Cold sores are a common condition that inconveniences individuals quite frequently whether in Canada or worldwide. The culprit behind these painful and unsightly blisters? The herpes simplex virus! Lysine is an amino acid which is known to help manage these symptoms well. In this article, a dermatologist is going to answer the question of the hour “does lysine work for cold sores” along with introducing suggested dosage and advice to control the outbreaks.
What is Lysine?
Lysine is an amino acid that is necessary for our well-being. Human body is not capable of producing lysine; hence it should be received from dietary sources or supplements. Lysine is vital for protein production, function of enzymes, and calcium absorption. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that lysine has been proved to interfere with the replication of the herpes simplex virus, thus, it is a valuable helper in the treatment of cold sores.
How Lysine Helps with Cold Sores
How lysine helps improve cold sores is to compete with arginine, another amino acid vital for the multiplication of the herpes virus. Through intake of more lysine, one can effectively decrease the presence of arginine; which results in the slow-down of herpes simplex replication, thereby decreasing the duration of cold sore outbreaks.
Benefits of Lysine for Cold Sores
As mentioned, lysine is extremely beneficial for cold sore management. It does so by decreasing the frequency of outbreaks, reducing viral replication through hastening the healing process, and stopping the spread of the virus to other body parts. Consuming lysine supplements regularly is proven to be effective in managing the activity of the herpes complex virus, which eventually leads to fewer and less severe cold sores.
How Much Lysine to Take for Cold Sores?
The dosage of lysine for cold sores can be different according to the individual requirements and the severity of the outbreaks. Here are some general guidelines:
- Preventative Dosage: For individuals along the path of healing rather than waiting until the sudden reappearance, lysine supplementation of 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg every day is the norm.
- During Outbreaks: When a person is in a situation of an outbreak, the dosage can be increased to 3,000 mg to 9,000 mg per day, divided into smaller doses throughout the day.
Tips for Taking Lysine
Here are some practical tips for consuming lysine in the right way. Follow these guidelines to achieve the best results.
- Consistency: Regular supplementation of lysine is the way to go because otherwise it wouldn’t be as effective.
- Combine with Vitamin C: Vitamin C strengthens the body and cooperates with lysine for optimal effect.
- Diet: Include lysine protein sources in your meal plan like cheese, meat, fish, and lentils.
Lysine-Rich Foods
Adding lysine-rich foods to your diet can be a natural way to help manage cold sores. Here are some excellent lysine sources:
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Meat and fish such as chicken, beef, and cod.
- Legumes such as lentils, beans, and peas.
- Nuts and Seeds e.g. pumpkin seeds.
As an instance, adding a piece of grilled chicken along with a side of red bell peppers can increase your consumption of both lysine and Vitamin C in a single meal. Regularly consuming these foods can be beneficial to the immune system and collagen production in general.
Managing Cold Sores with Lysine
Lysine for cold sores is readily available as a dietary supplement in Canada and almost anywhere else in the world. The majority of people use it both topically and orally to reduce the severity of their cold sores. Those who want to manage their cold sores with lysine should consider dietary sources as well as supplements. It is advised to consult with a dermatologist for instructions on lysine consumption.
Covering up cold sores
Cold sores are unsightly and often embarrassing but below are methods of how to hide cold sore while they are healing:
- Use Concealer: Initially apply cream that contains medication and then a high-coverage concealer.
- Avoid Lip Products: Shared lip products may transmit the virus; therefore, avoid using them at all costs.
- Keep Lips Moisturized: You should use a lip balm if you want to prevent cracking and bleeding.
Final Thoughts
Using lysine for cold sores has been proven time and time again to be a real and useful way to cope with this disturbing condition. You can take the right doses of lysine (an amino acid) plus the food rich in lysine and as a result, you may get fewer and less severe outbreaks. Do not forget to consult with a dermatologist before you start taking any new supplements, especially if you are already suffering from a specific health problem.
FAQs
1. Can lysine consumption result in any side effects?
Generally, lysine is well tolerated. Though, some individuals may have side effects like fierce stomach problems or diarrhea. It is strongly recommended starting with a lower dose then slowly raising it.
2. Is lysine for cold sores safe for children?
Although lysine is usually safe, it is advisable to talk to a pediatrician before giving any supplement to a child.
3. Can lysine interfere with any other medications?
Lysine may have some influence on certain antibiotics or calcium supplements. Consult your doctor if you are taking other medications.
4. How long before lysine to work on a cold sore?
Some people feel better after a couple of days of taking lysine; however, improvements can also depend on the individual case and the seriousness of the outbreak.
