Cold sores are a common symptom of the type 1 herpes simplex virus, MayoClinic.com reports. Common triggers of cold sore breakouts include stress, poor sleep habits, a viral infection or prolonged sun exposure. In addition to reducing the frequency of these triggers in your life, you may also want to consider trying a cold sore diet. As with all diets, check in with your doctor to see if a cold sore diet is right for you.
B Vitamins
A cold sore diet should include plenty of B vitamins, including thiamine, vitamin B-6, folic acid and vitamin B-12. The B vitamins are involved in dozens of your body's functions, including tissue repair and immunity. Consuming a vitamin B-rich diet can help reduce the incidence of cold sores and reduce the time they take to heal, according to James Balch, MD, in his book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Vitamin B-rich foods include lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fortified whole grains and fresh produce.
Vitamin C
A cold sore diet should include plenty of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for immunity and helps prevent damage to your cells caused by free radicals. Balch notes that adequate vitamin C intake can prevent cold sores from forming by combating the type 1 herpes simplex virus. Foods abundant in vitamin C include carrots, broccoli, kale, mangoes and bananas.
Garlic
Garlic is a healthy and effective way to flavor the foods in your cold sore diet. Garlic has antiviral properties that may aid in cold sore prevention and treatment. The website HomemadeMedicine.com reports that applying raw garlic to a cold sore or consuming garlic can boost the body's ability to stave off herpes simplex virus activity.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, as your body isn't able to manufacture it through diet alone. According to MayoClinic.com, lysine may reduce the incidence of cold sore breakouts in people with herpes simplex virus. Lysine-rich foods to include in your cold sore diet include eggs, lean cuts of chicken, pork and beef, low-fat yogurt and beans.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cold Sores
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- HomeMadeMedicine.com: Home Remedies for Cold sores
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine
