Cold sores are painful, unattractive blisters and open sores that usually form on or around the lips. They are caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus. According to MedlinePlus, a patient information service jointly maintained by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, more than half of the U.S. population is infected by the age of 20. While there is no cure for cold sores, getting enough rest, avoiding stress and eating a healthy diet are some of the things patients can do to minimize the frequency and severity of recurrences.
Meat, Poultry and Fish
Meat, poultry and fish supply the essential amino acid, lysine, which inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus in test tubes. They also supply other nutrients--including zinc and iron--that support the health of the immune system. MedlinePlus names tuna, salmon, oysters and red meat among the "best" food sources of iron, while zinc is found in beef, pork, lamb, oysters and, to a less extent, poultry. While fish contain omega-3 fats that promote heart health, meat and poultry contain saturated fats that have the opposite effects. To optimize heart health, patients should choose lean cuts of meat and poultry and bake or broil--not fry--all protein foods.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils are rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that also functions as an antioxidant. In the December 2005 issue of "Alternative Medicine Reviews," holistic medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby claims that vitamin E reduces the duration and severity of cold sores. In addition to their nutritional benefits, vegetables oils can also be applied to the surface of cold sores to soften scabs and moisturize the delicate new skin that forms as cold sores start to heal. Good choices include wheat germ oil, avocado oil and olive oil. Many popular grocery store vegetable oils have had some of their vitamin E removed, so consumers should read labels before making a selection.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain valuable nutrients such as vitamin C and flavonoids that support the health of the immune system. In the 2007 edition of his book "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel recommends consuming at least seven or eight servings per day. Citrus fruits can provoke discomfort for people with cold sores. Good alternatives include melon, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and other greens, yams, bell peppers, papaya, mango and squash. Nutrients get lost during processing, so ideally, patients should choose fresh rather than canned or frozen versions. Soft fruits and cooked vegetables may cause less discomfort than hard fruits and raw vegetables that scrape and scratch.
References
- MedlinePlus: Cold Sores
- MedlinePlus: Mouth Sores
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Natural Remedies for Herpes Simplex; Alan R. Gaby, M.D. ; December 2005
- MedlinePlus: Zinc in Diet
- MedlinePlus: Iron in Diet
