Arginine and Herpes: Debunking Myths and Understanding Facts
Do I need to limit my arginine intake if I have herpes?
After posting @unboundbabes Jolt Gel on my shelf, a follower reached out asking me if I knew the product had arginine in it since people with herpes are “not supposed to have that.”
Arginine is an amino acid that helps build protein. It’s found in meat, fish, dairy, nuts/seeds, legumes, and whole grains. It also has oral and topical supplement forms.
No matter what condition, illness, or infection exists, there is almost always a “natural remedy.” While some may hold validity and are backed by research, others do not sustain scientific merit.
For clarity, antiviral therapy is currently the most-effective, research-backed treatment method for managing and reducing herpes outbreaks. Kelsea O’Rourke at The University of Tennessee Martin created a helpful research summary about the relationship and impact of lysine and arginine on herpes. For purposes of this video, I am focusing on arginine.
As O’Rourke notes, there are no human studies to date that follow the effects of a low arginine diet on the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
If you are someone who has learned certain trigger foods that contain arginine- I believe you. What I caution, especially to members of the herpes community, is that there are uncredentialed folks offering management and suppression programs/guides through the dietary restriction of arginine. For some populations (like immunocompromised folks), this may even be harmful.
Please do the research before investing in these resources or making drastic changes to your diet without the supervision of a licensed professional. Herpes interacts with everyone’s body a bit differently. I know it can be overwhelming and defeating post-diagnosis to sift through Google search results, but there are truly professionals who will support your journey and who will not prescribe a one-size-fits all, “because you have herpes” diet to you.
Shoutout to Kelsea O’Rourke. If you know her, please let her know how important her “Diet and Herpes” research is!