Lysine for Herpes

Arginine and Lysine

Arginine and lysine are both important amino acids that have been studied for more than fifty years. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and protein is the building block of all living cells in the body. The greatest portion of human body weight, after water, is protein.

A healthy liver can produce approximately 80 percent of the body’s required amino acids. Arginine is a “nonessential amino acid” that is one of the building blocks for making proteins and growing muscle. Lysine is an amino acid that is classified as “essential” because the body cannot produce it. Lysine must be obtained from a person’s dietary intake.

The body’s ability to synthesize the nonessential amino acids such as arginine, and to utilize all amino acids, can be adversely affected by an individual’s advancing age, overall health, organ health, the presence of infection. Additionally physical trauma such as injury, effects of stress due to physical, mental, emotional, or of any kind and injury-related factors also impact the body’s production of amino acids.

Studies are showing that Lysine is an important amino acid involved in reducing the effects of aging and improving many conditions from stress to reducing herpes outbreaks to name a few.

When arginine and lysine are combined, one can cancel the effect of the other. For example, arginine is reported to have an antagonistic relationship with lysine.

Exciting research over the past several decades suggests that lysine may be helpful in controlling herpes simplex-related infections. There are two types of this virus: type 1, which typically causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, and type 2, which tends to cause genital sores. However, both forms can cause eruptions around the mouth or on the genitals. Once infected with the virus, you have it permanently. It may lie dormant, but it doesn’t go away. Outbreaks are usually painful and unsightly, as well as contagious.

The herpes virus benefits from arginine – typically found in corn-based products. Lysine is an inhibitor for the herpes virus. Lysine competes with arginine for absorption and entry into tissue cells. When lysine is present, it inhibits the growth of HSV by knocking out arginine. This makes a diet high in lysine and low in arginine a useful tool in managing HSV infections.

Benefits of Lysine

Lysine is one of the best supplements for children especially if we aim for a clean colon. A clean colon and a strong immune system consecutively prevent most cold sores and canker sores. If your children have outbreaks of cold sores, the use of a powdered lysine, which is called children’s Powdered Colon Cleanse and lysine will clear up the cold sores and prevent future outbreaks.

With this powdered lysine it is sure that children are eliminating their bowels at least 1 to 2 times a day. A clean colon, a strong immune system and lysine will not only keep your children outbreaks free, but this program will prevent them from having colds, flu, allergies and most sicknesses.

Can lysine cause constipation? No, lysine heals in two ways. While it’s healing a diabetic person is prevents that same person from experiencing constipation. Diabetic get constipated easily. Normally, the carbohydrates in the food that we eat are broken down into the simple sugar called glucose, which is the main source of fuel for your body. After digestion, the glucose passes into our bloodstream where it is available for body cells to use for growth and energy.

A hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, regulates the use of glucose by the body’s cells. In people with diabetes, there is a problem with an element of this blood sugar system, and the amount of glucose in the blood becomes elevated to a level that is too high for optimal health. Diabetics need a healthy vegetarian diet which the powdered lysine can help as it supplements.

Does Lysine Help Fight Against Herpes?

Yes. The free-form lysine has been proven to be effective in controlling herpes, especially when paired with a diet high in lysine and low in arginine.

Research shows that lysine can also benefit those suffering from cold sores. In the conducted study, 74% of people benefited from lysine supplementation as compared to those who were given placebo. Argnine rich food should be avoided because they increase the replication of the herpes virus.

Lysine also assists the body in blocking arginine in the body, thus avoiding the spreading. When used with vitamin C, lysine also prevents any breakouts.

What should be the herpes diet? Which foods are high in lysine and low in arginine?
The list below includes food that are high in lysine and low in arginine:

• Fish,
• chicken
• beef,
• lamb,
• milk,
• cheese,
• beans,
• brewer’s yeast,
• mung bean sprouts
• and most fruits and vegetables have more lysine than arginine

Lysine Deficiency

While you think it is very easy to incorporate lysine into your diet because of the multiple sources, a deficiency still may occur. When cooked in high temperatures, the lysine in the food is in danger of being lost. A separate study also showed that vegetarians are most likely to be at risk from lysine deficiency.

Lysine deficiency are characterized by loss of energy or appetite, difficulty in concentrating, hair loss and blood shot eyes. It could also lead to more complicated conditions such as anemia, reproductive disorders or delayed growth.

Lysine Supplements

A great way to ensure that you have sufficient lysine intake is through supplements. When choosing the right lysine for you, L-form amino acids or L Lysine is recommended over D-forms. They are easier to take, and are more harmonious with our body composition.
The important thing to remember is that the body requires a certain amount of all the amino acid in order to effectively use the proteins in your body. Therefore, you should take in a balance of all of them in your diet. Being deficient in one of these acids will decrease the efficiency of all other amino acids.

Can Lysine Cause Constipation

There seems to be some questions going around of whether lysine can cause constipation or not. No worries. The answer is a big NO! Lysine is even the best help for people who are constipated and find it difficult and painful to have bowel movements.

Lysine is not included in medications that can cause constipation. These medications are specifically:

• pain medications (especially narcotics),
• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium,
• blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers),
• anti Parkinson drugs,
• antispasmodics,
• antidepressants,
• iron supplements,
• diuretics and
• anticonvulsants.

Reference:
1. Kagan, C. Lysine Therapy for Herpes Simplex, The Lancet, 1:137 26 Jan 1974) 2. Griffith, R.S., A Multicentered Study of Lysine Therapy in Herpes simplex Infection”, Dermatologica 156: 257-267 (1978)
3. Griffith, R.S., Success of L-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes simplex Infection, Dermatologica 175: 183-190 (1987)