11/18/2021
Save this post for future reference if you get cold sores.
💡A cold sore is a group of tiny, painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They can show up on the outside of your mouth & lips.
💡 Certain things can trigger an outbreak, including:
* Some foods
* Stress
* Fever
* Colds
* Allergies
* Fatigue
* Sunburn or being in strong sunlight
* Dental work or cosmetic surgery
* Menstruation
Cold sores usually start with :
1. a tingling, burning, or itching feeling.
2. 12 to 24 hours later, blisters form. The area becomes red, swollen, and painful.
3. blisters break open, & fluid comes out & lasts 2 or 3 days.
4. Scab forms
5. Scab falls off
💡Antiviral medications can speed healing, especially if you take them at the first sign of an outbreak. Your doctor might tell you to use:
* Cream that you apply on the sores. Acyclovir which needs a prescription, or you can get Abreva over the counter.
* you can also have laser treatment in the area where they develop to help expediate healing.
💡What Foods can cause cold sores?
Arginine rich, acidic & processed foods can activate a cold sore. Avoiding foods high in arginine may help prevent cold sores and/or minimize the duration of an outbreak.
Avoid These High Arginine Foods:
* Chocolate
* Peanuts
* Almonds
* Walnuts
* Hazelnuts
* Flaxseeds
* Sesame
* Sunflower seeds
* Dark leafy greens (ex: Spinach)
* Whole grains
💡What foods help protect against cold sores?
Foods high in Lysine works to inhibit the effects of Arginine.
Eat These High Lysine Foods:
* Yogurt
* Milk
* Cheese
* Eggs
* Chicken
* Fruit (ex: grapes, kiwi, pineapple and lemons)
* Fish
* Pork Ribs
💡AVOID HIGHLY ACIDIC foods:
When you have a open cold sore you must do your best to avoid aggravating it further, minimize your consumption of acidic foods and beverages like:
* Fruit (ex: pineapple, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits)
* Tomatoes
* Fruit juice
* Wine
* Soda
* Salty snack foods (ex: pickles and pretzels)
* Vinegar-based salad dressings
I Genuinely believe that the mouth is the gateway to the body. Change your diet. change your life.
