There is a great herpes diet available for everyone who experiences herpes infections. It is called “3 Step protocol” and is based on years of research and clinical experience of Dr. John Spurge. Dr. Spurge believes that the human body works in a similar way to a car in that the body is a chemical powerhouse which needs the right fuel to work properly. Therefore, certain foods that are packed with healthy nutrients can fight herpes virus and clear up the infections, while boosting the energy level and make one feel and feel younger. The herpes diet is recommended along with a topical ointment containing an antiviral cooper mineral and Calendula, an herb, which helps repair the skin faster and few other supplements that enhance the function of the immune system.
The diet has special recommendations: it should avoid foods that contain high amounts of arginine since this amino acid had been linked with herpes outbreaks. Avoid foods rich in arginine such as chocolate, nuts, protein shakes, oats, and multivitamins containing arginine. Other foods that can cause outbreaks include artificial sweeteners, white bread, white and refined sugars, margarine, fast foods and frozen dinners.
Although arginine is an important amino acid, it should be balanced with another amino acid, lysine. Lysine can be added naturally to your herpes diet with vegetables and fruits such as beets, avocado, mangoes, tomatoes, apples, apricots, dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheeses, eggs, Brewer’s yeast, fatty fish, chicken, beef, lamb as well as sprouts.
According to this diet, foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and zinc are healthy for the skin and should be consumed more often such as fresh fruits and leafy vegetables, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, parsley, strawberries, citric fruits, seafood, pumpkin seeds, beans and lentils. Black tea and wine as well as juices made from berries and grapes are also allowed. For cooking purposes, it is recommended to use a high smoking point oil such as olive or coconut oil. Raw foods should replace cooked foods as much as possible.
Stress is a well- known trigger of herpes outbreaks and certain foods can reduce stress levels, especially foods that contain high amounts of the B vitamins such as bananas, brown rice, barley, turkey, tuna , salmon and mushrooms. Also foods high in antioxidants should be consumed on a regular basis including berries, ginger, lemon, carrots, whole grains, green tea, goji berries, barley grass and spirulina.
According to Dr. Spurge, the benefits of the herpes diet include long lasting results for outbreak free periods, prevention of cold sores or genital herpes, improvement in the skin’s ability to heal and obtaining a healthy, youthful look. There are some disadvantages to this herpes diet as well. This diet requires serious discipline and meal planning and may be inconvenient to follow long term and may also require some compromises, for example avoiding certain restaurants. However, the benefits of this herpes diet clearly make this diet worth a try. Other lifestyle changes including weight management, exercise and avoiding high risk sexual partners should be taken into account.
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