Cold Sore or Herpes?

Dear reader At a minimum cold sores and herpes outbreaks are painful and unsightly. They can also lead to depression and fatigue. The virus hides in your nervous system and can keep coming back. What are the best ways to prevent and treat outbreaks? What you eat makes a difference. Certain foods that are high in the amino acid arginine promote the growth of this nasty virus. Other foods that are high in the amino acid lysine as well as the chemical component lauric acid suppresses the growth of the herpes virus.

7 foods to avoid that are high in arginine are:

• Nuts - peanuts, walnuts and hazelnuts are the worst

• Seeds - pumpkin and sesame seeds are especially high in arginine

• Chocolate ⁃ unfortunately dark chocolate has more arginine than milk chocolate

• Spirulina

• Winter squash

• Oats

• Wheat

And most muscle-building protein drinks are not good if you are prone to cold sores or herpes outbreaks because they also are high in the amino acid arginine. Although dairy products contain arginine, they generally contain twice as much lysine to counteract the virus-feeding affects of arginine. Taking an L-lysine supplement can help prevent an outbreak, especially if taken at the first tingle, and also shortens the length of time and intensity that you suffer. Coconut oil is another beneficial food to eat as it is high in a compound called lauric acid that suppresses the growth of the herpes virus. You can add coconut milk or cream to sauces and soups or desserts for a delicious way to stay free of outbreaks. And you can use coconut oil in place of butter or olive oil for sautéing foods. Topical Solutions: Applying coconut oil to an active outbreak may speed recovery time. Acyclovir is a prescription medication that is often recommended but it suppresses your entire immune system. That may not be the best for your overall health. And Acyclovir topical ointment is very expensive. Over-the-counter topical solutions include a product called Abreva. Or a more natural topical salve from Quantum Health is called Super Lysine +. As you may already know, stress makes everything worse. A simple way to reverse stress is called PACED Breathing in which you exhale longer than it takes you to inhale. Some protocols suggest a specific count for breaths but as long as you exhale longer than you inhale you will feel the benefit. I encourage you to practice PACED breathing two times a day for five minutes each time. And then throughout the day take 1, 2 or 3 long exhales to continue balancing your stress reaction with relaxation and peace. Please let me know if you need help sorting this out. As always, blessings for your best health! Dr Linda

FUN FACT Coconut oil helps burn fat by increasing energy output, so the body actually burns more calories by consuming coconut oil.

Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.