Herpes Simplex Diet
January 15, 2008 by Kitchen Table Medicine
Filed under Canker Sores, Herpes
Enhancement of the immune status is key to the prevention and control of herpes infection. A diet that avoids arganine-rich foods while promoting lysine-rich foods can be quite effective.
Foods to Emphasize
Especially during active cases of Herpes
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Dairy products if not allergic to them (Cheese, Yogurt, Kefir, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk).
- All Fish & Seafood
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Eggs
- Organ Meats
- Potatoes
- Brewers Yeast
Foods to be Eaten with Discretion
These foods must be balanced with L-Lysine* and foods in the first group when herpes is inactive. During active herpes, these foods must be eliminated.
- Whole grain products (Cereals, Bread, Pasta, Pancakes, Lentils, Barley and other Grains.
- Oats
- Corn
- Rice
- Peas & Beans
- Sprouts
- Chick Peas
- Carob
- Foods containing seeds (Eggplant, Tomato, Squash)
- Fruits and Berries, which contain seeds, may be eaten.
- Citrus Fruits (may irritate canker sores)
* Foods high in lysine include most vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey, and chicken.
Foods to Always Avoid
- Chocolate
- Peanuts and Peanut Butter
- Sugar
- Cakes and Sweets
- Alcohol
- Coffee & Tea
- Nuts (Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Filberts, Pecans, Walnuts)
- Seed Meal (Tahini, Sesame Butter)
- Sunflower Seeds
- Coconut
- Bleached White Flour Foods
Alternative Medicine Treatments for Mouth Sores
January 10, 2008 by Kitchen Table Medicine
Filed under Canker Sores, Kitchen Sink
WHAT ARE CANKER SORES?
Mouth ulcers are an extremely common condition, estimated to affect 20 percent of the population. These single or clustered, shallow, painful ulcers are found anywhere in the oral cavity (mouth). Lesions are from 1 mm to 15 mm in diameter, have fairly even borders, and are surrounded by a reddened border and are often covered by a white membrane. They usually resolve in 7 to 21 days
CAUSES
The cause of recurrent canker sores appears to be related to food sensitivities, stress and/or nutrient deficiency. No single factor is known to be responsible for the initiation of mouth ulcers, therefore, addressing all the possible causes is highly recommended.
• Food sensitivity – The oral cavity is the first site of contact for ingested and many inhaled allergens. A diet eliminating allergens has been shown to have good therapeutic results.
• Gluten – Another possible factor with recurrent mouth ulcers is sensitivity to wheat gluten found in wheat family grains. Withdrawing gluten from the diet has shown positive effects in some patients.
• Stress – is a precipitating factor in recurrent mouth ulcers, suggesting a breakdown in normal host protective factors, and therefore increased development of allergies. There is also evidence that some patients with recurrent mouth ulcers are deficient in iron, folate, vitamin B12 and zinc or a combination of these nutrients.
DIETARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION OF RECURRENT MOUTH ULCERS
The diet should be low in animal products and high in complex carbohydrates as well as free of known allergens and all gluten sources.
• Vitamin C
• Zinc picolinate
• B vitamins
• Mixed bioflavonoids: Flavonoid compounds which are largely responsible for the color of fruits and flowers in plant life have been shown to be effective in the treatment of canker sores by inhibition of allergens and by strengthening connective tissues.
• Folic acid
• Multiple vitamin and mineral product
