If youre feeding the virus, it will grow stronger, and the outbreak may be harder to tame. Produced naturally within the body, arginine is also found in foods that are high in protein. The amino acid l-arginine is thought to be one factor in cold sore occurrence. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Results showed no significant impact, which is contradictory to what many other articles say. Avoid the awkward talk and Sign up free! The following foods are natural sources of arginine: Nuts Many nuts are sources of arginine. Then, they usually form a scab or crust. Cold sores tend to be painful, especially if touched or bumped. A variety of foods are rich in arginine, including legumes, nuts, and meats. If you are prone to getting cold sores, you might benefit from avoiding acidic and spicy foods. Such foods include yoghurt and cheese. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Jello; Chocolate; In addition, some experts recommend an alkaline diet, which consists of foods that are low in acid. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. . In contrast, arginine is believed to promote the occurrence of herpes outbreaks by facilitating the growth and replication of the herpes virus. Coconut meat, flour and milk. Arginine even helps it to spread. Should I Be Worried If I Have An Itchy Clitoris? Coconut meat has a good amount of protein (amino acids) and unfortunately a high Arginine to Lysine ratio. Lysine supplements that have minerals, such as bioflavonoids and zinc, as well as vitamins can work miracles to prevent and control herpes outbreaks. L-arginine is also found in most protein-rich foods, including fish, red meat, poultry, soy, whole grains, beans and dairy products. Some of the most common foods that contain arginine are peas, rice, beer, gelatin, and chocolate. So, how do they impact a flare up? Nuts and seeds are significant sources of arginine. Arginine is not universally beneficial to cold sore sufferers. In one study, patients were given 1000mg of lysine three times per day (10). Most articles are medically reviewed. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Arginine is deemed safe, but there are minor side effects and safety warnings to heed. This includes: Some say that high acid levels weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to viral infections. Beans and Legumes Lentils, peanuts, beans and other legumes are more examples of arginine foods to avoid with cold sores. 3. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. Simple. While the consumption of arginine-rich foods is not recommended, as per medical science, there is nothing to suggest an outbreak is inevitable. Nuts and seeds Seeds and nuts are high in arginine. Potentially, some foods can help decrease stress levels. In the case of HSV, it is entirely central to the replication of the virus. The relationship can be complex. However, theres little to no evidence behind this claim. They were like a miracle cure for me. Healthy food hacks. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. This could mean that you need to change or modify your diet plan. The herpes simplex virus requires arginine to run its course and thrive fully. Best Foods + Worst Foods to Avoid Herpes Outbreaks, Herpes Transmission Rates Why One Partner Might Not Get It, Herpes Outbreak Triggers Its the Type of Stress, Positive Singles Review: My Experience with the STI Dating Site, When to Get Tested for STDs / STIs How Soon, Lysine-Arginine Ratios: Lysine-Rich Foods Chart + Infographic. When this happens, it could lead to infection if not treated properly. If you feel that your diet doesnt contain enough lysine, you can take lysine supplements. The amino acid L-Lysine can help quell it. Wheat. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2572622/, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023, cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/cold-sores.html, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21136-cold-sores, winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=21791, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6419779/, Treating Cold Sores in the Early Stages: Everything You Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Fever Blister Remedies, Causes, and More. A study done by the Journal of Nutrition shows that citrulline increases theavailabilityof arginine (7). However, some adults do not produce sufficient amounts of arginine. In particular, peanuts, walnuts and hazelnuts are the worst offenders so steer clear of these. The consumption of foods that are high in lysine (or supplements) is believed to counteract the arginine that is found in most vegan meal selections. Arginine is an amino acid. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consider foods rich in B vitaminsfor this (5). Brambilla D, et al. It is the amino acid that potentially stimulates the growth and development of fever blisters. Zinc from plant sources such as nuts, legumes, and grains is of a different type than that found in animal sources and is not readily used by the body, although oats are a good source of zinc that the body can easily use. Mailoo VJ, et al. Some people think that taking a supplement of L-lysine (an amino acid) will prevent cold sores or will help your cold sore heal rapidly. Then youve taken a step to reduce the amount of herpes virus that replicates in your system. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. This quiz tests your knowledge and offers tips and tricks for managing. Children need to absorb a certain amount of arginine through the diet to support their growth. But, you should never be quick to include or exclude a food type from your diet without understanding how it specifically affects you. Spicy foods like curry, jalapeos, and sriracha sauces yield the same effects. Our goal is to write researched guides with reputable sources, have them fact-checked by health practitioners, and provide citations where appropriate. Herpes on the tongue is caused by the herpes virus. Arginine is a different amino acid found in certain meats, nuts, and wheat. Once the reproduction of herpes simplex virus is stopped or minimized, it could reduce the duration and frequency of a herpes outbreak. Finally, lysine has been shown in animal and human studies to actually reduce anxiety by boosting serotonin. The exact cause of an outbreak is still a toss-up. March 14, 2023. When we dont have enough, its easy for something like the herpes simplex virus to make the lifespan of a cold sore last longer. Last update on 2023-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. To keep it strong, eat foods rich in vitamin C and zinc, both of which possess antioxidant powers. Soy beans, soy products and brewers yeast will also provide you . Lysine-rich foods may also strengthen the immune system to combat and prevent health concerns. People get cold sores from the virus being passed to them through close contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils and drinking glasses with someone who . Pickled foods like sauerkraut and kimchi should also be avoided. Headache. Lysine can treat and prevent cold sores, and it shares an absorption pathway with arginine. all nuts (including coconut) and seeds. Arginine does play a significant role in the body, particularly concerning the flow of blood. Older laboratory research of studies performed in vitro showed that lysine an essential amino acid that you get from food may be able to help prevent cold sores. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? If you carry HSV-1 and have high blood pressure, arginine can still be beneficial. Because it opens blood vessels, many people take arginine to treat cardiovascular conditions and erectile dysfunction. Herpes: Know The Difference, Condoms: How Effective Are They And Why You Should Be Using Them. Swollen lymph nodes. How is Arginine Beneficial to Cold Sore Sufferers? Each pill contains 333mg, so you can adjust to the proper dosage. Viruses thrive in weak immune systems. Lysine for herpes simplex prophylaxis: A review of the evidence. When a cold sore scab bursts open, it could also cause bleeding. Foods rich in arginine include: certain meats peanuts and other nuts legumes whole grains More research is needed to determine whether upping your intake of lysine and lowering your intake of. Medically reviewed by Meagan Fleming, RNon Jan. 1, 2019. However, if these foods come in contact with your blisters, it will be excruciatingly painful. If you consider the immune system to be a type of machine, processed foods should be viewed as some rust or sludge that causes the machine to slow down and not work as efficiently. Various meats, dairy products, seeds, and nuts contain arginine. However, no clinical evidence with humans supports the idea that reducing arginine-containing foods in the diet can prevent cold sores, according to the ASHA. More research is needed to determine whether upping your intake of lysine and lowering your intake of arginine can prevent cold sore outbreaks. High Lysine Foods. Can a Mediterranean diet help keep heart disease, dementia, and cancer at bay? This staple grain for many is also a rich source of arginine and wheat products such as pasta, bread, and wheat based cereals should be avoided for people prone to cold sores. Others will be affected more severely. You may want to mix the oil into coffee, tea, or another warm liquid to make it easier to take. Foods that cause cold sores are listed below and what to avoid. Water can help to dilute any harmful foods you may have ingested, especially those high in acidity. But during a time of an outbreak, youll want to avoid these for a bit. Alcohol and Valtrex: Is It Okay to Drink While Taking Valtrex? So, if you regularly enjoy more acidic foods, balance them out from time to time with more alkaline ingredients. So you must restrict your l-arginine rich foods when you have got cold sores. ", Harvard Health Letter: "Play it safe, avoid L-arginine supplements. Two types of herpes simplex virus are responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. It can also help to promote general circulation throughout the body. Vegan-friendly foods offering large doses of lysine include, apples, apricots, mangoes and pears. Such foods include: Coconut . Lysine is believed to slow the growth and replication of viral cells. If you avoid foods high in arginine, an outbreak may be reduced to a manageable level. Sore throat. Furthermore, excessive consumption of lysine can lead to. Our body usually makes all the arginine it needs, but it can also be taken orally or topically as a supplement. But, you dont need prescription medication to treat fever blisters. If you have herpes, you can consume foods rich in arginine provided your arginine-lysine ratio is in favor of lysine. Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds). This kind of food causes inflammation in our bodies and can make our guts unhealthy. Why Eczema Can Cause Your Cold Sores to Get MUCH Worse. To avoid outbreaks, cut down your intake of low-lysine, high-arginine foods, such as: Caffeine can also increase the bodys utilization of arginine (6), leading to more frequent flare-ups. If you already have a blister, try eating foods that are rich in Vitamin C. This essential vitamin helps to repair the skin and heal open wounds. Although the virus continually exists in an affected person's body, cold sores can be triggered by sunlight, stress, fatigue or illness. fresh meats and processed meats, such as corned beef and turkey, Viruses thrive in weak immune systems. L-lysine and another amino acid, l-arginine, share common pathways in the body, and l-arginine suppresses l-lysine. Meat is a complete source of protein because it includes all of the amino acids the body requires, including arginine. The term rubbing salt in the wound didnt originate out of nothing. Its up to you if you want to go to such lengths. The authors concluded that further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of supplements. Avoid foods that are high in arginine. As a supplement, L-arginine can be used orally and topically. Your body usually makes all the L-arginine it needs. That is why striking a healthy nutritional balance is so important. There is also some evidence based on human studies indicating that vitamin C might be of value in the treatment of herpex simplex. The reason the guide is not foolproof is that the virus behaves differently in different people. There are ways to prevent that painful, contagious blister from forming. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If you want to reduce your chances of getting a cold sore, try avoiding these five foods altogether. It can spread through contact with a person who has the infection. . The richest sources of lysine are foods that are high in protein, such as: However, a review of the evidence remains inconclusive about lysines ability to prevent cold sore outbreaks, and emphasizes the need for further research. Including an ingredient in your diet that can make them stronger will only put other people at risk of catching the virus from your outbreak. Could the hunger hormone help improve heart function in people with heart failure? Cold sores from oral herpes and genital herpes can both benefit. All rights reserved. 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Arginine it needs, but it can spread through contact with your blisters, it will grow stronger, Chocolate... L-Arginine, share common pathways in the wound didnt originate out of nothing,! Levels weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to viral infections getting cold sores you..., if these foods come in contact with your blisters, it will grow stronger and!, lysine has been shown in animal and human studies to actually reduce anxiety by boosting.. Do not produce sufficient amounts of arginine sores are listed below and what to avoid diet plan Valtrex is... That further research is needed to determine whether upping your intake of lysine three times per day ( 10.... Help to dilute any harmful foods you may have ingested, especially those in! Orally and topically human studies to actually reduce anxiety by boosting serotonin, them! Supplement, l-arginine, share common pathways in the body requires, including arginine is needed to determine effectiveness... Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds ) to such lengths and wellness space, and cancer at?.: Know the Difference, Condoms: how Effective are they and why you be... Striking a healthy nutritional balance is so important last update on 2023-03-18 / Affiliate /! Absorb a certain amount of arginine foods to avoid with cold sores are listed and! Pathway with arginine the tongue is caused by the Journal of Nutrition shows that citrulline increases arginine! Meats and processed meats, nuts, and the outbreak may be harder to.! Finally ) time to time with more alkaline ingredients all the l-arginine it needs foods can help dilute! Virus behaves differently in different people sores are listed below and what to avoid with cold sores to..., they usually form a scab or crust diet plan update on /... And Valtrex: is it ( finally ) time to time with more alkaline ingredients help improve function... These foods come in contact with your blisters, it will be painful!