Is Lysine really effective to prevent cold sores?

The answer is yes and no!
Lysine (an amino-acid found in your food) has been used for a long time in herpes prevention. Some people experience tremendous success and some are left with no result at all. But why?
It is recommended that you follow these simple rules to maximize your chance of success:

• Have a somewhat healthy diet
• Watch the arginine-rich food that you consume
• Add Vitamin C and Zinc supplements to your Lysine supplements
• Have the right Lysine intake everyday

If you meet these four conditions, Lysine supplements will be a powerful ally in your fight against cold sores. Let’s visit these four conditions in more details:

1- Have a somewhat healthy diet

What you eat can directly affect your immune system. No amount of Lysine will save you if your immune system is weakened. Avoid processed, packaged and fast food; they are packed with trans-fat and sodium. Soft drinks (diet or regular) and refined sugar are a big no-no if you suffer from herpes. Try to include fresh and unprocessed food in your diet and replace soft drinks with sparkling water. Of course you can indulge once in a while!

2- Watch the arginine-rich food that you consume

Arginine is an amino-acid found in virtually any food that you eat. Arginine by itself is not evil; the problem is that it’s the favorite ‘food’ used by the Herpes Simplex Virus to replicate. High levels of arginine in your cells appear to cue the herpes virus to begin the replication process. Try to avoid all kinds of nuts (peanut butter included), seeds, chocolate, raisins, coconut and body building supplements rich in arginine.

3- Add Vitamin C and Zinc supplements to your Lysine supplements

Combining the anti-oxidant effect of vitamin C and the immune system booster effect of zinc to Lysine is recommended.

4- Have the right Lysine intake everyday
A study shows that the intake of 1500mg per day (3x500mg) of Lysine may be beneficial in herpes prevention. In case of any signs of outbreaks, up to 3000mg (3x1000mg) of Lysine is advised. But Lysine can be found in food too! Vegetables, dairy products, tuna and poultry are very rich in Lysine.

So, stay out of trans-fat, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners and give a chance to fresh vegetables and good quality meat. Take your Lysine 3 times a day before each meal, combined it with Vitamin C and Zinc and you should be able to control your cold sore outbreaks!