Do you also have to fight with fever blisters from time to time? Then you may have heard that lysine helps against herpes. But is that really true? And if so, how does it work? I've done some research for you!
Fever blisters always come when you don't need them at all. Days before they announce themselves by a feeling of pressure and redness.
Of course, the timing is wonderful this time as well. We have an important meeting coming up tomorrow. Get rid of the fever blister by tomorrow? Impossible!
But next time you can fight herpes with lysine!
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Did you know that 9 out of 10 people are infected with herpes viruses? However, not everyone gets the itchy, oozing blisters on their lips and mucous membranes.
What lysine is and what it does
Before I explain how you can use lysine to fight herpes, you should first know what lysine is in the first place.
We need proteins for all processes in the body to function properly. They build muscles, are found in every body cell, regulate chemical processes and form docking sites for a whole range of messenger substances.
Proteins consist of amino acids that the body either produces itself or that we have to take in through our diet.
One of these amino acids is lysine. By the way, if you are very precise, the amino acid is called L-lysine.
Our body needs it to build muscle and other amino acids. It is also involved in bone growth, cell division and wound healing. For our metabolism, lysine is essential for survival.
Because lysine is an essential amino acid, our body cannot produce it itself. We must take it in through our food, and preferably on a daily basis.
In a healthy person, the requirement is 38 mg per kg body weight. At 60 kg, this is 2.28 g per day.
Why lysine helps against herpes
In connection with herpes viruses, the amino acid is said to have a special effect. L-lysine is said to finally put an end to the painful and unsightly blisters on the lips.
Lysine plays a major role in cell division and the growth of new cells. At the same time, it also supports the immune system and fends off viruses. It is precisely this combination that makes it so valuable in the fight against cold sores.
Studies have shown as early as 1952 that a high concentration of lysine greatly reduces the growth of herpes viruses. In the study, subjects were given 3000 mg of L-lysine daily as soon as they experienced the first symptoms. Both itching, vesicle formation and the duration of the herpes outbreak were greatly improved.
The ratio of lysine and arginine
A healthy person needs besides lysine also arginine, as a counterpart. The ratio of the two amino acids must be in the right proportion.
Arginine plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system. It also improves fat burning and our performance.
At the same time, too much arginine causes herpes viruses to multiply. It is involved in building the protective protein layer of the virus.
Lysine curbs herpes because it inhibits the absorption of L-arginine via digestion. Thus, less protective white is available for the envelope of the viruses.
In which foods you can find L-lysine
If you do not have to fight with herpes viruses and eat a varied diet, then you should take in enough of the amino acid through your diet. Without having to take additional supplements.
It is different if you are prone to cold sores. Then lysine can help against herpes if you take it additionally as a dietary supplement.
Because often your body then has a higher need, which can not be met with normal nutrition or hardly.
There is comparatively little lysine in plant foods. If you eat a vegan diet and are prone to cold sores, lysine against herpes in the form of a dietary supplement makes sense. This is because foods such as wheat germ, pumpkin seeds or oatmeal contain a lot of arginine - which can promote herpes.
Make sure to cover your daily requirement. This is at least 38 mg per kg body weight. An excess of the amino acid is excreted through the kidneys.
There is no exact amount for the use of lysine against herpes. According to expert opinions, 4 grams of lysion per day help to alleviate herpes in acute cases.
My pharmacist recommends taking 1 gram of lysine 3 times a day immediately at the first signs. This immediately inhibits the multiplication of the virus. If you have reacted early enough, the herpes blister will not break out at all this time.
You can find especially high-quality lysine in the Capsules from Pure Encapsulations.
I can recommend them to you. They are vegan, well tolerated and free of additives. They also have very good reviews. You will find capsules in the package that you simply take with food.
You can find L-lysine in these foods
- Meat (especially pork and beef)
- Dairy products such as Parmesan, Gouda, milk, low-fat curd cheese, cottage cheese
- Fish like cod or sardines
- Eggs
- Soybeans (also tofu) and legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas
- Yeast
These foods promote herpes because they contain a lot of arginine
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Wheat Germ
- Tuna
- Oatmeal
- unpeeled rice
- Wholemeal pasta and bread
- Peas
What else you can do against herpes
Those who have a strong immune system make it difficult for herpes viruses. They love it when we don't feel well and are simply not fit. That's why you should do everything possible to have a strong immune system.
Avoid unhealthy foods such as sugar, white flour, chocolate, fast food, etc. Healthy alternatives to white flour are spelt, emmer, einkorn, quinoa, buckwheat or millet.
Make sure you take enough vitamins. Especially vitamin C, zinc and magnesium. And drink enough at least 2 liters of unsweetened tea or water every day.
Triggers for herpes can also be stress, colds, hormonal fluctuations during the period or too intense sun. Herpes viruses are highly contagious and are transmitted by smear infection.
Our conclusion
Whether lysine helps against herpes is not 100%ig proven. But to try it can not hurt in any case. Every body reacts differently, maybe L-lysine is a good solution against cold sores. Just try it during the time when the immune system is particularly weakened.
All the best for you!
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