This is my friend Bethany and I making a commercial. It was fun and I think not to bad for a relatively inexpensive camera, and terrible software for editing (seriously, it is WinDVD Creator). But it was fun so that’s all that matters.
Although many think of herpes as a skin infection, it is actually an inflammation of the sensory nerves. In between outbreaks, the herpes DNA survives in nerve centres at the base of the brain called ganglia. During outbreaks, the DNA replicates, forming a virus. The virus passes down the nerve to the skin, where it causes lesions.
These sores are very contagious. They appear three to ten days after exposure and may last up to three weeks. From the moment they start tingling they are contagious, and will remain so until the lesion heals completely. Kissing, sharing utensils, sexual intercourse or touching anything that the infected persons lesion has touched (a towel they have used etc) will transmit the virus to you. So be careful!
The Lysine approach
Nutrients and diet are helpful. The amino acid Lysine slows or alters the growth of the virus, and, foods that are rich in this amino acid should be included in the diet. Some examples are fish and shellfish, bean sprouts, brewers yeast, milk, beans, fruit and vegetables, eggs, and turkey.
Foods that should be avoided are refined carbohydrates, whole grain and white flour and sugar, colas and coffee, alcohol and processed foods. During outbreaks, foods that contain the amino acid Arginine should also be avoided. These include gelatine, chicken, wheat germ, cereals, soybeans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, carob and chocolate. Arginine competes with lysine for absorption. Citrus foods may also irritate the infection.
According to researcher Christopher Kagan, M.D., herpes DNA uses the amino acid L-arginine to replicate itself and form a virus. “Early studies using laboratory cultures demonstrated that L-arginine was necessary for herpes growth,” Kagan stated, “It soon became clear that another amino acid, L-lysine, blocked the bio-availability of arginine. By 1981, Dr. Griffith had demonstrated that lysine concentrations similar to those found in human blood could suppress herpes growth in lab cultures.”
Several clinical studies have supported the efficacy of Lysine supplementation for herpes therapy. In one survey, 88% of 1,543 cold sore sufferers reported benefiting from lysine therapy. “More research on Lysine is still needed,” says Kagan, “but lysine therapy has produced some positive results.”
There has been a lot of studies done into the triggers and prevention of cold sores. It has been found that supplementation of the amino acid Lysine actually suppress the symptoms of cold sores. The studies also showed that once supplementation stopped the cold sores returned within 1 to 4 weeks. The amount of Lysine needed as a preventative for cold sores varies, depending on the persons diet and the overall nutrient balance of Arginine and Lysine, as well as biochemical individuality. Generally a maintenance dosage of 500mg twice daily is suggested for prevention, increasing to as much as 2000 – 3000 mg three to four times daily if the onset of symptoms such as the “tingling” are noticed. In this case, remain at the higher dosage for at least four days, even if the symptoms subside.
Leanne James realised the need for a complex formulation to help treat and prevent cold sores, so made Herp-eze. This product contains the immune boosters Astragalus & Zinc, the anti viral herb Olive leaf, as well as L-lysine & Vitamin C – Wow!! What a power pack.
Stress has a strong link with the onset of an outbreak of cold sores. Certain supplements have been shown to have a direct effect on the virus: Lysine, B complex, Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids, Vitamin E and the mineral Zinc. These nutrients are needed for a strong immune system and for the production of collagen. Naturopharm have their cream to apply to cold sores which you can find in this Colsor Pack. Also try herbs that help fight off a virus, such as Echinacea, Cats Claw, Garlic, and Olive leaf.
Astragalus increases production of white blood cells and strengthens the bodies immune response and vital force. It has an energy boosting action.Formulas incorporating Astragalus are used in China in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients. Chinese investigators have shown they strengthen the individuals immunity to fight the disease as well as prevent bone marrow depression and gastro-intestinal side effects associated with conventional therapy. Reshi mushroom has been shown to demonstrate anti-tumour and immuno-tonic effects. They increase both DNA and RNA synthesis in the bone marrow and enhance natural killer cell activity. The Japanese government has officially listed Reishi as an adjunct herb for cancer. Privet has been used by the Chinese to nourish the liver and kidney, but as well as this, research has shown that it has the effect of increasing white blood cell count in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The future of Herpes treatment
Herpes sufferers should keep the cold sores “clean, dry and friction free,” according to the American National Herpes Hotline. That means wearing loose fitting clothes and abstaining even from protected sex. “Exercise, a healthy diet rich in nutrition, weight control and stress management are still the first line of defence against herpes,” So, while science continues to search for cures, lysine therapy, common sense, and prevention remain the most powerful weapons in the war against herpes.
Note: If cold sores develop near the eyes, the cornea can become affected and blindness may result. See an Opthalmologist if the cold sore appears on the forehead, near the eyes or on the tip of the nose.
Cold sore remedies are in great need due to the epidemic of cold sores today. Over 89% of our population is infected with the herpes simplex virus. Over 60% of those will get cold sores each year. These people need cold sore remedies that truly work.
Commercial cold sore remedies you buy at the drug store are considered mostly comfort treatments. They relieve your discomfort with oils and numbing agents such as lidocaine. And that is good.
But, commercial cold sore remedies do little or nothing for getting rid of cold sores quickly. Natural home remedies still will give you the best results.
The following are some top cold sore remedies that have proven to be excellent at curing your sores. Give them a try. They will work better than most commercial products.
1. GARLIC OIL.
Garlic is an amazing cold sore remedy. Under a microscope, you can watch viruses flee from just the smell of it.
Garlic also has the unique ability to pass right through the skin and attack the virus underneath. Put it on your feet and you will smell it on your breath in less than 30 minutes.
Fresh garlic, either cut or crushed, will give you the very best results.
When it is not convenient, you can buy gel-caps at the vitamin store designed for internal use. Just snip or prick the end off the gel-cap and squeeze the oil right on your cold sores.
If you take garlic internally, it will greatly boost the results of an external application. Plus, you will be more resistant to cold and flu virus too.
2. PEPPERMINT OIL.
Mint is also very strong medicine for healing cold sores. It seems to stop cold sores immediately and heal them in short order. Yes, it smells a lot better than garlic too.
The best way to obtain peppermint oil for safely applying directly to the sore is to buy peppermint gel-caps at the vitamin store. Then, like the garlic caps, you can cut them and apply the oil to the sore area.
There is also available peppermint oil for aromatherapy use. This is extremely concentrated and can burn your skin. Get aromatherapy instructions and follow their directions for diluting it with olive oil.
You can also mix garlic and peppermint oil for an exceptional topical cold sore remedy.
3. TEA BAGS.
Applying heat to any sore will speed healing. This is the case with cold sores that have blossomed open too. It brings a rush of healing blood to the scene.
The best way to accomplish this is by using warm tea bags. Common black tea works great. Black tea with mint or lemon balm will work twice as fast.
Caution. Never heat a tea bag directly in a microwave. Heat the water first, then use the hot water to heat the bag. The microwaves destroy most of the healing benefits of tea.
4. LYSINE.
Lysine is one of the most effective and well-proven treatments you will find. No matter what other cold sore remedies you use, this should always be part of your plan.
Lysine is a common protein found in dairy and fish. It works by reducing the amount of arginine in your cells. Arginine is the protein fraction needed by the herpes virus to create new viruses.
If you stop the herpes replication process, you will prevent – or quickly eliminate – any cold sores. Lysine dramatically hinders this process.
Folks start taking it the minute they feel an outbreak coming on. They continue to take it until the skin is again clear. Normal dosage during this time is 3000 milligrams per day.
Lysine is quite safe. For example, a large serving of Flounder contains about 10,000 milligrams of lysine. For me, I prefer lysine capsules. They are cheap and very convenient to use.
You will find these to be some of the finest cold sore remedies around.
Be sure to try them. You will enjoy great healing results and get your social life back fast using these top cold sore remedies.
Treating a cold sore does not have to be difficult or expensive. You can do it effectively and economically using these home remedies.
You can use either internal or external remedies for treating cold sores. Your best outcome can be achieved by combining both types of remedies at the same time.
If you do, you will be amazed how quickly your outbreaks will disappear using these simple remedies.
A. EXTERNAL TREATMENTS.
Because these sores always appear on the surface, topical remedies are the most popular. Here are some proven and powerful external remedies for treating your cold sores.
1. ICE. If your outbreak is in its early stages, ice works wonders. Ice stops discomfort and swelling. And it discourages the herpes virus from replicating.
Ice will slow down (and sometimes completely stop) your outbreak if applied at the first itching or tingling sign.
2. GARLIC OIL. Use fresh crushed or cut garlic for optimal results. Start applying it as soon as you feel a sore coming on.
Garlic is very anti-virus and has the amazing ability to go right through the skin to the infection. If you do not like the smell of garlic, use oregano or mint oil instead.
3. HEAT. Once your cold sores blossom, stop the ice and use hot, moist tea bags. You are now in the healing stage. Ice slows healing, heat speeds it up.
Tea has great healing properties. Any tea will do, but mint tea is preferred. Use only hot water for warming up the tea bags. Never heat a tea bag directly in a microwave. The radiation ruins much of the benefits of tea.
4. PEROXIDE. You probably already know to continuously cleanse your cold sores. Alcohol soaked tissues are commonly used and work well.
I prefer hydrogen peroxide. It works as well as alcohol for cleansing a wound, but is also rich in oxygen molecules, which will boost your healing speed even more.
B. INTERNAL TREATMENTS.
Internally treating a cold sore will greatly boost the results of any external treatment. It is the only way of actually preventing future attacks.
Here are the two main internal methods of successfully treating cold sores.
1. LYSINE. Lysine stops the virus from getting the protein (arginine) that it needs to build new virus particles. When you accomplish this, you have just slowed down – or prevented – another outbreak.
Lysine must get into the cells for treating a cold sore. The only way for this to happen is to take in lysine orally – not using it topically on the outbreak as some companies claim.
Lysine is rich in dairy products and fish, but it is difficult to get the measured high amounts you need from food alone.
Lysine capsules are much more convenient when you need large dosages. They are cheap and easy to find. Commonly, folks take about 3000 milligrams daily during active cold sores.
2. VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS. If you get a lot of cold sores, you should be taking a good quality vitamin supplement. This is an outstanding way of treating cold sores.
Vitamins A, D and E are essential for healthy eyes and skin – and fast cell and skin repair. Vitamins B and C are the stress vitamins. They protect you from physical effects of stress.
Minerals zinc and calcium are powerful medicine against cold sores. Zinc is a well proven healing and protective mineral. You need 30 milligrams per day.
Calcium is the premier mineral for treating a cold sore. It helps keep your body in a healthy alkaline condition. This is so critical for your health your body will take it from your bones if your intake is deficient.
There you have it.
You do not need expensive store-bought ways of treating a cold sore, just some good home remedies that have proven themselves over many years.
Treating a cold sore and eliminating it quickly is as easy as giving these cold sore remedies a try.
I hope that the following article will help you to better understand this topic.
When someone suffers from a cold sore, the first thought that could arise in your mind is whether you can catch the same infection from that person. Cold sores are contagious in more ways than one. The cold sores can spread easily from one to the other in more than one way. You can infect others easily through your cold sore. It is spread through a virus, which is easily spread able. A person does not have an active cold sore but posses the virus herpes simplex virus.
As it is commonly, said HSV-1 virus that causes cold sore generally affects at the age five. It will show its ill effects in form of cold sore after puberty. This virus can lie in an inactive form for a longer time and transfers in to a disease called cold sore.
Cold sore is an extremely contagious disease. You have to avoid kissing, coughing, sneezing and through a common touch of the infected person. Other people get easily affected. These viruses are easily transferable. A kid can get cold sore through touch of infected parent in an every day routine. It is sensitive disease and spread by common touch.
One of the most common ways that HSV-1 spread is through a used thing of an infected person could be a toothbrush or tube of lip balm. There is a strong risk of infection to the next person if particles of the HSV-1 virus transferred to an object and somebody else uses it. Thus the contamination of disease occurs.
People are most possible to become infected with this virus by coming into contact to somebody with a cold sore. Here chances of getting the infection are very high. Cold sore develops in many stages or steps before it goes away. The tingle level is the first where the virus gets out of sleep. At this point, the cold sore has not yet formed, but the viruses get reactivated.
The next level is weeping stage. In the weeping level of cold sore, the dangerous undertaking of spreading the virus increases and becomes high risky. At this stage, the sore burst opens and expels a clear liquid. The risk of infection is greater than normal in the crusting stage when the sore scabbed over. These are the stages and possibilities of being infected by cold sore. In every stage, they are contagious.
You have to make sure that the other person will not be in danger because of you. Avoid close touch by any way to the other person if you have cold sore. You will never think that are cold sores contagious. Take care of your hygiene.
It is good to remark that HVS-1 virus not only easily spread able among people but also flexible to move out within different parts of body. The infected person may accidental injury himself by affecting various parts of body. People must be sure to wash their hands consistently when they have a cold sore to keep off the spread of HSV-1.
Cold Sore is blisters which form around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus type I. The herpes simplex virus usually is contracted through a sore or break in the skin in or around the mouth. Herpes simplex virus will be transmitted when they contact breaks in another person’s skin. Cold sore is an unpleasant condition caused by herpes simplex virus which cannot be cured and it remains in the body forever. Herpes virus hides in the nervous system and they can wait inside the nervous system for days, months, or even years.
Cold sore is quite different from canker sores, a condition people sometimes associate them with. Cold sore is a highly contagious disease especially in the lesion phase. You have to avoid kissing, sharing the same utensils, cups and through a common touch of the infected person.
You can get rid of a cold sore quickly with Abreva. You can avoid a full blown breakout by applying Abreva almost every hour as soon as you feel any tingling. Remember that you have to wash your hand before and after application.
Ice is the most common treatment for cold sore. You may send the virus back into hibernation. Ice the area two or three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Ice available almost anywhere you might be when you feel a cold sore coming on.
Lysine supplements should only be taken in response to a recommendation by a medical
professional. Lysine, is an amino acid that comes by supplements or from the food you eat because our body does not produce it naturally. Foods that are high in lysine help conquer the recurrence of cold sores.
Get adequate amount of vitamins, and proteins. Intake of vitamin B complex and folic acid are particularly beneficial. Healthy diet can help to shield you from the viruses.
Infection can decrease along with the proper diet, exercise and adequate amount of sleep.
Cold sores are small fluid filled blisters that form around the mouth, which are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus I. Also known as Fever Blisters or Oral Herpes, the virus is present in the majority of the adult population, although many people never suffer a cold sore outbreak. While it is usually not a serious illness, the appearance of the blisters and the scabs that follow them can be extremely sore, but perhaps worse, particularly among the young, is the blow to self esteem that comes from the cold sores, which typically last from seven to ten days without treatment.
The HSV virus is transmitted through contact with someone who is infected, usually, but not always, when they are exhibiting the symptoms of a cold sore. Once the virus enters the body it enters the nervous system, where for the majority of the time it will remain in an inactive state. Like all herpes viruses, once infected it remains with us for life and although many sufferers show no symptoms, there is no actual cure for cold sores.
While the typical symptoms of a cold sore outbreak include a tingling or itching sensation in the infected area, followed by small fluid filled blisters that merge together and burst; and finally a scab that then heals, an additional symptom of a first cold sore outbreak may also be a sore throat.
As the infection is localised sufferers should take care not to spread the viral infection to other areas of the body and should always ensure they wash their hands thoroughly, particularly if they have been in contact with the sores or blisters.
So, given that the virus is incurable, the outlook for cold sore sufferers looks initially bleak. However, there are a number of steps you can take to help prevent frequent cold sore outbreaks and to heal them fast when they do occur.
The first thing to remember is that in the dormant state the virus shows no symptoms and it is help in this state by the body’s own defence mechanism, the immune system. While the immune system is functioning well it can hold the virus at bay, it is only when the immune system becomes compromised due to fighting another infection or weakened due to other factors that the cold sore virus can reappear.
Therefore, by ensuring the immune system is kept in peak condition you stand the best chance of suffering fewer cold sore outbreaks. And in order to kept you immune system strong that means looking at your lifestyle and specifically exercise, diet and stress.
If you take little exercise then you already know that you should be taking more, but if you do decide to get fitter you should take it easy at first. Some gentle walking for 20 or 30 minutes a couple times a week is a good start, but if you can increase that to 4 or 5 times a week you’re well on the way to improving your general fitness and boosting your immune system. With your diet you need to avoid saturated fats, processed foods, sugar and salt and take plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And finally you should take whatever steps you can to reduce stress in your life in order for your immune system to be effective.
Cold sore lysine – is it the miracle cure for cold sores that many claim? In this article you will get the latest research facts about cold sore lysine remedies for herpes sores.
Cold sore lysine treatment has been in the news a lot in recent years. Studies continue to show it to be very helpful for relief of these persistent sores. But many people who write about lysine do not know how it actually works.
FACT: Cold sores are quelled by lysine similar to a fire being quenched by water.
Water puts out a fire by starving it of the oxygen it needs to burn. Lysine works in a similar way – it represses cold sores by depriving the herpes virus of what it must have to create the sore.
Before using lysine, however, let us explore the cause and effect of these outbreaks and how lysine actually works for you.
The herpes simplex virus moves to the surface for the sole purpose of creating new virus. This parasite virus enters a cell and forces that cell to produce new virus clones. When full, the cell is broken open to spill out the fresh virus.
The herpes virus, type 1 or 2, creates the open, ugly ulcer on your lip or nose by burning up thousands of nerve cells during this replication process.
FACT: Arginine feeds cold sores like oxygen feeds fires.
The herpes virus is made of protein. The main protein used by the cells to create this sub-microscopic virus is the amino acid arginine.
Arginine and lysine are considered essential amino acids. Your body cannot create these. They are essential for your health and must come from your diet.
Your body cells store arginine in a special area within the cell. If forced to create new herpes virus, your cell will draw on these stores until depleted. Without arginine readily available, new virus cannot be created.
FACT: Lysine smothers cold sores by making arginine unavailable.
Your cells stock up on lysine too. And they do so in the same storage space as arginine. Since these two amino acids compete for the same storage area, the more lysine you eat and make available to your cells, the less arginine will be available for virus creation.
Here is the best news. Lysine cannot be used to create new virus. Like water, it cannot burn. And because lysine forces arginine out of the cells, it removes the main building block for the virus.
FACT: Lysine is only available to the cells if taken orally.
The best way to flood your cells with cold sore lysine is by eating foods high in this protein. Dairy products, meats, and fish are excellent sources of this amino acid.
Lysine capsules, although not as well absorbed, are much more convenient for many people. A special diet is often hard to keep, especially with your busy schedule. But, it would be best to combine dietary sources with these supplements.
There are several drug-store treatments that contain lysine. These treatments often contain other herpes fighting ingredients that will help – at least for comfort. Lysine sounds good on the label – but, as a topical remedy for cold sores, it has not been proven to work.
Amino acids, such as lysine, do not go into the cells through the skin. Putting it on the skin before the sores blossom is of no value. And applying this amino acid after the sore opens up, even if it did work, is too late. The damage is already done.
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT – lysine is great for extinguishing, and preventing, cold sores. But keep in mind that it only works when it gets into the cells. This can only happen when taken by mouth and absorbed internally from food and supplements.
Lysine is perfectly safe. It is only a protein fraction. Commonly, lysine supplements are taken in doses up to 4000 mg. per day during the outbreak. Some folks also take 500 to 1000 mg. daily to prevent cold sores.
Consuming high lysine foods is the best source of quality lysine. Taking lysine capsules may also be necessary for you to reach the levels you need for effective cold sore lysine treatment.
What causes cold sores to develop? Great question. Knowing your actual causes of cold sores is important for fast, effective healing and positive prevention.
What causes cold sores for all people is basically the herpes simplex virus, type 1 or 2. Do not be embarrassed. Estimates are that close to 90% of the population carries this virus.
You probably know that. But, what is most important for you to know are the three primary triggers that activate an otherwise dormant herpes virus. These triggers are the most common causes of cold sores.
When the herpes virus activates, it will wiggle its way to the surface along a nerve fiber and invade the cells there. This parasite type virus takes control and forces your cells to build new copies of itself.
The cells swell as they fill up with new virus particles and finally they rupture open. This spills out hoards of new virus and another painful open sore is the result.
Below are three of the main triggers that activate the herpes virus. You will find these to be your actual causes of cold sores.
1. YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS TOO WEAK.
Your antibody soldiers are designed specifically to defend you from pathogens such as the herpes virus. The vitality and potency of these determines the strength of your immune system.
Your vitamin and mineral intake from food and supplements is very important. They are critically important for building effective antibodies.
If you get frequent sores, it is a very positive sign your immune system needs a boost.
Increase your intake of fresh and raw vegetables and fruits if possible. Food always provides the highest quality and absorption of essential nutrients.
For optimal results, it is important you start taking a top-shelf vitamin and mineral supplement. For many people, this is all they need to do to stop their cold sores.
But one big mistake many folks make is buying those one or two per day grocery store vitamins. You must use premium quality vitamin and mineral supplements or you will get no results.
High content of all vitamins is important. Some of the most important for your needs here are high amounts of vitamins A, C, E and the B family. Also, calcium, magnesium and zinc are necessary minerals for this purpose.
2. ARGININE QUANTITIES ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN LYSINE.
Arginine and lysine are two very common proteins (amino acids) that are important to good health. They are both found, in varying degrees, in most common meats and vegetables we eat. Both of these greatly influence your cold sore events.
Arginine is the one essential protein for building new herpes virus. Without an ample supply of arginine, it is impossible for the herpes virus to create new virus copies. It will not create a new sore.
The herpes simplex virus is not able to use lysine protein to build new virus copies.
Your cells use the same storage area within the cell for both arginine and lysine. The more of one you supply your cells with, the less of the other will be stored.
Flooding your cells with lysine crowds out the arginine and effectively prevents cold sores. Lysine, as a cold sore treatment, is one of the easiest and best remedies you can use.
Dairy products, especially from Wisconsin, are particularly high in lysine and useful for raising your lysine levels. The majority of folks, however, find lysine capsules are easy and most convenient.
3. YOUR pH LEVEL IS TOO ACID.
When your pH is alkaline on average, it is nearly impossible for a virus to make you sick. On the pH scale of 1 through 14, 7 is neutral. Alkaline is above 7 and acid is below 7.
Your pH will commonly vary between 6.6 and 7.35 pH. When you drop below 7, you are becoming acid and your resistance to disease is greatly reduced. If you are prone to outbreaks, this alone will often activate an otherwise dormant herpes virus.
Your tissue oxygen levels continue to drop the more acid you become. These are perfect conditions for the herpes virus to successfully replicate.
Avoid acid causing foods such as white flour, sugar and carbonated drinks. Eat more green vegetables. Cabbage and asparagus are top choices for this. Also, many people keep their pH levels alkaline by using kits available for this purpose at most good vitamin outlets.
There you have it. The triggers mentioned above are the three most common situations that cause a cold sore. There are other advanced triggers, but knowing how these three affect your outbreaks will be the biggest help to you right now.
And keep in mind, discovering what causes cold sores for you is a must for erasing outbreaks from your life for good. Take care and you will be cold sore free in no time.
Knowing how to heal a cold sore quickly could be critically important if you have an important event in the near future.
There is no good time to have a cold sore. But why do cold sores always seem to happen at the very worst possible time?
Most often, cold sores occur because of physical or mental stress. Anxiety about an upcoming wedding, job interview, or other special event in your life will create stress. This stress will affect your pH balance, your hormones, and your immune system. Quite often illnesses such as cold and flu will also trigger a cold sore.
The herpes virus has an early warning system because it lives in your nerve cells. It can sense the slightest change in your temperature, stress levels, immune strength, and pH balance. When the conditions are favorable, the virus will head to the surface along your nerve fibers. Once at the surface, it will create new virus through its replication procedure thus producing the cold sore blister.
Your body knows how to heal a cold sore and will do so without any additional help or expensive cold sore treatment. Provided you do not get a secondary bacterial infection, the duration of your cold sore could be three to four weeks. If you are like me, you do not want to suffer that long. The quicker you heal your cold sore, the sooner you can get on with your life.
The cold sore virus needs three things to successfully replicate.
1. The cold sore virus needs plenty of arginine in the cell. Arginine is a protein that is a critical building block for creating new herpes viruses. Lysine, another protein, has proven helpful in healing and preventing cold sores. Lysine does this by replacing some of the arginine in the cells, thus reducing or preventing the cells ability to create clones of the virus.
Basically, if the herpes virus gets to the surface and cannot find enough arginine in the cells, it often retreats. Many folks eat high lysine foods prior to or during a cold sore event, and avoid high arginine foods. For many folks, healing cold sores fast has been as simple as taking 1,000 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams of lysine in capsule supplements during an outbreak.
High lysine foods to eat are most meats and dairy products. Cheese, milk and yogurt are excellent. High arginine foods to avoid would be nuts, seeds, grains, and chocolate. You need to find your own personal balance here for healing cold sores.
2. The cold sore virus also needs a warm, moist environment. Applying ice as soon as you feel that first tingle or itch will greatly reduce or delay the cold sore. Delaying the cold sore just a few days can get you through that important event. Any cold object will do – such as a can of Coke. The quicker, the better.
3. The herpes virus prefers an acid environment. When in tip-top health, your pH balance should be around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. When it drops below 7 on the pH scale, then your system is turning acid. Any stress, flu, colds, or too much sun will cause your body to move toward the acid side of normal.
Avoid eating acid foods, such as tomatoes, citrus, carbonated soda or anything with vinegar if it will touch the cold sore area. You want nothing acid around that sore. Following this rule alone for healing a cold sore, along with continual cleaning of the wound with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, could cut your cold sore healing duration by 50%.
You are unique and you must take what works for others and fine tune it for your particular needs. Hopefully, now that you are armed with the knowledge of what works for others, you now have a better idea on how to heal a cold sore.
