protein for skin regeneration, promoting wound healing.
Foods with vitamin C include tomatoes, peppers, guava, oranges, strawberries, lemons and pineapple. Discover more foods rich in vitamin C.
3. Food sources of zinc
Zinc is a mineral that participates in the development and maintenance of macrophages and T lymphocytes, cells that help prevent and fight infections caused by viruses, strengthening the immune system.
Some foods that are sources of zinc are oysters, beef, sesame seeds and almonds. See a list of foods that are sources of zinc.
4. Other foods that strengthen the immune system
Other foods that help strengthen the immune system are mainly those rich in omega 3, vitamin E, probiotics and selenium.
Some examples of foods that strengthen the immune system are flaxseeds, olive oil, turmeric, sunflower seeds, kefir and ginger. Learn how to consume more food to strengthen your immune system.
Foods that should be avoided
To help treat herpes, it is important to avoid inflammatory foods, such as:
- sweet foods, such as sugar, cakes, soft drinks, ice cream, candies and puddings;
- Foods made with refined cereals, such as white bread and white pasta;
- Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and sparkling wine;
- Built-ins, such as sausage, sausage, mortadella, salami and turkey breast;
- Foods rich in fat, such as salad dressings, bacon, margarine, pizza, nuggets, hamburgers and fried foods in general;
Some studies (1) (2) show that reducing arginine consumption can help reduce the frequency of herpes. Therefore, it is believed that reducing arginine intake can prevent the emergence of herpes. However, more research is needed to prove the relationship between arginine and herpes.
Some foods rich in arginine are oats, wheat germ and almonds, for example. Discover other foods rich in arginine.
Furthermore, it is also important to avoid smoking and unprotected sun exposure, as these are factors that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of herpes appearing.
Diet menu for herpes
The following table contains an example of a 3-day diet for treating herpes:
This menu is just a model, where the types and quantities of food may vary depending on the age and health status of each person. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist to carry out a complete assessment and plan a diet according to individual nutritional needs.
Lysine supplementation
Lysine supplementation helps prevent recurrent herpes and treat lesions. In general, the recommended dose for preventing recurrent herpes is between 500 and 1500 mg of lysine per day.
In cases where the virus is active, it is recommended to ingest up to 3000 mg of lysine per day during the acute period. However, you should consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for each person. See more details about lysine supplements.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of supplements based on zinc, omega-3, vitamin E and vitamin C.
