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Are bone broth and collagen safe with Herpes? Bone Broth and Collagen are excellent foods if you don’t have frequent herpes.
But bone broth, collagen and gelatin are twice as high in Arginine than Lysine.
If you struggle with recurring or active Herpes, Shingles or EBV, Arginine needs to be controlled. My 90 minute narrated slide presentation (Herpes Relief Guide) includes details on the diet and supplements for herpes.
What is Bone Broth?
- Simmered bones from chicken or beef
- Generally cooked with bits of meat and veggies
- Simmered 2 – 6 hours
- Does not gel
- Contains varying amounts of protein and collagen
What is Bone Broth Protein Powder?
- Bones are cooked a long time to make thick stock that gels when cool.
- Gelling occurs as collagen-rich gelatin is pulled from the bones.
- Bone broth protein has large amounts of the amino acids Glycine and Proline – great for the gut, sleep and inflammation.
- Bone Broth Protein Powder generally has twice as much Arginine than Lysine.
There are large quantities of Glycine and Proline in meats, seafoods or Glycine supplements.
What is Collagen Protein?
- Collagen is usually extracted from animal hides. Unlike Broth which has flavor, extracted collagen is a flavorless powder called hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides.
- This amino acid mix is a little different from bone broth, and it contains more collagen.
- Learn more about Collagen and Bone Broth at this site.
Are Bone Broth and Collagen Safe with Herpes
Reducing Arginine is the key to managing herpes viruses. There are many graphs and food charts on the amounts of Arginine and Lysine in foods. There are two key numbers: the ratio of Arginine to Lysine, and the quantities of each in a serving.
The quantities in foods are the key.
If your viruses are controlled you can probably incorporate some higher Arginine foods. But first get HSV controlled with the low Arginine diet Paleo for Herpes. This article and Podcast also detail foods to avoid with herpes and why.
Arginine and Herpes
Arginine, like all amino acids, has many valuable jobs in the body. It’s a precursor to growth hormone for example. It is a “conditional” amino acid as we can make it from other aminos. Lysine is an “essential” amino acid we must get from food or supplements. Consuming muscle-boosting or anti-aging collagen supplements may cause herpes flares due to their high Arginine.
Foods High in Arginine
- Grains (wheat, corn, rice, oats)
- Nuts and seeds
- Nut and seed protein powders, nut butters, nut milk and nut flour
- Coconut flour, coconut cream, canned coconut milk (the oil is fine)
- Chocolate
- Peanuts and many beans
- Bone broth, collagen
Foods High in Lysine
- Meats and seafoods
- Dairy Products
Supplements for Herpes
These products in my online store are proven helpers. Sometimes you don’t need them. Sometimes you need them two to three times daily. It’s individual to YOU. Take a look at Systemic Formulas VIVI – Virox, Monolaurin and Lysine. This Olive Leaf from Supreme Nutrition is the whole leaf, different from other Olive Leaf on the market. Whole Olive Leaf with Lysine and Green Tea Extract work well for me. Stay current on your Vitamin D (test your levels annually). Keep D near 65 – 80. This Melissa herbal extract is the newest addition to the Herpes Control Pack of supplements. Check it out!
Consults for Herpes Support
If you want assistance coordinating diet and supplements, I offer Consults to help. This article on support for Herpes and Shingles tells more about natural options I have used to treat my own viruses.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed medical doctor and cannot advise you on medical matters. However, by studying my website you may be better able to communicate with your wellness provider. If you need medical assistance, please seek support from a qualified physician. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
AFFILIATE LINKS: There are affiliate links in some of my articles, which means I may get a small commission if you decide to purchase something after clicking on the links. I only recommend products I trust or have used so I know you'll be in good hands.

About Beverly
In practice since 1985.
Beverly Meyer is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been in practice since 1985. Her Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast has published over 200 episodes since 2010. In 2012 she founded The Center For Life, which is the largest natural health center in San Antonio, with 11 doctors and practitioners. Her Diet and Health Center San Antonio is also the longest serving health and wellness center in the area. Beverly has an MBA in Finance and BA in Economics, has owned and managed several businesses, including a franchising company and a large kitchen goods store.
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