Cold sores are painful, fluid-filled blisters caused by infection with one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Ninety percent of people become infected with the herpes simplex virus by the age of 50, according to University of Washington professor Lawrence Corey, M.D. in the 2008 edition of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Some infected people experience just one episode of cold sores, while others suffer repeated bouts. For the latter, food choices may influence the frequency and severity of cold sores.
Significance
In the December 2005 edition of "Alternative Medicine Reviews," holistic medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D. reviewed 56 studies on the significance of nutrition in people with cold sores or genital herpes. The results, Gaby says, show that there is evidence that certain dietary modifications and natural substances may be useful for treating active Herpes simplex lesions or preventing recurrences. Although most of the studies Gaby evaluated considered nutrients in the form of dietary supplements, Gaby recommends starting with whole food nutrition before turning to supplements.
Foods to Enjoy
In the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. states that foods rich in the amino acid lysine combat cold sores by blocking the herpes simplex-promoting effects of another amino acid, arginine. Good choices, according to Rakel, include chicken, fish, turkey, dairy products, soybeans and legumes. In addition, Dr. Rakel recommends consuming seven or eight servings of fruits and vegetables to obtain high levels of nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and flavonoids.
Foods to Avoid
Hot, spicy, acidic and abrasive foods can damage tissues around the mouth, triggering cold sore outbreaks in some and making pre-existing outbreaks worse. High arginine foods such as chocolate, peanuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and gelatin can also promote cold sore outbreaks by promoting the growth of the herpes simplex virus. Dr. Gaby describes an observational study of nine patients in which cold sore outbreaks were invariably linked to high arginine intake 12 to 36 hours earlier.
Foods to Limit
Dr. Gaby recommends limiting refined carbohydrates such as sugar, corn syrup, white rice and white flour. Ingesting just 10 to 20 percent of a person's daily calories in the form of refined carbohydrates impairs immune function in animals and humans. Although specific studies on people with cold sores have not been performed, Dr. Gaby cites his own experience, noting that many patients have observed that herpetic lesions recur when they eat too many sweets.
Alternatives
Dr. Rakel states that food triggers can vary from person to person. For people with very frequent cold sores, it may help to keep a daily food diary. Alternatively, a food recall, whereby the affected person records all foods eaten in the preceding 48 hours, can help when it's done at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak. Foods that emerge consistently should be eliminated from the diet one at a time, followed by monitoring for effectiveness.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 23rd Edition"; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. et al.; 2008
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex; Alan R. Gaby, M.D. ; Dec. 2005
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- MedlinePlus: Mouth Sores
