Superfoods that Battle the Herpes Virus

Herpes outbreaks can be embarrassing, not to mention uncomfortable and painful.  And sometimes, prescription medication doesn’t fend off the flare ups.  But with some consideration and creativity, we can add superfoods to our diet that will help our body fight off the herpes virus.

Cranberries may help to fight infection by the herpes virus, one of the most common viral infections in humans, according to recent research. Cranberries are already known to prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the power of certain E. coli bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls, and recent studies suggest that cranberries also significantly suppressed herpes type 2 by preventing the virus to attach to and penetrate the walls.  HSV-2 or herpes simplex infection causes cold sores and genital herpes.

Broccoli fights cancer, heart disease and other serious conditions. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Broccoli may also inhibit the herpes simplex virus from reproducing.

Kelp is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable that can also help eliminate herpes outbreaks.  It is also known as Laminaria and it works as a blood purifier.  

Other superfoods that can help strengthen the body’s immune system to fight the herpes simplex virus are those that are high in vitamins B, C, and E, as well as lysine, an amino acid.  Fish, bean sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain complex carbohydrates are all great sources for these.  Try to avoid refined sugars, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and smoking, as these all have the ability to deplete energy stores which can in turn compromise your immunity and your ability to fend off infections.  Stress is a major cause for herpes outbreaks, so do whatever possible to minimize stress in your life - get plenty of sleep, take time out to relax, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

 Superfoods for Hives Relief

Hives are also known as urticaria, and they cause raised white or yellow, itchy wheals surrounded by an area of red inflammation. It is an allergic reaction by the skin, causing the body to release histamine into the effected tissues. The size of the wheal itself varies, with the larger ones sometimes joining together in places to form an irregular rash. They usually cause severe irritation and usually appear on the limbs and trunk, but can appear anywhere. Acute urticaria develops rapidly and usually lasts for just as few hours - it is characterized by a feverish, faint feeling and occasionally nausea. Chronic urticaria can persist for a long period of time.

Common triggers include drugs such as aspirin and penicillin, food additives, food sensitivity such as milk eggs, shellfish and nuts, environmental factors such as exposure to cold, heat or sunlight, stress and anxiety, and bites and stings.

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Foods that tend to be the highest sources of vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, cantaloupe and spinach. Vitamin C helps promote a healthy immune system and releases antihistamines. Green tea is also reported to have an antihistamine effect.

Vitamin B12 has been reported to reduce the severity of acute hives as well as to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks in chronic cases. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, fortified foods, and some fermented foods. Some sources of B12 are eggs, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and foods made from soy.  Salmon and low-fat milk are particularly good sources.

If you suffer from food allergies, it’s important to keep a detailed food diary.  Note what you ate when you have hives breakouts, as it may be just a simple matter of eliminating a food or several foods from your diet in order to avoid suffering from hives.