Herpes simplex
virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2),
varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and
Epstein-Barr virus and diseases ranging from
chicken pox to
mononucleosis are all caused by viruses in
this family.
It is HSV-2 that most commonly causes
genital infections, and HSV-1 that generally
causes infections of the lips; however either
viruses can be passed from one location to the
other.
The diseases caused by the herpes virus may
differ from one another, but they share a few
common traits:
They are generally
very contagious.
The virus can
survive in latent form for long periods of
time after the initial infection.
As yet they are
not curable.
Estimates
suggest that nearly 30 million Americans are
infected with HSV-1 and despite many studies
over many years there has been little success
in developing effective treatments.
Many of the
viruses in the herpes family do not recur
after the initial disease outbreak, chicken
pox is an example. However the virus remains
in your body, hidden in nerve tissues and
escaping detection by the immune system.
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It is
unsure exactly how and why the latent virus is
triggered into an active infection. It is known
however that certain stresses to the immune system
appear to bring on an outbreak. These include illness,
injury, emotional stress, poor diet, over exposure to
sunlight, and even menstruation.
A strong
immune system seems to less lessen recurrence, though
outbreaks may continue throughout life. Studies show
that HSV-1 has a recurrence rate of 14 percent and
HSV-2 has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.
Studies
have shown that the women with the herpes virus may
have an increased risk of cervical cancer. The herpes
sores also provide an entryway for other infections.
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Herpes
Treatments
New
Product !!
Dynamiclear:
A Herpes Cure !!??
Although
not officially considered "cured"; After
using Dynamiclear,
many users report their outbreaks completely
vanish! In many of these cases the outbreaks
had occurred regularly for long periods of time before
applying Dynamiclear.
There are also reports of "no more
outbreaks" after only one topical application
of Choraphor. Dynamiclear
is a antiseptic lotion that eliminates your
outbreaks by destroying the virus on direct contact. Dynamiclear
can also be purchased online
with no prescription needed. Click
Here to learn more about Dynamiclear at their web site
Conventional
Treatment
Acyclovir (Zovirax), is the most commonly prescribed
medication for herpes simplex. The drug eases the pain
of the sores and speeds the healing process. It also
reduces the frequency of recurrences.
However, you may experience side effects such as
stomach upset, nausea and headache as a result of the
drug. Additionally, as the drug can be rather
expensive and must be taken indefinitely if you
experience frequent recurrences, then cost may be a
consideration.
Natural
Remedies
There are some natural remedies that may be
helpful in some cases combating the virus. Others may
help ease the painful symptoms of an outbreak.
Your Diet and the Lysine/Arginine
connection:
Probably the best known alternative method to help
control herpes outbreaks through diet is by
periodically increasing the intake of the amino acid
lysine, and at the same time keeping the intake of the
amino acid arginine to a minimum.
The herpes virus uses arginine for its growth and
replication, however Lysine reduces the viral uptake
of arginine.
Lysine is found in higher proportions in foods such as
cheese, potatoes, meat and soy products. Arginine is
found in chocolate, nuts and seeds, oatmeal, and whole
wheat products. Lysine supplements are also
available over the counter.
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Foods and Nutritional
Supplements
Processed foods, sugar, or stimulants including
coffee, chocolate and cola drinks all stress the
immune system and should be avoided during outbreaks.
Highly acidic foods such as vinegar, citrus fruits and
tomatoes should be avoided.
Foods high in sodium and animal products (meat and
dairy products are relatively high in arginine) should
be kept at a low level during outbreaks.
If your
like most people, you already suspect that your normal
daily eating habits are not supplying your body with
all the vitamins and minerals it needs to function
properly. Many of us take vitamin supplements in an
attempt to absorb some of the nutrition that is
lacking in our daily diets. This is especially
important when you suffer from Herpes because a strong
healthy body usually means a strong healthy immune
system which can in it self help reduce the amount and
severity of future outbreaks.
However,
be sure to use only the highest grade "Whole"
Vitamins ( not synthetic ), "Chelated"
Minerals ( most absorbable for the body to be able
to utilize ) which also include "Probiotics"
( good bacteria for the intestine which is critical
for the body's immune system ) and "Vegetable
Enzymes" ( critical in supporting the body in
digesting all the food we eat ).
In fact,
some studies show that "synthetic" vitamins,
like most of the ones that are found over the counter
(even at "Health" stores), may actually be
damaging to your body Synthetic vitamins are cheap to
make and fairly cheap to buy because they are mass
produced in labs. The very logic of this seems
irrational when you remember where vitamins come from
naturally... Vitamins are found naturally in FOOD.
When
evaluating a vitamin supplement, simply read the
label.
Rather than multi-syllable, unpronounceable chemical
names, you should find the names of foods
listed as the vitamin sources, or an asterisk that
refers you to the fruit and vegetable blend used as
the vitamin base. If you do see a food source or
reference, then that indicates the vitamins are "whole"
vitamins and that you are getting the best possible
absorption and retention of your vitamins.
If you don't see a name of a food or an asterisk
leading you to a place on the label that tells you the
food source of the vitamins, you are more than likely
looking at an inexpensive, processed vitamin that is
stripped of all other compounds that are normally
present with vitamins that are found in fruits and
vegetables.
Some good
articles and information on whole vitamins -vs-
synthetic vitamins can be found at: http://www.vitamin4body.com/
Immune System Boosting
Vitamins & Supplements
Herpes weakens the immune system. As previously
mentioned, a strong healthy body usually means a
strong healthy immune system which can in it self help
reduce the amount and severity of future outbreaks.
Supplementing your diet daily with whole vitamins will
go a long way to helping your body fight off
future heath problems, including Herpes outbreaks.
However,
sometimes an additional vitamin regimen that
specifically aims to boosts immune function can
improve the chances of preventing recurrence.
Vitamins C, E, and B complex, Echinacea and a
Zinc chelate supplements are all helpful.
However as Vitamin C is acidic it should not be taken
in high doses.
If you
currently take whole vitamins but wish to further
enhance your diet with targeted, immune-strengthening
supplements to improve your chances of preventing
recurrence; then we recommend the following regimen:
Lysine - 500 mg daily.
Echinacea - 450 to 500 mg , one to three times
daily.
Zinc - One 50 mg. tablet or capsule daily.
Vitamin C - 1000 mg. capsules or tablets daily
with food.
Vitamin E - 400 iu daily.
Vitamin B Complex - High-potency
Formula.
If you do
have a recurrence, we recommend applying a one time
dose of
Dynamiclears antiseptic
lotion.
Don't
apply when you feel that tingling, burning sensation
just before the outbreak. This is too early. Wait
until the outbreak is at its most active, if possible
when the blisters have burst open.
This is because Dynamiclears does not work properly if it
is applied directly to the skin on an 'unbroken'
blister.
Dynamiclears Web
site has helpful "application tips".
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Home Remedies
For Herpes Cold Sores
Echinacea - The
healing power of this herb was well-known to Native
Americans, who
observed that this herb could boost the ability to
resist disease. When you feel a
cold sore coming on, reach for the Echinacea!
Mint
- Included in many different creams for herbs that
are sold primarily in
natural-food stores. When this cream is applied to a
cold sore, it interrupts the virus
and promotes faster healing.
Balm
- Skin creams containing balm are also very
effective in treating cold sores.
Garlic
- This proven immune enhancer effective against
chronic cold sore flair-ups.
Siberian
Ginseng - Is well known for its ability to
stimulate the immune system and
can give your immune system the added boost it needs
to fight the virus.
Tea
Tree Oil - A solution made with tea tree oil has
also been shown effective in
reducing the pain and duration of cold sores when
applied directly to the area.
Tea
Bags - Take a common (black tea) tea bag and dip
it in hot water for 10 seconds
(hot, not boiling), then place the wet tea bag on the
cold sore and hold in place with a
wet warm compress. You want both the wet teabag and
compress to be hot, but not
so hot that it burns you. Remove when teabag and
compress have cooled. This cleans
the cold sore and helps relieve itching.
Olea
europea (extract of olive leaf) contains
a compound called oleuropein acid, which is effective
against numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has
been used in the treatment of people with viral
illnesses such as Epstein-Barr disease, Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome, Herpes and AIDS.
A natural
Immune System Boosting formula containing ImmunityPlus
Personal
Advice
Prevention can go a long way in helping to control
herpes. It's just common sense to
avoid sexual contact with someone who has an active
case of herpes. Using a condom
can also help to prevent the spread of herpes virus.
If you have a history of herpes, avoid getting
overtired or allowing yourself to get run
down. When you are fatigued, your immune system cannot
function as well, and you
may be more vulnerable to a recurrence of herpes.
If you are unsure if you have herpes, please see your
local health care provider for a
diagnosis. Try our
FAQ Page or Herpes
support site for more on herpes.
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