Many people’s lives and daily lives are made miserable by the herpes virus, which, once it has entered our body, does not spread from there. The two types of herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause unpleasant symptoms in the mouth, face, nose, eyes and genitals. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent herpes and against herpes, such as continuous strengthening of our immune system and natural active ingredients. One of these, and perhaps the most popular active ingredient, is lysine. But is lysine really effective against herpes? What do the scientific studies say about it, is it worth taking and if so, in what daily dose? We searched for the answers!
The herpes virus – everything you need to know about it
Types of herpes virus
The herpes virus is one of the most common pathogens in the world, which can be found in almost everyone’s body. Of the hundreds of types, there are eight that infect humans – in the majority of these cases, herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores (herpes labialis), while herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2 ) genital herpes (herpes genitalis). While in the past the two types were sharply separated based on the place of appearance, this is no longer the case: both viruses can infect the mouth and genitals.
Herpes symptoms
The primary infection remains symptomless in many, while in others it is accompanied by symptoms and, in addition to blistering with a characteristic course, it causes severe general symptoms, high fever, and poor general condition. After entering the body, the virus hides in the nerve tunnels, where it is invisible to the immune system and remains there forever. The infected are approx. in one third of cases, the typical, unpleasant herpes symptoms are caused by the activation of the latent virus.
The first symptoms of herpes are redness, burning and itching. It is rarely preceded by malaise. Those who are already “experienced” with herpes know what is coming from these signs. In the affected area, small, closely spaced, grouped blisters appear, which are painful and contain a transparent, light yellow liquid.
Cold sores, usually caused by HSV-1, most often appear on or near the lips , but cold sores can also develop in the nose, mouth, eyes, or elsewhere on the face. Without treatment, the disease heals in 1-2 weeks: the blisters dry up, turn into brownish scabs, and finally come off without a scar.
The symptom of genital herpes, which is usually caused by HSV-2, is similarly blistering: small blisters with red or white tops appear in intimate areas, which burst after a few days and scabs form on them. Pain, itching and peeling may also occur. The inflamed area typically heals without a scar in 1-2 weeks.
Causes of herpes
As we said, the herpes virus is an extremely common pathogen, and infection is almost inevitable. In the case of HSV-1, primary infection occurs primarily through skin contact or contact with bodily fluids . In addition, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex. HSV-2 is primarily transmitted sexually , and since some people are only carriers, they can infect their partners even if they do not have any symptoms.
There can be many reasons for the activation and re-flaring of herpes. Often, the background is simply a weakening of the immune system , that is, a gap is “attacked” in the body’s natural protective bastion, and the herpes virus living in nerve cells takes advantage of this. In addition to immune weakness , strong stress, physical or mental exhaustion, lack of exercise, vitamin deficiency, UV radiation, hormonal changes (e.g. due to menstruation, pregnancy, medication), extreme cold or heat, infection with fever (e.g. flu) and dental intervention damage can also lead to a flare-up.
What is the difference between herpes and HPV?
HPV is the human papillomavirus that multiplies in human epithelial cells and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The common feature of herpes and HPV is that it can be spread sexually and by direct contact, skin-to-skin or mucous membrane-mucous contact. Unlike herpes, however, HPV is NOT spread through saliva and other bodily fluids.
The most common symptoms of HPV are genital warts, which can appear individually or in groups, also in the form of cauliflower-like growths. However, the infection is often asymptomatic. Herpes can also be asymptomatic, but usually causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. Neither HPV nor herpes infection can be cured, but the problems caused by the infection can be treated.
Read our related article: overcoming HPV with nutrition and lifestyle
Lysine against herpes – is this active ingredient really effective?
What is the effect of lysine?
Lysine is an essential amino acid , which means that it is essential, but the body cannot produce it by itself, so it must be taken from the outside, through food. One of the basic building blocks of proteins, it is important for growth and also participates in the production of carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy. In addition, based on research, lysine promotes the absorption of calcium and the formation of collagen .
Laboratory experiments have shown that lysine effectively inhibits the reproduction of the herpes virus , but the virus absolutely needs the amino acid arginine in order to reproduce. According to researchers, the anti-herpes effect of lysine may be due to the fact that it prevents the absorption of arginine from the intestine, as a result of which the virus cannot replicate.
What does scientific research say about lysine?
L-lysine (the form of lysine that can be used by the body) has shown a “herpes stop” effect in numerous studies, i.e. it has proven to be useful in the prevention and treatment of recurring cold sores and genital herpes . For example, taking a dietary supplement containing L-lysine for six months significantly reduced the incidence of cold sores and shortened the healing time. In another study, it accelerated recovery in 87% of participants , reducing the time from an average of 21 days to just 6 days. In a 12-month study with 1000 mg of L-lysine per day, similar positive results were achieved.
In one study, taking 390 mg of L-lysine at the first sign of a herpes flare-up led to rapid healing in all cases. In one study, 500 mg of L-lysine per day cut the healing time in half and reduced the incidence of herpes by 63%. And in another study, 88% of more than 1,500 people surveyed found taking an average of 1,000 mg of L-lysine per day to be effective in preventing and treating herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes). Based on the large number of high-quality evidence, it can therefore be said: lysine is a particularly effective dietary supplement against herpes!
What is the anti-herpes dose of lysine?
Various doses were used in the various studies, but in general, it can be said based on these that even 500 mg of L-lysine per day may be enough to prevent herpes. If necessary, the preventive dose can be increased up to 1000 mg per day. In the active stage of herpes, the daily dose can be increased to 1,500-3,000 mg for a short period of time in order to achieve successful treatment and speedy recovery, thereby enhancing the effect of lysine even more.
The protection and fight against herpes can be made even more effective by eating foods rich in lysine but poor in arginine . Several studies have been published in which L-lysine was combined with a reduced arginine diet. Dairy products, fish, seafood, poultry, beef, broccoli, avocado, cauliflower, mango, apricots, apples, figs and pears are also great sources of lysine. However, foods with a high arginine content should be avoided, e.g.: dark chocolate, nuts, whole grains, gelatin.
What other active ingredients can help against herpes?
Thanks to scientific research, we now know a lot about the nutrients and herbs that inactivate the virus. If herpes cannot multiply and spread, then the unpleasant symptoms will quickly subside and disappear, or they may not even develop. With the right active ingredients, the duration, recurrence, healing time and severity of the symptoms can be reduced. It is recommended to use these together with L-lysine.
Based on research, conscious supplementation of vitamin C, zinc and B vitamins (especially vitamin B12) must be paid attention to when dealing with recurrent herpes. Zinc is extremely effective when taken orally or applied topically. Among the herbs, echinacea and aloe vera can also have an antiviral and immune-boosting effect, as well as essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lemongrass and peppermint oils. In addition to all this, taking probiotics and prebiotics also provides significant help in strengthening the immune system .
More tips to protect against herpes
Strengthening the immune system is one of the most important steps. This requires a balanced, healthy and varied diet, regular exercise, replenishment of essential vitamins and minerals, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking. It is also important to deal with stress, for example with exercise, yoga, creative hobbies, social life, and herbal help.
Of course, it is also important to avoid kissing, skin contact, drinking from a shared glass, sharing cutlery, towels and other personal items with an infected person. As with all viral infections, frequent hand washing helps a lot in preventing herpes . Always wash your hands after touching herpes blisters!