Chocolate triggers - Cold sores EBV- interesting eh!

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How to Prevent a Cold Sore from Forming

Reduce the Frequency of Cold Sore OutbreaksPrevent a Cold Sore From Forming

Edited by Maluniu, Sarah Eliza

Cold sores are small blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth as a result of the herpes simplex virus. The skin around the blisters is typically sore, red and swollen. Once you are infected with the virus, there is no way to completely prevent future cold sores. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the frequency of cold sores. Taking action at first signs of an outbreak could prevent the sore from forming.

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Steps

Method 1 of 2: Reduce the Frequency of Cold Sore Outbreaks

1. 1
   Eat a healthy diet. Cold sore outbreaks occur more frequently in people who suffer from poor nutrition.
   • Increase the amount and variety of raw vegetables and fruit that you eat. In particular, consume broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage. These vegetables are high in indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which may interfere with the growth of the herpes virus.
     
   • Decrease the amount of processed meat products, saturated animal fats, white and refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, white flour, alcohol and caffeine that you consume. All of these are known to increase the frequency of cold sores.
     
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2. 
   2
   Avoid foods that have a high amount of arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that serves as a building block for cold sores. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, nuts, seeds, oats, beer and most protein shakes.
3. 
   3
   Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
4. 4
   Avoid common cold sore triggers. People who suffer from cold sores are more likely to have an outbreak under certain conditions.
   • Reduce the amount of stress in your life or practice stress management techniques such as exercise or meditation.