Cold sores are small, painful lesions that appear on your lips or inside your mouth. These lesions are caused by the herpes simplex type-1 virus, according to Gale Maleskey, author of "Nature's Medicines." Once you have become infected with the herpes simplex virus, you may experience recurring cold sore outbreaks throughout your life. There is no known cure for this condition; however, avoiding certain foods may help you control the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
Refined Flour
Avoid products that contain refined flour, such as white breads, pastas, cakes, doughnuts, pies and fast-food hamburger buns. The process used to bleach and refine grains turns these foods into simple carbohydrates, which are sugars that herpes virus cells can use as fuel, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This may facilitate the spread of this virus, which may increase the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
Arganine-Rich Foods
The herpes simplex virus requires arganine to thrive and multiply, according to Maleskey. Arganine is an amino acid found in both animal and plant foods. Walnuts, chicken, barley, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, oats and corn are particularly high in arganine. Avoid these foods, opting instead for foods such as chicken, fish and fresh raw vegetables. These foods contain lysine, an enzyme that inhibits arganine and may prevent cold sore outbreaks.
Alcohol
Limit or eliminate your use of alcohol to help control cold sores. Your body quickly converts alcohol to simple sugars, according to Balch. This provides fuel for herpes simplex virus cells and may contribute to frequent cold sore outbreaks. Alcohol use may also impair the function of your immune system, reducing your body's ability to control the spread of the herpes simplex virus.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Nature's Medicines"; Gale Maleskey; 1999
