Anyone who has ever suffered with shingles will tell you that it is excruciating almost to the point of madness. The pain from a shingles outbreak can last for months and even years in some cases. In this article we will explore what causes shingles, foods to avoid, foods to enjoy, and how CBD can be the answer that many sufferers are looking for to help ease the pain that accompanies this disease.

What is shingles?
Shingles is a blistery rash that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox called the Varicella Zoster Virus. After a person has had chicken pox the varicella zoster virus remains dormant in the central nervous system and can reactivate many years later in the form of shingles. It traditionally presents as a line of blisters across the right or left side of the torso but can show up in any part of the body. There are many symptoms of shingles, but the most notable for people who have suffered from this condition is pain. The pain can be incredibly intense and can drag on for years. Although shingles is not a physically life threatening condition, many people who suffer from it can develop extreme anxiety and hopelessness due to the never ending onslaught of pain.

What are the causes and risks of shingles?
Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop shingles. The virus that causes chicken pox can live dormant in the central nervous system for many years. Many things can cause the virus to reactivate allowing it to travel along the nerve channels and out to the skin forming a painful blistery rash. Science is still unclear on exactly why this dormant virus reactivates in some people, but most scientists believe it to be a weakened immune system. There are many risk factors for developing shingles, but the most commonly cited risks include:

• Diagnoses of an immune weakening disease
• Certain medications that weaken the immune system
• Being older than 50. As we age our immune system weakens, opening the door for all sorts of diseases and complications.
• Undergoing certain treatments that weaken the immune system
• Stress. Stress can definitely weaken the immune system. A person who has had chicken pox can develop shingles at any age. My baby sister developed shingles in her late teens due to extreme stress.

Can shingles cause other complications?

• Skin infections. Shingles begins with an itchy, blistery, rash. These blisters can open up and invite in a whole host of bacteria. Keep skin clean & dry and avoid harsh soaps when you are in the rash phase of shingles to avoid infection.
• Prolonged pain even after rash has cleared (Postherpetic Neuralgia). Many sufferers will experience pain for longer than 3 months after the rash disappears. Some even report experiencing this pain for many years. This pain can present as a deep ache, stabbing pain, pain with light touch, painful itching, or deep numbness. Exposure to this level of pain can cause sufferers to develop depression, insomnia, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.
• Neurological symptoms. Some people can develop neurological symptoms such as dizziness, facial paralysis, hearing loss, vertigo, and inflammation of the brain.
  

Is shingles contagious?
Shingles can be transmitted when in the blister phase, but only to someone who has never had chickenpox. Once the rash has crusted over, the person is no longer considered contagious but should still practice caution. There are a few things you can do to limit exposing others when you are in the blister phase of shingles.

• Keep the rash clean, dry, & covered. This is especially important when blisters are still fluid filled and/or oozing.
• Try to avoid scratching or even touching the rash area.
• Wash your hands more often than usual.
• Avoid anyone who has never had chicken pox, pregnant and nursing women, & anyone with a weakened immune system

You need to consume foods low in arginine & high in lysine when suffering a shingles flare up. Arginine is an amino acid that the virus can use to reproduce in your cells and lysine is an amino acid that counteracts the effects of arginine.
Avoid foods high in arginine:

• Soy
• Gelatin
• Grains
• Nuts & seeds
• Dark chocolate
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Certain muscle building supplements

Consume foods high in lysine:

• Most poultry & meat
• Yogurt
• Most cheeses
• Most fruits (especially apples, mangoes, & pears)
• Fish

Can CBD help with shingles?
CBD has been shown to inhibit viruses, and decrease inflammation that leads to cell damage. Using CBD can promote and maintain homeostasis to prevent the virus from becoming active and producing a shingles outbreak. Many people report that CBD aids in relieving the symptoms of a shingles outbreak, especially the pain that is associated with it. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, promotes homeostasis, calms overactive nerves and pain signaling, and helps reduce stress that can lead to an outbreak.

The most important thing to note when taking CBD for a shingles outbreak is consistency and finding your therapeutic window. Everyone's cannabinoid receptors are different and not a one size fits all therapy. When starting CBD you should:

• Start low and slow: start with a low dose for a couple of days and increase little by little until you reach the dose that is giving you some relief
• Be consistent: I warn people all the time to use CBD proactively. Once you have found your therapeutic window or your "sweet spot", take that dose every day and keep a journal of the relief and benefits that you experience.
• Know the difference between an oral and a topical application: Topical applications are fantastic for localized pain. Finding a product that is penetrating and concentrated can bring fast pain relief to shingles outbreaks. Using an oral (CBD oil, water soluble, edible, etc.) allows the CBD to travel throughout your system and hit the many receptors that are found on nearly every cell type in your body.
• Be patient: While some lucky people will report almost instant relief from symptoms when beginning their CBD journey, for others it will take some time for their Endocannabinoid System to catch up. Taking CBD on a regular basis will help your body to achieve and maintain homeostasis leading to a healthier you.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease