Low Arginine Diet
DESCRIPTION
The viral infection with herpes simplex
has become a communicable disease problem in the developed world. Herpes
genitalis is characterized by self-limiting lesions of the genital and oral
areas. Although this infection is not life-threatening, it has caused
considerable embarrassment and discomfort. It has been found that arginine-rich
foods increase the likelihood of a herpes lesion in those individuals who are
infected with the virus. Arginine-rich foods include peanuts, pecans, almonds,
Brazil nuts, cashews and filberts as well as grains which are higher in
arginine and lower in lysine.
A diet lower in arginine (a non-essential
amino acid) has been utilized by many herpes sufferers to help control this
infection.
This diet is sufficient in all the
nutrients designated by the RDA’s as essential. Because this diet is
higher in lysine and lower in arginine it may result in a slight increase in
blood cholesterol levels.
SAMPLE MENU FOR ONE DAY
Breakfast
| 1/2 cup orange juice |
1 egg (poached or egg substitute) |
| 2 ounces of halibut |
1 cup puffed rice |
| 1 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
Hot, non-caloric beverage |
Lunch
| 1 cup soup, vegetable |
2 ounces sliced turkey breast |
| 2 slices whole wheat bread (limited)
|
10 rice wafers |
| 1 apple |
1 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
| 2 teaspoons butter, margarine, or
mayonnaise, |
slice lettuce and tomato for
sandwich |
Dinner
| 3 ounces broiled salmon |
1 cup brown rice |
| 1 cup steamed broccoli |
2 teaspoons oil and vinegar
dressing |
| 2 rice crackers |
1 teaspoon margarine or butter |
| 1/2 banana |
1 cup skim milk or milk (2% fat) |
| Hot, non-caloric beverage |
1 cup salad: romaine or Boston
lettuce, |
| sliced carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms,
|
green pepper, celery |
Nutrient Content
Calories: 2000]
Protein: 17%
Carbohydrates: 65%
Fat: 28%
Cholesterol: 320 mg
Fiber: 12 g
FOOD EXCHANGE MENU
Bread and Cereal Exchange List:
4 or more servings per day
Recommended:
• Whole wheat bread (limited) •
Whole wheat roll (limited)
• Whole wheat pastas (limited)
• Soybean flour
• Corn or rice cereals • Brown
rice
• White rice (enriched) • Rice
noodles
• Potatoes • Sweet potatoes
• Beans (dried) • Green
peas
• Lentils
• Breads and rolls made from:
• Arrowroot • Corn •
Potato • Rice
Avoid: All others
Fat Exchange List
Recommended: All fats not noted below
Avoid: All nuts including peanut
butter
Fruit Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Recommended: All fruits and juices
Avoid: None
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange
List:
6 or more servings per day
Recommended:
• Meats • Fish
• Poultry • Shellfish
• Eggs • Natural cheeses
Avoid:
• Peanut butter
• Any meats prepared with the
restricted grains such as:
• Luncheon meats
• Spreads
• Processed cheese
Milk Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Recommended: Unflavored milk and
milk products
Avoid:
• Commercial chocolate milk
• Malted Milk
• All other milks with wheat
products added
Vegetable Exchange List:
4 or more servings per day
Recommended: Fresh or frozen
vegetables
Avoid: Creamed or breaded vegetables,
unless prepared with the recommended ingredients
Miscellaneous Food Exchange
Recommended:
• Soups made with recommended
ingredients
• Broths made with recommended
ingredients
Avoid:
• Cereal beverages such as Postum
and Ovaltine
• Beer, ale, and other beverages
made with the restricted grains
Note:
Include 6 to 8 cups of fluids, such as
water, per day. |
