Lysine is an essential amino acid. This means that the human body cannot create lysine, but that it must be found from outside sources like food and vitamin supplements. Lysine is most known for its antibody production. Getting plenty of lysine in your diet will help you to have a healthier immune system. Lysine is great for warding off Herpes viruses which can cause cold sores. People who have a history of cold sores typically take lysine supplements to keep from getting a cold sore outbreak. If a cold sore has already formed taking lysine will help to heal the cold sore. Lysine can also help to quickly heal an outbreak of shingles.
Lysine is also said to help prevent bone loss or osteoporosis. The amino acid helps the body absorb calcium, and in return calcium is not lost in the excretion of urine. Lysine is essential for collagen formation. Collagen is found in bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Having plenty of lysine in your diet will give you stronger bones and thus reduce the risk for fractures and osteoporosis. Lysine is also used to help treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Lysine also has pain relieving capabilities. Lysine can be found in some pain relieving medications like Ibuprofen. This combination can reduce pain associated with headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual pain. Lysine has also been proven to help prevent hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which can cause blood clots and hypertension.
Lysine cannot be synthesized by the human body, it must be acquired through dietary means or from a supplement. Lysine can be found in food rich in protein, like meat, cheese, cod, sardines, lima beans, milk, eggs, yeast, nuts, soy products, and potatoes. Lysine deficiency can produce side effects such as nausea, hair loss, appetite loss, bloodshot eyes, lack of energy, weight loss, and irritability. Those who are partaking in a low-protein diet or have an eating disorder are more likely to develop protein deficiency. If you have a regular healthy diet, you should be getting plenty of lysine.