Information and facts on Herpes Virus

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There are well over 90 viruses that belong to a family called herpes virdae. In this family of viruses, four are currently known to affect human beings, 1) Varicella-zoster causes chickenpox and shingles,  2) Epstein-Barr causes infectious mononucleosis 3) cytomegalovirus also called CMV often is carried without producing any symptoms, but can have very damaging consequences for newborn babies and for persons with weakened immune systems. This webpage will mainly deal with 4) herpes simplex, which causes cold sores, fever blisters, and genital herpes. There are two types of herpes simplex. Herpes simplex type I or HSV-1 which normally causes cold sores and skin eruptions. Later on in life, it may erupt into a form of shingles. It may also cause herpes keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea of the eye. If herpes repeatedly flares up in the eye, it can lead to scarring and loss of vision.

Around 20 to 40% of the people in the USA have cold sores caused by HSV-1. As many as twice that number have been infected with the virus but may never have the sores. That means that 40% to 80% of the population is infected with this virus. Herpes simplex type II or HSV-2 is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Over 32 million Americans, one out of every six people over 15 years old may have the type II infection, though more than half never develop very serious symptoms. The viral infection can range in severity from a quiet undetected infection to a serious inflammation of the person's liver with a fever. It is very dangerous to babies and very young children. A baby whose mother is infected with the virus can pick up the virus in the birth canal, risking brain damage, blindness, and even death.

Both the genital and oral herpes infections cause painful fluid filled blisters which are highly infectious until they are totally healed, and healing takes up to 3 weeks. In oral herpes, sores normally appear within 2 - 7 days after first exposure to the virus. Continuing eruptions are also common. Some perons's are affected by outbreaks once a year or less; other people get them every few weeks. For women, a mild tingling and burning in the vaginal area may be the first indicator of genital herpes. In a matter of a few hours, blisters can develop around the clitoris, cervix, rectum, and vagina. There is often a watery type discharge from the urethra and often pain when urinating. In men, blisters break out on the penis, groin, and scrotum, and often with a urethral discharge and pain in urination. The penis and foreskin swell sometime as well. The infected man may also have tender, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

The first attack from genital herpes normally occurs 4 - 8 days after the first exposure to the virus. It may be so mild that it isn’t noticed, or it may cause itching and burning at the site of viral entry as well as painful sores that can last a week or more, plus fever, headache, and other flu like symptoms. After a few days, pus will erupt from the blisters and painful ulcers form. These sores crust over and dry while healing. Normally, they will leave no scars. Note that once they enter the human body, herpes viruses never leave. They live in nerve cells, where the immune system cannot find and destroy them, and they become active from time to time, especially when the immune system is weak. The virus may lie dormant inside for long periods of time, until illness, sun exposure, fatigue, stress, or some other factor causes the virus to break out in the open sores again. Fortunately, after a period of time, the virus seems to burn itself out and outbreaks rarely appear after the person is past 50 years of age.

Until recently, it was assumed that genital herpes could be transmitted only during a visible outbreak of the disease, but recent research appears to disprove that theory. The only sure way to avoid genital herpes is to avoid sex, or to remain in a monogamous relationship with an partner who is not infected. Also, although HSV-1 mainly causes cold sores and eye infections and HSV-2 principally causes genital herpes, both type I and II can infect either the mouth or the genitals or both. Oral sex can spread the virus from one area of the body to another. Nutritional supplementation can help the body heal and boost the immune system of the person who is infected with herpes. 

 

Nutrient / Supplement Importance
( 1 - 10 )
Helpful notes
Calcium 10 mineral that helps nerve function, healing, and also help combat stress
Magnesium 9 mineral that works with calcium
Essential omega acids
10 promotes healing of both nerve and skin tissue. They are found in fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil
Multi-vitamin and Mineral supplement 10 contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, selenium,  and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of herpes virus infection, shingles (herpes zoster). The nutrients in a daily supplement are required for general good health and well being.
Selenium 9 this mineral is an important antioxidant
Olive leaf 9 herb that seems to help fight viral infections like herpes
Red Clover 9 herb for detox, healing, and fighting infections
Licorice 9 aids in stopping the growth and cell damage of herpes simplex
Myrrh  9 herb that works well with olive leaf and red clover
Bioflavonoids 9 bioflavonoids are natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer. They also boost the body's immune system to help it fight the shingles herpes virus
vitamin A 9 important in helping the immune system and thus protection from infection. It is good for eye function and health. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant to promote healing.
Echinacea 8 herb that helps the immune system and it works well with reishi mushroom in an herbal blend
Reishi mushroom 8 herb good for the immune system
vitamin C 9 works with bioflavonoids to promote healing in the body
vitamin E 9 helps body healing process and it also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help prevent formation of scar tissue
vitamin B12 9 good for nerve health and stress
Pantothenic acid 9 vitamin B5 helps in forming antibodies
Pyridoxine 9 vitamin B6 helps immune function
vitamin D 9 aids in tissue healing and required for calcium absorption
Grape seed extract 8 strong anti oxidant that protects skins cells and helps prevent blisters as well as provide general healing.
Garlic 8 herb good for healing and immune system
vitamin B complex 8 is needed both for nerve health and eye cell metabolism
Zinc 9 strengthens the body's immune system to protect against infection.  It has been shown that a zinc deficiency is linked to many various eye disorders

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.