Prairie Naturals L-Lysine 500mg - 90 Caps

L-Lysine

The amino acids that the body cannot produce, and need to be taken in through the diet, are called essential. Lysine is one of these amino acids. Lysine plays an important role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Thus it builds muscle (athletic enhancement) and rebuilds muscle after periods of illness or inactivity. It is also a component of connective tissue and brain chemicals.
Lysine is involved in growth and bone development because it increases the absorption and deposition of calcium. Lysine and another amino acid, methionine, forms carnitine. Carnitine helps cells use fats for energy production.

By competing with arginine for absorption, lysine limits the reproduction of herpes virus and prevents herpes outbreaks (cold sores). Lysine improves cardiovascular health by removing components of atherosclerotic plaques. It has been shown to increase the diameter of vessels and improve blood flow. Natural health practitioners for angina, poor circulation, herpes simplex, osteoporosis, improved athletic performance, convalescence and high triglyceride levels recommend lysine.

The biologically active form of lysine is L-lysine. It is commonly found in capsules. Lysine and arginine compete for absorption so supplements of these amino acids should be taken at different times. It is often combined with vitamins and anti-viral agents for prevention of herpes outbreaks. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

High arginine intake will lower lysine levels. Individuals with kidney disease should use lysine cautiously.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are the result of an infection with herpes simplex virus. This highly contagious virus is usually contracted in childhood through skin contact.
The virus then lies dormant in the body and only produces sores when triggered.
Triggers for cold sores are individual but some of the more common triggers are exposure to cold, wind or sun, food allergies, a decreased immune system due to other infections or stress and hormonal fluctuations.

A cold sore often begins with a tingling or burning sensation around the lips. The sore begins to develop as an itchy red bump and eventually forms a fluid filled blister. When the blister breaks and forms a crust the healing has begun and it is no longer contagious. It usually heals without scarring. The duration of breakout is usually 10 days. Occasionally multiple sores can develop with fatigue and a mild fever.

Dietary help for preventing and treating cold sores involves decreasing the amino acid arginine in the diet. Arginine is used by the virus for replication. Avoid arginine rich foods such as nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, peas, lentils, oats, corn, buckwheat, barley, chocolate and coconut.

Also increase the lysine content of the diet because lysine inhibits herpes virus replication. Lysine rich foods include fish especially halibut, shrimp, poultry, milk, lima beans, mung bean sprouts and yeast.

Avoid foods that decrease the immune system like white flour and sugar products and trans-fat products like margarine and shortening.

Use immune boosting foods like flaxseed oil, raw fruits and vegetables, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ and seafood.

Physical treatments for boosting the immune system include: alternating hot and cold water at the end of your shower (always ending with cold), regular exercise, relaxation exercises and dry skin brushing. Topical treatment of cold sores can be done with colloidal silver, licorice extract, vitamin E oil, and creams containing vitamin C and zinc. All of these treatments help to kill the virus and heal the skin.