The thing about viruses is that biologists aren't really sure if they should be classified as living or non-living organisms. They can't reproduce on their own but require host cells for replication. Retroviruses don't even have DNA just RNA. We can’t say with certainty that viruses are living things and we can’t say with certainty that viruses are non-living things.
We do know that viruses are ubiquitous on earth, that they infect all cellular life forms, and are endemic in human life. They are important agents of many human diseases, from the seemingly trivial (common colds) to the abjectly lethal (rabies). They also play roles in the development of several types of cancer.
Herpes viruses are one type that is certainly endemic to us humans. All types of Herpes viruses contribute to chronic and recurrent immune system dysfunction and have been associated as a causal factor or trigger in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that was first described in the medical literature in 1964. Although EBV- also known as Human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) infects most of the adult population worldwide it was previously thought that most people don’t have any symptoms from this type of infection. But in recent years more physicians are attributing a wide range of clinical complaints to this virus.
Although it’s controversial for some and poo-pooed by so many doctors the Epstein-Barr virus or latent and recurrent Herpes infection may be a trigger in CFS and also a factor in whittling away at your immune system function. It’s worth taking a look at how Herpes can be successfully managed with some diet and lifestyle changes along with natural therapeutics.
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid (not synthesized in the body) that must be acquired by eating certain foods like vegetables, beans, fish, turkey, and chicken or by supplementation.
The supplement amino acid L –Lysine has been shown to decrease the recurrence rate of Herpes Simplex outbreaks. Lysine has been shown in studies to suppress recurrent attacks and speed the healing time of the herpes virus. When the herpes virus invades a cell, it alters cell metabolism resulting in the synthesis of proteins which are high in the amino acid arginine and low in lysine. Studies on blood levels of lysine have supported this notion that a high lysine to arginine ratio in the cell could serve as an inhibitor to the virus. Conversely, the frequency of attacks will also increase as the concentration levels of lysine fall below certain levels in the blood.
An Indiana University School of Medicine showed that 84% of study subjects reported that an average daily dose of approximately 1000 mg of lysine prevented recurrence or decreased the frequency of herpes infection. The study showed overall effectiveness in 88% of the cases with the majority reporting a decrease in symptoms and faster healing time.
Although there are no published studies on the use of lysine with EBV patients many people with CFS also have latent and recurring herpes type 1 (above the waist) and type 2 (below the waist) infections and could possibly benefit from L-lysine supplementation to improve immune system function.
The recommended daily dose of the supplement L-lysine for the prevention of an outbreak is 1250 mg per day. Increase to 1875 – 2500 mg per day when an outbreak is coming on and until the outbreak is cleared. Herpes virus outbreaks are often linked to immune system weaknesses resulting from any of the following:
- Emotional stress/distress
- Sun exposure on previously affected areas of skin
- Chronic Illness
- Fluctuations in hormones
- Wheat and chocolate
- Drug and medication overuse
- Other infections
- Arginine toxicity
- Vitamin deficiency
- Burns
- Sleep deprivation
Strengthen your immune system function by:- Improving your stress reduction/emotional coping skills
- Behavioral modification
- Improve your diet; eat a real whole food diet
- Increase fish, vegetables, poultry intake
- Herbs: astragalus, Echinacea, Cat's Claw, licorice, Melissa (Lemon balm)
- Elderberry/grape/cranberry juices
- Increase Vitamin C intake with bioflavanoids
- Good oral hygiene and regular dental care
- Regular moderate exercise
- Massage for lymph cleansing
- Omega 3 supplementation
- Excellent regular sleep
- Positive communication skills
- Attention to spiritual life
Live a balanced life for optimal immune function! If you have problems with nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and irritability you are chipping away at your immune function. Try deep breathing exercises and read my post:
Think Positive and Change Your LifeNote on Echinacea (E. angustifolia and E. purpurea): it is an herbal medicine useful for the treatment and prevention of immune-related disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral activity, and immune-stimulating properties by increasing the number of white blood cells that "engulf" microbial invaders.
The thing about viruses is that biologists aren't really sure if they should be classified as living or non-living organisms. They can't reproduce on their own but require host cells for replication. Retroviruses don't even have DNA just RNA. We can’t say with certainty that viruses are living things and we can’t say with certainty that viruses are non-living things.
We do know that viruses are ubiquitous on earth, that they infect all cellular life forms, and are endemic in human life. They are important agents of many human diseases, from the seemingly trivial (common colds) to the abjectly lethal (rabies). They also play roles in the development of several types of cancer.
Herpes viruses are one type that is certainly endemic to us humans. All types of Herpes viruses contribute to chronic and recurrent immune system dysfunction and have been associated as a causal factor or trigger in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that was first described in the medical literature in 1964. Although EBV- also known as Human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4) infects most of the adult population worldwide it was previously thought that most people don’t have any symptoms from this type of infection. But in recent years more physicians are attributing a wide range of clinical complaints to this virus.
Although it’s controversial for some and poo-pooed by so many doctors the Epstein-Barr virus or latent and recurrent Herpes infection may be a trigger in CFS and also a factor in whittling away at your immune system function. It’s worth taking a look at how Herpes can be successfully managed with some diet and lifestyle changes along with natural therapeutics.
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid (not synthesized in the body) that must be acquired by eating certain foods like vegetables, beans, fish, turkey, and chicken or by supplementation.
The supplement amino acid L –Lysine has been shown to decrease the recurrence rate of Herpes Simplex outbreaks. Lysine has been shown in studies to suppress recurrent attacks and speed the healing time of the herpes virus. When the herpes virus invades a cell, it alters cell metabolism resulting in the synthesis of proteins which are high in the amino acid arginine and low in lysine. Studies on blood levels of lysine have supported this notion that a high lysine to arginine ratio in the cell could serve as an inhibitor to the virus. Conversely, the frequency of attacks will also increase as the concentration levels of lysine fall below certain levels in the blood.
An Indiana University School of Medicine showed that 84% of study subjects reported that an average daily dose of approximately 1000 mg of lysine prevented recurrence or decreased the frequency of herpes infection. The study showed overall effectiveness in 88% of the cases with the majority reporting a decrease in symptoms and faster healing time.
Although there are no published studies on the use of lysine with EBV patients many people with CFS also have latent and recurring herpes type 1 (above the waist) and type 2 (below the waist) infections and could possibly benefit from L-lysine supplementation to improve immune system function.
The recommended daily dose of the supplement L-lysine for the prevention of an outbreak is 1250 mg per day. Increase to 1875 – 2500 mg per day when an outbreak is coming on and until the outbreak is cleared.
Herpes virus outbreaks are often linked to immune system weaknesses resulting from any of the following:
- Emotional stress/distress
- Sun exposure on previously affected areas of skin
- Chronic Illness
- Fluctuations in hormones
- Wheat and chocolate
- Drug and medication overuse
- Other infections
- Arginine toxicity
- Vitamin deficiency
- Burns
- Sleep deprivation
Strengthen your immune system function by:- Improving your stress reduction/emotional coping skills
- Behavioral modification
- Improve your diet; eat a real whole food diet
- Increase fish, vegetables, poultry intake
- Herbs: astragalus, Echinacea, Cat's Claw, licorice, Melissa (Lemon balm)
- Elderberry/grape/cranberry juices
- Increase Vitamin C intake with bioflavanoids
- Good oral hygiene and regular dental care
- Regular moderate exercise
- Massage for lymph cleansing
- Omega 3 supplementation
- Excellent regular sleep
- Positive communication skills
- Attention to spiritual life
Live a balanced life for optimal immune function! If you have problems with nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and irritability you are chipping away at your immune function. Try deep breathing exercises and read my post: Think Positive and Change Your LifeNote on Echinacea (E. angustifolia and E. purpurea): it is an herbal medicine useful for the treatment and prevention of immune-related disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral activity, and immune-stimulating properties by increasing the number of white blood cells that "engulf" microbial invaders.