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By eating the right foods and being aware of dietary considerations, you can help to minimize the chance of a herpes recurrence.

The Lysine and Arginine Factor

There are two amino acids (found naturally in foods) which can influence herpes outbreaks. These are L-Lysine and A-Arginine.

It is recommended that a balanced diet consisting of foods high in Lysine and low in Arginine be considered for anyone who is experiencing problems with herpes breakouts.

Some foods high in Arginine include nuts, chocolate and caffeine. Whereas, foods such as milk, chicken and potatoes are high in Lysine.

How does Lysine work?

Lysine has been found to be active against the herpes virus in vitro, as it is able to inhibit the metabolism of arginine - an amino acid required by the virus for replication.

Lysine Supplements should be accompanied by:

A diet high in foods rich in Lysine such as:

• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Fish
• Sprouts
• Dairy products

And, avoiding foods rich in arginine such as:

• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Oats
• Carob
• Coconut
• Soya beans

 Note: Soya Beans and Soy are two different things - soya are smaller and more resemble peas whereas soy or edamame are shaped more like a lima bean.  Soy is the basis of tofu and soy milk etc.

Soya beans are recommended to be avoided due to their high Arginine content whereas Soy products (such as tofu) can be increased because they are high in Lysine.

Refer to the Lysine Food Chart below for ratios of Lysine and Arginine in foods.

What are some example foods?

Foods High in Lysine:

• Beef
• Brewer's yeast
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Fish
• Meat
• Milk
• Potatoes 
• Soy beans and soy products
• Yogurt

Foods High in Arginine:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate 
• Coconut
• Nuts
• Nut products
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal
• Raisins
• Seeds
• Whole wheat bread

See our Detailed chart outlining Arginine and Lysine ratios in foods

Remember, try to balance everything you eat. For example, if you eat foods that are high in Arginine, balance them with foods that are high in Lysine.

If you find it hard to maintain a diet that is high in Lysine, or if you tend to eat a lot of Arginine rich foods, Lysine supplements could be added to your diet program.

The recommended dosage for Lysine 625mg tablets is:

Adults - Dose for risk reduction: Two tablets per day.
Dose for management of outbreak: Three tablets per day.

Vitamins and Minerals for Herpes

Zinc and vitamin C can also be beneficial. Clinical studies have shown that zinc supplementation leads to a reduction in the frequency, severity and duration of herpes outbreaks, and it is believed that this is due to the role that zinc plays in enhancing cell mediated immunity.

Vitamin C is essential in the formation of collagen (for connective tissue in the skin), and along with zinc plays an important role in the healing of wounds and the synthesis of collagen.

If possible, you should always take Vitamins C combined with Bioflavonoids. They help improve absorption of the Vitamin C, allow your body to utilize the nutrient more effectively and have excellent immune boosting and antioxidant qualities which can help to fend off outbreaks.

A good vitamin program can improve the chances of preventing a recurrence by boosting the body's immune function, as the herpes virus can weaken the immune system considerably.

Supplements of Vitamins C (in low doses), E, B complex and Zinc chelate may be beneficial.

Vitamin C foods should be increased in your regular dietary program, however, citrus fruits and juices should be avoided while the virus is active.

Learn more about Herpes Supplements.

Highly ACIDIC foods include: 

• Artificial Sweeteners
• Beef
• Beer
• Breads
• Brown Sugar
• Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Cereals (refined)
• Chocolate
• Cigarettes and Tobacco
• Coffee
• Cream of Wheat (unrefined)
• Custard (with white sugar)
• Deer
• Drugs
• Fish
• Flour (white wheat)
• Fruit Juices with Sugar
• Jams
• Jellies
• Lamb
• Liquor
• Maple Syrup (processed)
• Molasses (sulphured)
• Pasta (white)
• Pastries and Cakes from White Flour
• Pickles (commercial)
• Pork
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Sugar (white)
• Table Salt (refined and iodized)
• Tea (black)
• White Bread
• White Vinegar (processed)
• Whole Wheat Foods
• Wine
• Yogurt (sweetened)
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Vinegar

• Animal products
• Foods high in sodium (salty foods)

• Processed foods
• Sugar
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Cola drinks

All of the above foods and beverages can place further stress on the immune system and should be avoided during outbreaks.

Foods which are very ALKALINE could be more HELPFUL during outbreaks:

Alkaline and alkaline forming foods such as: 

• Lemons
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Cayenne
• Celery
• Dates
• Figs
• Kelp
• Limes
• Mango
• Melons
• Papaya
• Parsley
• Seaweeds
• Seedless Grapes (sweet)
• Watercress
• Asparagus
• Fruit Juices
• Grapes (sweet)
• Kiwifruit
• Passionfruit
• Pears (sweet)
• Pineapple
• Raisins
• Umeboshi Plums
• Vegetable Juices

Ratio of Lysine to Arginine in Certain Foods