Herpes, also known as genital herpes is a viral disease that is caused by about 70 viruses that are in the same genetical family. Most Herpes strains are characterized by the development of fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The disease is mainly transmitted through having sexual intercourse with an infected person. There are two primary known strains of genital herpes. These are HSV-1 and HSV-2.

 

HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through the mouth to mouth contact with an infected person. Oral sex is also known to cause this disease. The occurrence of cold sores characterizes this strain on the mouth and lips. The virus can be transmitted from a mother to a child, and it remains dormant in the body for so long until when the body immunity goes down. This is when the disease’s symptoms become visible.

 

HSV-2 is commonly called Genital Herpes. This is because of its attacks the genital organs and causes development of painful sores around the genitalia. Genital herpes is a common disease in the world, and one out of three adults suffer from the ailment. Most people are unaware that they have HSV-2 since it causes the development of painless ulcers.

 

Common Conventional Remedies

 

The disease has no known remedy as a virus causes it. To many people, the condition is not much of significant concern as it causes no pain. For this reason, a more prominent percentage of people in the world are ignorant about checking their status. About 85% of people in the world are unaware that they suffer from Herpes. However, the disease is of great concern to patients with immune-compromised infections such as HIV & AIDS. Those who have these diseases simultaneously have an increased chance of dying than those who do not have Herpes. Therefore, Herpes is a disease that requires being controlled at an early stage. It also causes some discomfort when it is in the advanced stages.

 

The following are some of the treatment options that are used to control the diseases:

1. Use of nucleoside analogs and antiviral medicines such as famciclovir. These drugs do not control the disease in entirety but help to reduce the spread of the virus to healthy cells.
2. Most infected people who experience the recurrence of sores around the mouth and the genital organs use ointments and creams. These medications are meant to reduce infections through the open wounds that are left by the lesions. The also contain skin moisturizers that reduce the itchy feeling on the sore blisters.
3. Pain and a fever mainly accompany recurrence of the sores. Therefore, to control this feeling, most people take over the counter painkillers. They are useful in managing the aching and tenderness that are associated with the disease recurrence.

 

Even when the disease is detected early, no treatment is capable of eliminating it entirely. However, when the use of medications controls the condition, the body tends to develop some form of immunity. The secondary infections are therefore not as painful as the initial ones. How fast the body produces, this resistance depends to a higher degree on the kind of lifestyle that one leads. Practicing safe sex to prevent fresh infections is also crucial in accelerating development of tolerance against the common Herpes symptoms.

The best way to keep these symptoms at bay is by practicing healthy living. The foods that people consume have a significant bearing on the responsiveness of their bodies against the disease. Some of the foods that have been found to be effective in minimizing occurrences of these symptoms include:

1. Foods that are rich in L-Lysine are also helpful in the control of Herpes. This amino acid plays a very significant role in preventing the replication of the virus. Such foods include chicken, fish, and legumes.
2. Foods that contain high levels of antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C are also crucial in aiding healing of Herpes patients. These foods improve the healing process of the skin tissues. Such foods include oranges and red vegetables like tomatoes and beetroots.
3. Lean proteins are also helpful in controlling Herpes. Proteins are crucial in aiding the healing process. It is therefore essential for a Herpes patient to eat numerous foods containing proteins such as fish and beef.
4. Eating foods that are rich in zinc is also crucial in managing the disease. Zinc protects the body from contracting secondary infections.

 

Herpes can, therefore, be controlled although there doesn’t exist a known cure for the disease. Foods that weakens the immune system should be avoided as they encourage reemergence of the sores. This includes alcoholic drinks, refined sugar, acidic foods and those that contain genetically modified ingredients. Alcoholic beverages suppress the body’s immune system making it vulnerable to infections that are contracted through the open sores. Acidic foods are cautioned against since they irritate the wounds, and this leads to their bursting. Open sores are avenues of contaminating new infections. It is also recommended that foods rich in amino acid L-arginine should be avoided. Such foods encourage replication of the Herpes virus.