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L-Lysine

You know its coming and there is nothing you can do about it. It starts with a feeling of soreness and pressure on the surface of your lip. It could be an insect bite but usually it isn't and you know that within a few days a cold sore (Herpes Simplex Virus) is going to erupt and no matter what you do its going to take days until it's finally gone. Something that may offer help for the immediate relief of cold and canker sores is the amino acid, L-Lysine.

Large doses of L-Lysine can reverse the effects of cold and canker sores and many people who take smaller amounts on a regular basis find that the problem does not reoccur. Taking supplemental L-Lysine, together with Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids, can effectively fight and/ or prevent herpes outbreaks, especially if foods containing the amino acid arginine (chocolate, peanuts, almonds and other nuts) are reduced. When Lysine is added to the diet, it seems to "trick" the metabolism into thinking it is L-Arginine and it uses the Lysine instead and thus deactivates the effect of the Arginine in the body and the Herpes Virus loses it's
ability to survive.

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that is a necessary building block for all protein. It is needed for proper growth and bone development in children; it helps calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults. This amino acid aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes, and helps in collagen formation and tissue repair. Because it helps to build muscle protein, it is good for those recovering from surgery and sports injuries. It also lowers high serum triglyceride levels. It is needed for the metabolism of glucose and has been recommended in the treatment of hypoglycemia.

Lysine is an essential amino acid, and so cannot be manufactured by the body. It is therefore vital that adequate amounts be included in the diet. Deficiencies can result in anemia, bloodshot eyes, enzyme disorders, hair loss, an inability to concentrate, irritability, lack of energy, poor appetite, reproductive disorders, retarded growth, and weight loss. Food sources of lysine include vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey and chicken.

Doctor's Guide To Natural Medicine. Paul Barney, M.D. Woodland Publishing © 1998.

Prescription for Natural Healing. James F. Balch M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Avery Publishing © 1990.

Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing. Julian Whitaker, M.D. Prima Health © 1996.

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