Lysine: Benefits, Sources, and How to Incorporate It into Your Wellness Routine

Author: Dr. Stephanie Nishek

What is Lysine and What Is It Good For?

If you have heard of lysine, you may be wondering what this is and whether or not it has any health benefits. More and more people are becoming interested in taking care of their overall health and well-being and there are many ways that you can go about doing this through diet and supplementation. 

In this article, we will be discussing what lysine is, what it is good for, and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine. So, keep reading if you are interested in taking better care of your mind and body in a natural way and having a more proactive role in your health.  

 What is Lysine and How Does it Work?  

Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that it must be consumed in the diet as the body cannot construct it itself. It is also known as L-lysine and is a building block of protein that is considered to be essential for tissue repair and growth. Because the body does not produce lysine, it is crucial that you get enough of this amino acid in your diet; otherwise, you could become deficient.  

Lysine is considered to be essential because it contributes to many functions of the body such as supporting the growth and development of proteins and collagen as well as aiding in psychological functions. Because it impacts several different functions within the body, a deficiency can lead to a variety of issues. For example, if you do not have enough lysine in your diet, you could develop defective connective tissues, anemia, systemic protein-energy deficiency, and impaired fatty acid metabolism. 

If you suspect that you may be deficient in lysine, here are some symptoms that you may experience: 

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Slow growth 

• Bloodshot eyes 

• Loss of appetite 

• Agitation 

• Hair loss 

• Poor concentration 

Sources of Lysine 

Because the body does not produce its own lysine, it is very important that you have a well-balanced diet that includes natural sources of lysine so that you do not develop a deficiency. However, you also need to keep in mind that certain foods contain more lysine than others, some individuals may absorb it in different ways, and it can be challenging to track exactly how much you are consuming through your diet. Because of this, you may want to look into supplementation as well after discussing this option with your healthcare provider. 

That being said, here are some natural sources of lysine you can add to your diet: 

• Soy products 

• Beans 

• Nuts 

• Dairy products 

• Red meat, chicken, and pork 

• Cod, tuna, sardines, and salmon 

• Mussels, oysters, and prawns 

• Peppers 

The foods highest in lysine are meat and dairy products but plant-based options are also suitable depending on your diet. If you consume a well-rounded diet that includes all of the basic food groups, it is very likely that you may already be consuming enough lysine. 

Potential Health Benefits of Lysine 

There is still a lot of research to be done on what lysine is and what its benefits are. Something else you should consider before trying to incorporate more lysine into your diet through food or supplementation is that it can impact everybody in a slightly different way. For instance, you may absorb lysine more easily than others, or you may feel the effects of a slight deficiency much more than someone else would. That is why it is essential that you discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider. 

Your healthcare provider can run different tests to check your levels of lysine to better understand how you need to adapt your diet to prevent or treat a deficiency.  

Cold Sore and Skin Health 

Lysine supports the body’s natural mechanisms in maintaining healthy skin and balancing certain amino acids, such as arginine. Arginine is involved in various bodily processes, including immune response. 

Cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), are a common skin concern. While the virus can remain dormant in the body, certain triggers like stress or sun exposure may contribute to flare-ups. Lysine has been studied for its role in promoting general skin health and may support the body's natural ability to maintain skin resilience during stressful conditions. 

Calcium Absorption 

Another potential benefit of lysine that research has shown is its potential towards helping in maintaining bone health. Lysine is able to do this by enhancing calcium absorption and its conservation in the kidneys.  

Women who are going through menopause or are post-menopause may want to consider adding this to their diet to support and maintain bone health. 

Stress Support  

Lysine supports the body's natural response to stress. Research suggests that lysine may help promote a balanced stress response, which can contribute to a sense of calm and overall mental wellness. By supporting a stable and balanced mood, lysine helps maintain a positive mental outlook. 

The research showing these results also included arginine, which is an amino acid known to help the body build protein. 

Collagen Production and Skin Health  

Lysine is an essential amino acid that contributes to collagen production, a protein that provides structural support to skin, bones, and connective tissues. Collagen is fundamental for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, and resilience, helping to keep skin looking healthy and feeling strong. Adequate lysine intake may support the body’s natural ability to maintain tissue integrity and promote overall skin health. For those seeking to optimize their skin’s appearance and strengthen its structure, lysine can be a valuable component in a balanced diet. 

Alternatives to Lysine-Rich Foods 

If making sure you are getting enough lysine is a goal of yours for your physical and mental well-being, doing so through your diet is a great option. However, it is crucial to understand that everyone absorbs vitamins and amino acids differently, and it can be difficult to measure how much lysine you are getting through foods. Other factors can also come into play, such as the quality of food, where it is grown, and whether or not you have any other deficiencies. 

Because of these factors, you may want to consider other alternatives to getting lysine through your diet. The other common alternative is through supplementation as this is much easier to control, especially if you want to consume a certain amount of lysine daily.  

Before choosing a lysine supplement, you need to ensure you are choosing a high-quality and potent option, such as the Lysine Immune Plus supplement from Wise Woman Herbals . Our supplement doesn’t just include lysine; it includes other essential ingredients that help to support your immune system and skin health, such as: 

• Vitamin C  

• Quercetin      

• Zinc 

• Bioperine   

The Takeaway 

If you want to take a more proactive approach to your health, one essential amino acid you should consider adding into your daily routine is lysine. Not only can a deficiency in lysine lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects, ensuring you are getting enough of this amino acid can help with other aspects of your physical and mental health. 

However, it’s essential that you choose a form of lysine that is pure and can provide the maximum health benefits. Contact us today at Wise Woman Herbals to view our range of high-quality supplements and to find more information on caring for your health and well-being.