If you’re one of the increasing numbers of Americans suffering from shingles, you can choose to use the time-tested natural cure of L-lysine supplements.
A naturally occurring component of proteins is lysine. As a result, it is essential to have a diet that is balanced.
L-lysine is the name of a nutritional supplement. L-lysine is supposed to be able to soothe cold sores. Cold sores are brought on by the HSV-1 herpes simplex virus.
HSV-1 belongs to the same group of viruses as the shingles virus. The varicella-zoster virus is what is causing this. The virus that causes chickenpox is the same.
The chickenpox virus is dormant in the body after an outbreak. The infection may then resurface as shingles, typically years later.
L-lysine is reputed to heal cold sores, however, there is no proof that it can treat shingles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ People who have experienced chicken pox frequently develop shingles.
✅ Even though shingles-related problems are uncommon, when they do arise, they can be very dangerous.
✅ If you suspect that you have shingles, you should consult a doctor right away.
✅ It might not be hazardous to attempt a home treatment like L-lysine, but it might not be helpful either.
✅ The benefits of seeking medical attention over letting shingles progress unchecked or using alternative remedies can outweigh the disadvantages of doing so.
✅ According to Glatt, prescription antiviral medications can reduce severe shingles symptoms.
✅ Additionally, the medications can shorten your period of contagiousness and assist in preventing or minimizing any subsequent nerve discomfort.
What advantages does L-lysine have?
Cold sores may be avoided or less frequently seen with an L-lysine regimen. L-lysine may hasten the healing of cold sores that you already have.
The amino acid that helps make proteins may also facilitate digestion. It is supposed to improve calcium absorption in the digestive system. The additional calcium may help create new bone tissue.
Lysine must be obtained from food because your body cannot make it. You can have a weakened immune system if you don’t get enough lysine in your diet. Additionally, you can have more tension and worry. A 2004 study discovered that a lysine-rich diet can lower these levels.
What the study found out
You probably get enough lysine if you eat a healthy diet that contains red meat, fish, and dairy products. Additionally, it is heavily promoted as a dietary supplement. Lysine eliminates arginine, another amino acid, and protein-building ingredient, in the body.
A diet low in arginine-rich foods, such as nuts and seeds, will help lysine work more effectively. L-lysine showed no consistently positive impact on cold sores, according to a thorough review.
Participants in a 1983 trial were given an average of a little over 900 mg of the supplement daily for a period of six months, which appeared to have some effect. L-lysine doesn’t seem to be hazardous at this or even higher concentrations.
A different concern is whether L-lysine will likely be effective in lowering the severity or length of shingles symptoms.
Aaron Glatt, MD, chairman of the department of medicine at South Nassau Communities Hospital and spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, believes there is “not a shred of proof” that it is effective.
Although it’s probably not harmful, I wouldn’t advise spending money on it. Contact your doctor to set up a consultation if you want to learn more about L-lysine as a shingles treatment option.
You can talk about whether it’s the best course of action for you.
Warnings and risks
The immediate and long-term consequences of taking L-lysine supplements require further study. Although it’s unclear whether they are all consistent, there have been a variety of negative effects associated with L-lysine use. Included in the adverse effects are abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
You should stop using L-lysine supplements if you develop any uncomfortable or odd symptoms while using them. Consult a medical professional to discuss your symptoms and establish whether it is safe to keep taking these supplements.
Other therapies for shingles
Systemic antiviral medications have historically been used to treat shingles. These medications are only prescribed to healthy individuals who fit any of the following criteria; have moderate to severe pain and are at least 50 years old, and or develop a rash that is somewhat or severely exaggerated;
Three antiviral medications have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lessen the frequency and severity of shingles-related discomfort. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir fall under this category.
In order to lessen the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia, these three medications may be provided even to those who don’t fit one of the four requirements (PHN). PHN describes a protracted period of discomfort that follows the healing of your shingles rash.
Antiviral therapy should begin as soon as feasible. The ideal time to start treatment is three days or less after the rash begins. Beyond three days, you can begin an antiviral, but you might not get the same results.
In most cases, antiviral therapy can ease shingles’ discomfort to a tolerable degree. To treat pain, your doctor can also recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen. For the greatest amount of relief, they might prescribe an opioid painkiller based on your symptoms.
Calamine cream, colloidal oatmeal baths, and wet compresses can all help reduce itching.