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Conditions and Diseases > Sexually Transmitted Diseases Forum > Can diet help reduce herpes outbreak?
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Q: Can diet help reduce herpes outbreak?
asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 18th, 2007
I have read somewhere that diet can determine the frequency of herpes outbreaks. Is that true? In that case, what kind of diet can help to reduce herpes outbreaks?

thanks


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on March 13th, 2007
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Answer A2418
According to conventional medicine, diet has nothing to do with outbreaks or recurrence of genital herpes. Frequency of herpes outbreaks depends mainly upon the condition and health of the immune system. Anything that can reduce the immune system’s capability can cause a herpes outbreak. Physical and mental stress, sexual intercourse and menstruation are the most common reasons for herpes and these situations can provoke a herpes outbreak. If you take this in mind, foods that boost your immune system could potentially guard against a herpes outbreak. Caffeine, for example, is known to stress the body and can be avoided. Or, you can watch the intake of sugars. Outbreaks are treated with acyclovir but prevention of more outbreaks can be achieved via an anti-herpes vaccine.


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