Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, result from infection with one of two types of the herpes simplex virus, usually herpes simplex-1. The American Social Health Association, or ASHA, reports that most people contract the disease during childhood, from kisses received from infected relatives or through transfer from objects handled by an infected person. In most cases, ASHA says, the disease goes unrecognized and undiagnosed. In others, however, the infected person suffers from repeated bouts of fever blisters. For these people, diet, along with stress reduction and getting adequate sleep, represents a first-line strategy for reducing future outbreaks.
Significance
Although most studies on fever blisters and diet have focused on specific nutrients, mainly in the form of dietary supplements, there is no question that consuming a balanced diet plays a key role in immune system health. Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a good start. In the 2007 edition of the "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," naturopathic doctor and professor Toni Hudson suggests going even further.
Foods to Enjoy
Hudson says patients should maximize their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Fruit and vegetables, in particular, are rich sources of vitamin C. In test tubes, vitamin C checks the growth of herpes simplex. Whole grains contain fiber, thought to reduce the blood sugar-raising and immune system-inhibiting effects of refined grains. Legumes, like whole grains, offer fiber and, unlike whole grains, contribute significant amounts of protein.
Foods to Avoid
Hudson says patients should eliminate refined sugar and chocolate, ingredients the Dietary Guidelines for Americans allow in moderation. Refined sugar has the same blood sugar-raising and immune system-inhibiting effects as refined grains. Chocolate contains large amounts of arginine, an amino acid thought to stimulate the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus. Hudson also advises patients to steer clear of foods that contain preservatives, artificial colors, hormones, pesticides or herbicides, although she offers no evidence to support this recommendation.
Foods to Limit
Hudson's advice that patients limit fat, salt and alcohol intake echoes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, she also recommends that patients limit consumption of nuts and seeds, foods that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans actually encourage Americans to consume in greater quantities. Her reason is that these foods, like chocolate, contain high amounts of arginine. In fact, nuts and seeds contain even more arginine than does chocolate. For fever blister patients who find that nut or seed consumption triggers outbreaks, it's best to avoid these foods altogether. For others, it may be sufficient to avoid them only during active outbreaks.
Considerations
Because fever blisters usually develop on the borders of the lips, eating certain types of foods can cause skin damage, independent of their effects on nutrition. MedlinePlus, a patient information service maintained jointly by the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine, recommends that fever blister patients avoid hot, spicy and acidic foods during active outbreaks. Consuming very cold beverages, such as iced tea and ice water, may even help control fever blister discomfort. However, diet does not replace conventional medical treatment for fever blisters or any other condition. People who experience severe, frequent or persistent---longer than two weeks---fever blisters should see a doctor.
References
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Toni Hudson, N.D.; 2007
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- American Social Health Association: Learn About Oral Herpes
- MedlinePlus: Mouth Sores
- American Social Health Association: Herpes Treatment
