Preventing Herpes Attacks

Certain things have been found to help stimulate an outbreak of herpes/cold sores.

Being Unwell
The term cold sore comes fromt the fact that very often, just when you are recovering from a head cold the herpes virus springs back to life and that ugly blister starts to rise up on your lip.

Stress
The reason the cold sore pops up just before that important day is probably due to stress. Worrying or being upset is a sure way to help a herpes outbreak starting.

Bright Sunlight
Another common trigger that many people have found is exposure to bright sunlight especially if you haven't been used to it. That winter break down to some sunny Caribbean island can end with some unsightly photographs you would rather not show your friends.

Menstruation
I guess I covered this under stress and feeling unwell.

Diet
You are what you ate and some foods can help start off an outbreak. This however is also good news since some foods have been shown to help reduce the chances and severity of an attack.

The herpes virus must have a supply of the amino acid arginine in order to replicate but research has shown that it is really the ratio of arginine to another amino acid, lysine that is the important factor. Because of this herpes sufferers need to balance their diet to help reduce the unwanted outbreaks.

Foods that are High in Arginine
Nuts, caffeine, coconut, oatmeal, raisins, whole wheat bread and unfortunately, chocolate. Reducing your intake of these foods, or rather not taking too much will help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Foods that are High in Lysine
The list includes, beef, chicken, cheese, milk, potatoes, yoghurt, brewer's yeast, eggs, soybeans and fish.

In order to help your body keep from having another herpes outbreak you should reduce your intake of arginine and increase that of lysine. You can also buy lysine as a food supplement to help you top up if you do eat arginine rich foods. I do this when I can't resist the temptation of some chocolate!

Red Marine Algae
To be honest I haven't yet tried this but recent research has shown that red marine algae contains sulfated polysaccharides which can enhance the immune system and has strong antiviral properties.

The above information is valuable to help reduce the number and frequency of herpes outbreaks but if you currently have a horrible cold sore or genital herpes attack you will want to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Please read my other lens Herpes Cure about the wonderful product Choraphor which kills the herpes virus instantly. Not a cure, but probably the next best thing.