l-Lysine For Herpes
I continue to receive many, many e-mails looking for an effective treatment for genital herpes. While I have posted before about the benefits of lysine, I would like to do so again because I really cannot stress enough what an effective treatment for herpes this amazing amino acid is.
Small technical insert: the small, “l” that you will often see before, “lysine” indicates that it is an amino acid. You will see the other amino acids often referred to in this form. As an example, arginine is also an amino acid that is NOT so great for people with herpes. You can read all about that here at herpes outbreaks. As such, you will often see it in books and on the Internet as l-arginine. Don’t think too much about it, it all means the same thing.
OK: Herpes and Lysine:
I have taken lysine for herpes for many years (Oh god, over 20!) and have had amazing results. It is dirt cheap, easy to take (most supplements come in 1000mg options which is really all you need for preventive measures), and does not interact with any other drugs or supplements. The reason that I am able to say this is that lysine is actually an amino acid that occurs naturally in food. You can do a quick internet search to find high lysine foods which if you are so inclined, you can add to your diet to naturally supplement your intake.
I still love the following quote from iHealth:
This essential amino acid has recently been discovered to play a role in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections – cold sores and genital herpes. Almost 80% of the patients who participated in the research found that taking a lysine supplement daily reduced outbreaks of cold sores and eased symptoms. Treatment of genital herpes was not as universally successful but did help a number of patients, though further research is needed. (source: iHealth.com)
So really, there is no excuse not to at least try it. I would recommend up to 3000 units a day if you are having constant herpes outbreaks, and only 1000 per day if you are pretty much symptom free and want to stay that way. Of course, I still strongly believe in Vitamin C and Zinc, as well as a few of the other great herpes treatments I recommend on this blog.
Now go get yourself some lysine for herpes!
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nancy, could you please send me a complete list of what you take for herpes. Thanks, Raine
Vitamin C is an excellent supplement to take along with L-Lysine. While L-Lysine helps to suppress Herpes, vitamin C boosts your immune system. Together they build collagen and strengthen your cells making them resistant to viruses. (either recurrent episodes or any new viruses you may be vulnerable to). I hope this helps my skin as I age too! :). I take 3,000 mg of Vit C and 3,000 mg of L-Lysine a day. I take 1,000 of each three times a day. While it is true that your body can use only so much Vitamin C at a time, you can replenish it after four hours. Some people take much more vitamin C. It will not hurt you, but if you get to a point where you have some intestinal problems (gas, bloating, diarhea) then you should back off.