HSV-1, the herpes simplex virus responsible for fever blisters, is nothing new. Emperor Tiberius had to prohibit kissing in Rome because of an outbreak in the earliest years Anno Domini. Since then, science has established a link between certain foods and fever blisters, which are sometimes called cold sores. You should still avoid kissing anyone when you have an outbreak, because HSV-1 is contagious. But you might be able to control the frequency and severity of fever blisters with changes to your diet.
Foods High in Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid your body produces on its own, but it is also present in some foods. If you consume these foods and increase your natural arginine levels while you have an active fever blister, the blister will thrive. If you don't have an active fever blister, arginine foods can potentially cause an outbreak. The HSV-1 virus requires this amino acid to live. The more you give it, the more the virus will proliferate. Foods notably high in arginine include nuts, seeds, carrots, squash, oatmeal, chocolate and most shellfish.
Beverages
Artificial sweeteners might also worsen or cause a fever blister outbreak. These include sucralose, aspartame and saccharin. Because caffeine can also prompt or aggravate a fever blister outbreak, it's best to avoid coffee, especially if you usually add an artificial sweetener to your beverage. Diet soft drinks and other low-calorie beverages also commonly use artificial sweeteners, so check labels before you drink.
Foods That Can Aggravate Sores
If you're already suffering from a fever blister, it's too late to prevent it. Certain foods can irritate it, causing you unnecessary pain and preventing it from healing as quickly as it otherwise might. Obvious culprits are anything sprinkled with salt, such as pretzels, and spicy dishes containing chili or red pepper. Foods with a high acid content can also cause you trouble, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Tips
Products other than foods contain arginine. It is frequently a component of multivitamins and protein products used by those trying to bulk up their muscles, so check labels if you typically use any of these products. If you don't want to eliminate them entirely, or the foods that might trigger an outbreak, aloe applied directly to the sore can inhibit the virus from replicating itself and getting worse.
References
- Health Guidance; Home Remedies For Fever Blisters; Kevin Pederson; 2011
- Teens Health; Cold Sores; Patrice Hyde, M.D.; February 2011
- Federal Citizen Information Center; Fever Blisters and Canker Sores; National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; July 1992
- "Cold Sore Free Diet Guide"; A Guide to Reducing Cold Sores Through Diet and Lifestyle Changes; Dr. John Spurge, N.D.; 2010 (PDF)
- The Free Library; Cold Sore Treatment; What Foods Cause and Cure Cold Sores?; 2011
