Low Arginine Diet
Description
The viral infection with herpes simplex has become a communicable disease problem in the developed world. Herpes genitalis is characterized by self-limiting lesions of the genital and oral areas. Although this infection is not life-threatening, it has caused embarrassment and discomfort. It has been found arginine-rich foods increase the likelihood of a herpes lesion in those individuals who are infected with the virus.
Arginine-rich foods include peanuts, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews and filberts as well as grains which are higher in arginine and lower in lysine.
A diet lower in arginine (a nonessential amino acid) has been utilized by many herpes sufferers to help control the infection.
The Low Arginine Diet is sufficient in all the nutrients designated by the RDA's as essential. Because this diet is higher in lysine and lower in arginine it may result in a slight increase in blood cholesterol levels.
Sample Menu
Menu for One Day
Breakfast
1/2 c orange juice
1 egg (poached or egg substitute)
2 oz of halibut
1 c puffed rice
1 c skim milk or milk - 2% fat
Hot, noncaloric beverage
Lunch
| 1 c vegetable soup | 2 oz sliced turkey breast |
| 10 rice wafers | 1 apple |
| 1 cup skim milk or milk - 2% fat | 2 tsps butter, margarine, or mayonnaise |
| Sliced lettuce and tomato for sandwich |
Dinner
| 3 oz broiled salmon | 1 c brown rice |
| 1 c steamed broccoli | 2 tsps oil and vinegar dressing |
| 2 rice crackers | 1 tsp margarine or butter |
| 1/2 banana | 1 c skim milk or milk - 2% fat |
| Hot, noncaloric beverage | 1 cup salad: romaine or Boston lettuce; sliced carrot, cucumber, mushroom, bell pepper, celery |
Total Calories: 2,000
Nutrient Content:
| Calories: | 2000 | Fat: | 28% |
| Protein: | 17% | Cholesterol: | 320mg |
| Carbohydrate: | 65% | Fiber: | 12g |
Food Exchange List
Bread and Cereal Exchange List: 4 or more servings/day
Recommended
| Whole wheat bread (limited) | Rice noodles |
| Corn or rice cereals | Potato |
| Whole wheat roll (limited) | Sweet potato |
| Brown rice | Beans (dried) |
| Whole wheat pastas (limited) | Green peas |
| White rice (enriched) | Lentil |
Breads and rolls made from:
arrowroot
corn flour
potato flour
rice flour
soy flour
Avoid
All others
Fat Exchange List: as needed; moderation advised
Recommended
All fats not noted below
Avoid
All nuts including peanut butter
Fruit Exchange List: 2 or more servings/day
Recommended
All fruits and fruit juices
Avoid
None
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange List: 6 or more servings/day
Recommended
| Meat | Fish |
| Poultry | Shellfish |
| Egg | Natural cheeses |
Avoid
Peanut butter
Any meat prepared with the restricted grains such as:
| Luncheon meat | Spreads |
| Processed cheese |
Milk Exchange List: 2 or more servings/day
Recommended
Unflavored milk and milk products
Avoid
Commercial chocolate milk
Malted milk
All other milks with wheat products added
Vegetable Exchange List: 4 or more servings/day
Recommended
Fresh or frozen vegetables
Avoid
Creamed or breaded vegetables, unless prepared with the recommended ingredients
Miscellaneous Exchange List:
Recommended
Soups made with recommended ingredients
Broths made with recommended ingredients
Avoid
Cereal beverages such as Postum and Ovaltine
Beer, ale and other beverages made with the restricted grains
Note: Include 6-8 cups of fluids, such as water, per day.
References
DiGiovanna, J.J. & H. Blank. 1984. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infections. Acta Dermatologica, 120.
Kagan, C. 1974. Lysine therapy for herpes simplex. Lancet. vol. 1.
Kaplan, A.S., H. Shimono & T. Ben-Porat. 1970. Synthesis of proteins in cells infected with herpes virus Iii. Relative amino acid content of various proteins formed after infection. Virology, 40.
Walsh, D.E., R.S. Griffith & A. Behforooz. 1983. Subjective response to lysine in the therapy of herpes simplex. Journal Of Antimicrobial Therapy. 12.
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