Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by varicella zoster viruses. The initial infection with varicella zoster viruses usually occurs in childhood and leads to chickenpox. Years later, the viruses can be reactivated in the body, causing shingles.
Shingles is typically characterized by a painful, belt-like skin rash. In severe cases, nerve cells can be damaged (post-herpetic neuralgia), which is accompanied by severe nerve pain. The nerve pain can last for a long period of time.
Shingles can also cause headaches, fever, itching, fatigue and sensitivity to light
In immunocompromised people, the virus can spread throughout the body and attack internal organs.
In the treatment of shingles, active substances are used that inhibit the proliferation of viruses. This can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the risk of subsequent damage. Pain-relieving medications are also used.
The following micronutrients can complement the treatment of shingles:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important for the immune system. Vitamin C is also an effective antioxidant that counteracts oxidative stress. This means it can also reduce inflammation caused by oxidative stress.
A poor supply of vitamin C is associated with increased pain in post-herpetic neuralgia. Conversely, initial studies suggest that the administration of vitamin C could relieve pain in post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain-relieving effect of high doses of vitamin C is well documented in other types of pain. 1
Zinc
Zinc has many important functions in the immune system. Zinc also counteracts oxidative stress and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Zinc deficiency appears to increase the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia, as patients with post-herpetic neuralgia often have low zinc levels.
Since zinc is so important for the immune system, it is generally recommended to ensure a good zinc supply in the event of an infectious disease. 2
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the immune system. A vitamin D deficiency increases susceptibility to infections.
There also seems to be a connection between vitamin D supply and pain in post-herpetic neuralgia: people with low vitamin D levels are more affected by pain. 3
Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is very common in Germany, especially in winter. If you have shingles, vitamin D deficiency should be avoided at all costs.
β-glucans
β -glucans occur naturally in the cell walls of mushrooms. They can stimulate the immune system and thus support the body's defenses. 4 Medicinal mushrooms are a good source of β -glucans and there are more and more studies investigating the effect of medicinal mushrooms on the immune system.
There are no studies yet on the effect of medicinal mushrooms on shingles, but it is definitely worth a try.
B vitamins
B vitamins are also known as nerve vitamins. For good reason. A good supply of B vitamins is essential for nerve health.
B vitamins can relieve nerve pain and reduce inflammation, which is often responsible for the pain.5 They can also improve the analgesic effect of medications.
Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in particular are essential for the regeneration of nerve cells.
Patients with post-herpetic neuralgia often have low vitamin B12 levels. It is therefore important to ensure a good supply of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
Lysine
The amino acid lysine can inhibit the proliferation of viruses. This has been well researched, particularly in the case of herpes symplex viruses. 6 These viruses depend on the amino acid arginine to proliferate. Lysine is an antagonist of arginine.
There are no studies on shingles, but since varicella zoster viruses are closely related to herpes symplex viruses, lysine probably has a similar effect here.
Conclusion: Immune-boosting nutrients should not be missing for shingles
As with all infectious diseases, when suffering from shingles, it is important to ensure that you have a good supply of nutrients that are important for the immune system. The nerves should also be well supplied with the nutrients they need to function.
