Herpesviradae Family (Herpes Simplex)

More than 70 viruses are composed within the Herpesviradae family. However, only four are important in humans which may lead to a disease state:

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, HSV-2)

• Varicella zoster virus (VZV) (Herpes-3 aka Chicken pox)

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  

Herpes Simplex (HSV)

               Since not everyone exposed to HSV may develop symptoms clinically, it appears that an individual’s immune system defenses will be vital in protecting against any viral infection. Immunosuppressed individuals are at greater risk for clinical disease to occur and to reoccur.

Dietary and Supplement considerations to optimize immune system health and response.

• Eliminate foods that are high in Arginine and increase foods that are high in lysine; or consider foods that are balanced in regards to Arginine : Lysine ratio

• Olive extract

• Lysine

• Resveratrol

• Monolaurin

• Thymus glandular extract

Lysine-rich foods include animal-based foods such as beef, poultry, and seafood but this amino acid (Lysine) is also found in fruits such as bananas, nuts, and oatmeal. The body does not make this amino acid, which means it is essential to our body to consume from exogenous food sources, however as you may realize, we should be getting a descent amount of lysine from the list of foods below, unless you’re a vegan or vegetarian.

It is thought that the consumption of food items that are high in arginine may promote herpes simplex viral replication which may then lead to aggravate both genital and extragenital sites.  Lysine may help to optimize the viral activity. Keep in mind that cigarette use is a risk factor for herpes outbreaks because nicotine (nicotine by-products) may concentrate in genital secretions and suppress T cell responses.

Additional factors that may precipitate herpes outbreaks may include stressors such as: sunburns, menses, food allergies, emotional stress, sexual activity.

Consider following a diet that avoids foods high in arginine and try to consume food items that are high in lysine. The highlighted food items are especially higher in the Arginine to Lysine ratio.

Food	Serving	Arginine (mg)	Lysine (mg)
Almonds	70 nuts	2730	580
Bacon	12 Slices	2100	2000
Beans, Green	¾ cup	80	80
Beans, Lima	3.5 ounce	1170	1470
Beans, Mung	3.5 ounce	1320	1930
Beef, Chuck	3.5 ounce	1600	2200
Brazil Nut	3.5 ounce	2250	470
Bread, Whole Wheat	4 slices	510	290
Buckwheat	3.5 ounces	1200	460
Cashews	40 nuts	1990	740
Cheese, cheddar	3.5 ounces	850	1700
Chicken	3 ounces	1843	2710
Chocolate	3.5 ounces	4500	2000
Clams	½ cup	830	840
Coconuts	3.5 ounces	470	150
Crustaceans	3.5 ounces	1330	1260
Eggs, hard boiled	1 large	452	410
Flax seeds	3.5 ounce	2030	810
Garbanzo beans	3.5 ounce	1900	1380
Halibut	3.5 ounce	140	2220
Hazelnuts	3.5 ounce	3510	690
Lentils	3.5 ounce	2100	1740
Liver, beef	3.5 ounce	1590	1950
Oatmeal, cooked	1/3 cup	130	70
Peanuts, pealed	3.5 ounces	3240	1090
Peas, green	3/4 cup	420	220
Pecans	3.5 ounce	2030	810
Pork, lean	3.5 ounce	1510	1850
Salmon	3.5 ounce	1530	2350
Sesame seeds	3.5 ounce	2590	580
Sunflower seeds	3.5 ounce	1190	540
Tuna	¾ can	1530	2530
Turkey	3.5 ounce	1700	2550
Walnuts	27 whole pieces	2250	490
Yeast	3.5 ounce	1940	3510

Source: USDA;

High-lighted food sources are to show the High Arginine : Lysine Ratio.

Always consult with your primary medical doctor to make sure the diet you're considering is appropriate for any medical condition(s) you may have.