Seitan Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is a popular protein source for vegetarians and vegans. It’s made from gluten, the main protein in wheat.Seitan is high in protein and can be a good source of iron, but it is not a complete protein source.
It should be paired with other protein sources to ensure you’re getting all the essential amino acids.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seitan | 430mg | 861mg | 0.5 |
Seitan contains 430mg of Lysine and 861mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Seitan has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.5.
Because Seitan contains slightly more arginine than lysine, reducing its consumption may help people who suffer from herpes, as it may lower the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Seitan contains 430mg of lysine per 100g. Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
Lysine has the potential to prevent or treat cold sores, which are blisters caused by the HSV-1 virus, also known as herpes.
Lysine operates by inhibitnig the proliferation of HSV-1, which relies on another amino acid, arginine, to reproduce and infect cells.
Lysine can only be acquired through our diet, and is present in multiple high-protein foods such as eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt, fish, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Seitan contains more arginine than lysine, with 861mg of arginine per 100g.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including wound healing and immune function.
Arginine has different functions in the body, including wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body, and maintaining immune and hormone function.
Arginine also plays a role in the replication of the herpes virus, making it a key factor in cold sore outbreaks.
The herpes virus requires arginine to grow, replicate, and create new herpes viruses.
Foods high in arginine, such as nuts and chocolate, may increase the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Seitan contains nearly double the amount of arginine than lysine.
This can be undesirable by those who are prone to cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
This is however unlikely to have an effect on the overall lysine-arginine ratio in one’s diet, unless consumed in very large amounts.
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 body 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 flare-ups.
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.
Drinking enough water to keep yourself hydrated and remove toxins from your body.
Water can also help prevent dryness and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which can result in fewer outbreaks.
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.
Pain, swelling, and itching can be reduced by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, such as honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
These foods can also help you heal faster by promoting tissue repair.
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