How Does A Cat Become Infected With Feline Herpesvirus
A cat becomes infected with this virus by direct contact with virus particles. The virus is spread in saliva and in discharges from the eyes and nose of an infected cat. Therefore, an infection occurs when a susceptible cat comes into direct contact with an infected cat, or comes into contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated with viral particles.
Natural Ways To Fight Viruses
Both L-lysine and Olive Leaf are very effective at fighting viruses.
Extracts from olive leaves have been shown to treat infection caused by a large number of viruses as well as bacteria, parasitic protozoans, and fungi. A phytochemical in olive leaf, call oleuropein, is able to stop viruses in their tracks. Oleuropein neutralizes the enzymes that are important for the virus to replicate itself and spread. Oleuropein also has the ability to interfere with the critical amino acid production essential for viruses.
L-lysine, an essential amino acid, may be the most effective treatment against the herpes virus. Lysine is both preventative as well as able to treat active infections. When combined with zinc, lysine has been shown to eliminate nearly all herpes virus symptoms within six days.
In addition to fighting viruses, L-lysine has manyother benefits.
What Is The Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus, also known as HSV or herpes, is a virus that causes an infection that remains within the body for life. It most commonly manifests in sores surrounding the mouth or genitals . There are two different types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Though both can cause either genital or oral herpes, HSV-1 typically causes oral and HSV-2 is primarily responsible for causing genital herpes. Herpes, or HSV infection, is incredibly common worldwide – in the United States, around 50% of the population has oral herpes and nearly 17% have genital herpes.
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How Long Do Outbreaks Last
Because the virus stays within the body for life, outbreaks are characterized as any time the symptoms manifest. The first outbreak of either type of herpes is typically the most severe and lasts the longest. The first outbreak of herpes can last anywhere from two to four weeks but then each outbreak is usually progressively shorter and less painful.
Lean more about Herpes Simplex Virus in the Complete Guide to HSV.
L-Lysine
Research
Cold Sore And Genital Herpes Outbreak Prevention
Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center report regular treatment with lysine supplements may help prevent the outbreak of cold sores in people with oral herpes, a viral infection. Additionally, this supplement may reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks, a sexually-transmitted disease. In such cases, lysine supplements may help diminish the appearance of painful, inflamed skin lesions across the genital region. However, additional research is necessary to further examine the effect lysine supplements have on herpes outbreaks.
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How Long Can The Virus Live In The Environment
When saliva or other discharges from an infected cat contaminate the environment, the virus can survive in the material as long as it stays moist. Fortunately the secretions usually dry up in a fairly short period of time, and once the secretion dries up the virus will die. Viral particles that get onto hands or other skin surfaces usually remain infective for about half an hour, while contaminated items such as food or water bowls, kitty litter boxes, blankets, cleaning cloths, and cat toys will be infective as long as the secretions on them remain moist – under normal conditions, the secretions will dry up in a few hours.
So Lysine Helps Boost Your Bodys Immunity And Could Help Protect You From Future Outbreaks
Lysine may also help protect against osteoporosis by aiding calcium absorption, speed up muscle recovery after exercise, and prevent fatigue, dizziness, and appetite loss linked to deficiency. As a symptom-reducer, lysine is powerful, even showing promise in relieving the severity of a mental disorder like schizophrenia when taken alongside regular medication.8
Lysine requires adequate amounts of vitamin C and vitamins B1, B2, and B6. In fact, B6 is the cofactor for lysine, and low B6 levels can cause lysine deficiency. Vitamin D, zinc, and selenium also help protect against and fight viral infections.
The recommended daily intake for lysine is 30 mg per kilogram of body weight or 13.6 mg per pound. A person weighing 70 kg should consume around 2,100 mg of lysine daily.9
So, what should you eat when you have a virus?
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Cell Line And Transfection
Human embryo kidney 293T cells were purchased from American Type Culture Collection and cultured in high-glucose Dulbeccos modified Eagles medium supplemented with 100 Uml1 penicillin, 10µgml1 streptomycin and 10% FBS at 37°C with 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator. Plasmids were transfected into HEK-293T cells by using Lipofectamine 2000 as described previously . Briefly, the cells were washed with PBS three times before transfection. At 6h post-transfection, the medium was replaced with fresh DMEM containing 3% FBS.
Antiviral Lysine To The Rescue
Most experts believe that lysine doesnt improve the healing of an actual outbreak of cold sores.
But the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai states, Lysine has antiviral effects by blocking the activity of arginine, which promotes HSV replication Supplementation may reduce recurrences or improve symptoms.7
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How To Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus Outbreak
When winter comes and many of us are cooped up indoors, its no surprise that this is when illness seems to strike the hardest. While we know the flu can be quite rampant, recently weve seen the outbreak of another serious and sometimes deadly virus called the Coronavirus. Though these can be scary, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent catching a virus and even those that can help combat them if you do.
Effects Of Lysine Deficiency
A lysine deficiency is considered fairly rare, even in vegetarians and people on restricted diets. However, “The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs,” by Nicola Reavley, reports symptoms of lysine deficiency include kidney stone formation, dizziness, reduced appetite, fatigue and anemia. Severe deficiency can lead to hormone imbalance and affect metabolism, sexual reproduction and growth. People at risk of lysine deficiency are those who do not eat fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products or meat, but rather consume heavily processed foods, sugary foods and soda pop.
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The Good: Nuts And Seeds Supply Essential Fatty Acids
Besides providing a valuable, vegan source of protein, seeds and nuts can supply essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 are called essential because the body doesnt make them, and we must consume them from the foods we eat to be healthy.
The exact ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is in dispute among researchers, but you should at least have a minimum of a one-to-one ratio between the two. A 4:1 ratio is thought to be even healthier. This means four times more omega-3 to only one omega-6.
Together, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can play a crucial role in brain function and encourage normal skin, hair, and bone growth. They also help regulate metabolism, maintain reproductive function, and support depression, so theyre certainly essential.
Which Cats Are Most At Risk For Fvr Infection
All cats can become infected with FVR infections, but infection tends to be more severe in young animals or animals that have another chronic disease. Kittens born to a cat that is carrying a latent FVR infection may become infected after birth. In these kittens, symptoms usually develop several weeks after birth, and the infection can be very serious.
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Carnitine And The Body
L-lysine helps create carnitine which the body requires to convert fatty acids into energy successfully. It also lowers the cholesterol levels. Ultimately, it plays a critical role in the bodys absorption of calcium. Calcium helps the body build collagen which is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones plus skin. Collagen in the skin provides a younger, firmer appearance by smoothing out wrinkles and erasing lines.
Are Other Cats In The Household At Risk Of Infection
A cat that has an acute FVR infection will be infective to other cats during the incubation period and for up to three weeks after developing symptoms. A cat that is a carrier may always be infective to other cats. The risk of infection increases in cats that are unvaccinated, are young, or have chronic underlying problems. Adult cats that have been adequately vaccinated will likely only develop a mild case of illness, which may resolve without treatment.
“A cat that has an acute FVR infection will be infective to other cats.”
Affected cats must be isolated from other cats to avoid further spread of disease. It is always prudent to isolate any new cat from the other cats in your household for at least one to two weeks to minimize transmission of any infectious diseases.
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Reason #: You Might Have A Hard Time Digesting Them
In the early stage of eating the Body Ecology foods we recommend, we do not suggest nuts and seeds since this is a time when your digestive fire is usually weak. Over time, as your inner ecosystem becomes more robust and balanced by eating fermented vegetables and drinking our probiotic liquids and Probiotic Protein Shake, your digestion should improve significantly.
However, nuts and seeds will always be hard to digest for some so simply avoid them. You can still obtain omega-6 by cooking with avocado and using it in salad dressings.
Topicals Clear Up Herpes Breakouts Fast
The Southern California University of Health Science studied a cream and herbal combination of lysine as a topical application for cold sources to reduce the duration of the outbreak. The herpes sores started to clear six days after using the cream. The length of the explosions ended up being dramatically reduced.
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What Typically Triggers Cold Sore Outbreaks
If you were diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus, especially type 1 , cold sore outbreaks may be common. While the virus may remain dormant during certain periods, when its triggered, you can expect to see cold sores.
While some people believe that food can trigger cold sore outbreaks, environmental factors are more likely to trigger an outbreak than anything else.
Exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold, or other illness is usually the cause of an unexpected cold sore outbreak. Fluctuating hormones might also be to blame.
Vitamin Connection: Lysine Reported To Halt Coronaviruses: An Interview With Bill Sardi
RichaRd a. PasswateR, Ph.d. 2021-03-12 02:13:31
Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors of WholeFoods Magazine. Information in this interview is intended for educational and scientific purposes only. It is not intended as medical or nutritional advice for the treatmemt or prevention of disease. For medical advice, consult your personal health care practitioner.
Several viruses have been proven to be stopped indirectly by the dietary essential amino acid, L-Lysine. This is because at least some viruses depend on the amino acid L-arginine to replicate, and L-Lysine has a chemical structure so similar to L-arginine that at least some viruses mistakenly incorporate L-Lysine instead of the L-Arginine they need. As a result, the virus lacks sufficient L-Arginine to replicate. Its a competitive effect. Changing the diet to favor a high ratio of L-Lysine to L-Arginine directly affects the replication of these viruses.
This fact has been known for decades. Let me cite a couple of related examples, and then move on to the coronaviruses. In the 1970s my reports of the research of others that L-Lysine hampered Herpes Simplex 1 replication resulted in my getting many invitations to speak to dental groups .
Lets chat with Health Journalist Bill Sardi and see what this L-Lysine approach is all about. We have chatted with Bill several times in this column.
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How Is This Infection Diagnosed
Several different infectious agents can cause upper respiratory disease in cats , with subtle differences in examination findings between the different diseases. A presumptive diagnosis of feline viral rhinotracheitis is based primarily on a cat’s medical history and clinical signs combined with the findings on physical examination, particularly if the cat has evidence of a corneal infection. Corneal staining with fluorescein dye is often performed to look for any ulcers that may have developed. A Schirmer tear test to assess tear production may be supportive of a diagnosis of FVR, since decreased tear production has been associated with FVR conjunctivitis.
Specific identification of FVR virus particles may be made by collecting samples of cells and discharges from the nose, eyes, or back of the throat. Identification of feline herpesvirus DNA by polymerase chain reaction amplification is the most sensitive test available for diagnosing infection by FHV-1. Unfortunately, if the virus is in a latent state , diagnostic testing is usually not rewarding.
Osteoporosis And Physical Performance
Osteoporosis causes bone degeneration in the aging population which puts them more at risk of sustaining a life-altering fracture. Post-menopausal women are a significant risk of developing the bone density problem. L-lysine plays a vital role in the bodys ability to absorb calcium which reduces the risk and damage from osteoporosis.
A diet rich in calcium increases an athletes performance ability. It is not uncommon for athletes to take protein powders that are high in L-lysine to improve their bodys ability to utilize the calcium they are consuming.
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Orange And Red Vegetables
Orange and red vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that can strengthen the immune system and promote overall health. Theyre also rich in antioxidants, which are often touted as playing a key role in wound healing.
For this reason, youll often find orange and red vegetables like carrots, pumpkins and red bell peppers featured on lists of the best foods for treating herpes outbreaks.
The reality is that while orange and red vegetables often are rich in nutrients, theres no proof that they play any role in treating herpes. Theres also little substantial proof that antioxidants play a key role in wound healingright now, studies claim that the science is in its infancy.
Like most home remedies and alternative treatments, this tactic isnt completely devoid of any merit. Nutrient-rich vegetables are good for your immune system, making a herpes diet rich in healthy foods a good lifestyle choice if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2.
However, you shouldnt rely on carrots or pumpkin puree to speed up the healing process for herpes sores. Instead, make a healthy, balanced diet a normal part of your lifestyle, but make sure you’re treating your herpes with stuff prescribed to you by your doctor.
Reason #: There Is Another Time When Its Best For Virtually Everyone To Steer Clear Of Nuts And Seeds
When you have a viral infection of any kind, take special care as seeds and nuts contain high levels of the amino acid arginine. Unfortunately, they dont contain much lysine, the amino acid thats been shown to help fight herpes and other viral infections.
In fact, excess arginine actually blocks the effects of lysine and can create a lysine deficiency. And while research has been conflicting, some studies show that arginine may even encourage attacks of herpes-like viruses.5,6
Basically, a diet with too much arginine enhances the growth of both acute and low-grade, chronic viral infections. This means the seasonal flu, COVID-19, and certainly bouts of chickenpox, shingles, Epstein Barr , or even just a common cold sore !
So, when you feel a virus coming on, or you suspect youre harboring low-grade, chronic viral infections, be sure to avoid arginine-containing nuts and seeds.
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Health Benefits Of Lysine
As a building block of proteins in the body, lysine is a vital nutrient for supporting proper growth and development however, the nutrient serves other purposes as well. Research suggests that the nutrient also helps the body absorb calcium. Likewise, it appears to play a part in the formation of collagen, which supports bone and tissue health, including skin, tendon, and cartilage development.
Being such a crucial nutrient, l-lysine can also help manage a variety of health conditions. The nutrient can be used to control cholesterol levels, prevent osteoporosis and other age-related bone density conditions, support growth and reduce anxiety and stress. The nutrient is also effective for preventing herpes, treating shingles, relieving pain due to inflammation and maintaining heart health.
As with any health supplement, care must be taken when using l-lysine as both too much and too little of the nutrient can cause health concerns. In any case, though, lysine is an effective health support that prevents and treats a wide range of conditions.
I thought lysine wasn’t helping my cold sores when I took 500 mg and dicovered I should be taking more. I have been on 1 gram a day for years and any time I run out or forget, my cold sores fire up within 2 days.
Canker Sores
I have taken L-Lysine for canker sores and it worked great. I havent had one since.
Canker SoresCanker SoresCanker Sores
Thank you EC!
Warning
Lysine Reported To Halt Coronaviruses: An Interview With Bill Sardi
Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors of WholeFoods Magazine. Information in this interview is intended for educational and scientific purposes only. It is not intended as medical or nutritional advice for the treatment or prevention of disease. For medical advice, consult your personal health care practitioner.
Several viruses have been proven to be stopped indirectly by the dietary essential amino acid, L-Lysine. This is because at least some viruses depend on the amino acid L-arginine to replicate, and L-Lysine has a chemical structure so similar to L-arginine that at least some viruses mistakenly incorporate L-Lysine instead of the L-Arginine they need. As a result, the virus lacks sufficient L-Arginine to replicate. Its a competitive effect. Changing the diet to favor a high ratio of L-Lysine to L-Arginine directly affects the replication of these viruses.
This fact has been known for decades. Let me cite a couple of related examples, and then move on to the coronaviruses. In the 1970s my reports of the research of others that L-Lysine hampered Herpes Simplex 1 replication resulted in my getting many invitations to speak to dental groups .
Lets chat with Health Journalist Bill Sardi and see what this L-Lysine approach is all about. We have chatted with Bill several times in this column.
Passwater:So, the science has shown that this strategy could work?
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