subject: Ways to Prevent Herpes Outbreaks - Stop Genital Herpes Flare Ups Before They Occur [print this page] Genital herpes one of the most common STDs in the United States today, with estimates as high as one in six people carrying the disease. Having herpes can be a very harrowing experience, and I should know. I've had herpes for over ten years now. In the short term, herpes is a terrible emotional rollercoaster. You feel ashamed and embarrassed, upset and angry, dejected and depressed. There's no cure for genital herpes, and the outbreaks rear their ugly head just often enough for you to be constantly reminded of that one mistake you made. Not to mention getting through day to day life with sores on your vagina or an unbearably itchy penis is a trial for even the strongest willed person.
I've come to terms with having herpes now, but it took quite some time for me to get to this stage. The main thing I've found, is to get on with your life, and not let the virus get you down, even when you are in the midst of a bad outbreak. The one thing that has let me rise above the nasty disease more than any other was finding ways to prevent herpes outbreaks, and getting some control over the disease. It's my body, dammit, and I'm the one in control!
Everyone's body is different, and one of the things that comes with time is learning what your triggers for outbreaks are, and how to avoid those triggers. The best ways to prevent herpes outbreaks that I've found are avoiding triggers, keeping the immune system in as good shape as possible, and generally keeping healthy and fit.
The most common trigger for a herpes outbreak is stress. When stress gets on top of you, your immune system is compromised and this can lead to outbreaks. Eliminating stress from my life as much as humanly possible is something that has reduced my outbreaks significantly. This might mean some drastic changes in your life (for me, this meant a whole new career!), but it will be worth it to get some control over your symptoms. On top of that, your whole life can benefit from reducing stress, and you'll be a happier and more productive person to boot.
A good diet and plenty of exercise can really knock herpes on the head, and is one of the best ways to prevent herpes outbreaks. Avoiding coffee and alcohol, eating lots of leafy greens and leaner cuts of meat, and cutting a lot of salt and sugar from my diet was a great help. Getting enough sleep is also important to keep the immune system in top gear, so I make sure I get 8 hours no matter what.
Among the best ways to prevent herpes outbreaks is knowing your body and how herpes reacts to it in different states and to different influences. This is something that really comes with time, but if you start by following some of my tips above, you'll be well on your way to preventing herpes outbreaks.
Ways to Prevent Herpes Outbreaks - Stop Genital Herpes Flare Ups Before They Occur
