Pizza Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Pizza is a popular dish of Italian origin, consisting of a usually round, flattened base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and often various other ingredients, which is then baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven.Pizza is a versatile dish that can be tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.
It can be a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients depending on the toppings used.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza | 690mg | 450mg | 1.53 |
Pizza contains 690mg of Lysine and 450mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Pizza has a high Lysine-Arginine ratio of 1.53.
Because Pizza contains much higher levels of lysine than arginine, it is highly recommended for people who suffer from herpes, as it may prevent outbreaks.
Lysine Considerations
Lysine is abundant in most types of pizza due to the cheese topping.
Lysine is important for protein synthesis, hormone production, and the absorption of calcium, and it can help reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Lysine can help prevent or treat cold sores, which are blisters caused by the virus HSV-1, also known as herpes.
Lysine works by blocking the growth of HSV-1, which needs another amino acid called arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine can only be obtained through diet, and can be found in multiple high-protein foods like milk and cheese, fish, eggs, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Pizza also contains moderate amounts of arginine which is naturally found in wheat products.
Arginine plays a significant role in wound healing and immune function.
Arginine can promote your overall health and performance, such as lowering your blood pressure, healing your wounds, and boosting your exercise endurance.
Arginine can be made by the human body or obtained from foods like meat, dairy, nuts, and soy.
Unfortunately, the herpes virus is known to "feed" on arginine, and having a diet higher in arginine than lysine may increase the occurrence and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
The lysine-arginine ratio in pizza is 1.53, which means it has more lysine than arginine.
This ratio can be important for individuals managing certain health conditions such as herpes, since the presence of lysine inhibits arginine which the virus feeds on.
A diet high in lysine may reduce the frequency and severity of cold sores and other herpes symptoms.
Both lysine and arginine are important for protein synthesis and other bodily functions.
The two compounds can affect the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, in opposite ways.
Lysine can the human system or stop the virus from reproducing, while arginine can help it propagate.
Eating foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio could help lower the appearance and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Some foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio are dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can give the body enough lysine to prevent the virus from taking up arginine, and thus stop its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Wheat is a cereal grain that is widely used to make bread, pasta, and baked goods.
Wheat contains gluten, starch, and fiber, which can have various effects on digestion and blood sugar levels.
Wheat also contains lysine and arginine, but the amount is higher in arginine than lysine.
This makes wheat less beneficial for people with herpes, as arginine can trigger herpes flare ups.
Wheat should be avoided or consumed in moderation by people with herpes.
For example:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Consider taking l-lysine supplements, which can help prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it emerges by limiting the availability of arginine for the virus, which it requires to produce a cold sore.
To prevent outbreaks, avoid foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
These foods can harm your immune system and make inflammation worse.
Try eating foods that can enhance your immune system and reduce inflammation to avoid outbreaks.
Some of these foods are honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
They can also help you with your symptoms by easing pain, swelling, and itching, and accelerating your recovery.
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