While everyone has certain foods they love and crave, some medical issues can dampen the party. This can be especially annoying if you regularly experience cold sore flare-ups. Having to tempt fate with your favorite soda or meal, for example, can get tiresome in a hurry.
That extra punch that comes with acidity can potentially kick your cold sore to an unwanted level. Have you ever experienced a sharp sting after eating a citrus fruit? If so, that is your cold sore biting back. Have you ever wondered what foods should be avoided when you have a cold sore?
Although learning what you should and shouldn’t eat and drink can be a task, once you have gathered the knowledge it’s with you for life. You’ll then be able to shuffle your diet and make the necessary day-to-day adjustments.
From food selections to prevention and treatment methods, we have got you covered. Do acidic foods cause cold sores?
Let’s dive in and take a closer look…
Although the word “trigger” is likely overused, acidic foods can cause pain and halt the healing process. This is especially true if you have a cold sore scab.
While select foods to avoid will be covered shortly, acidic foods do pack a punch. If you think they provide a kick in terms of taste just imagine what they can do to a cold sore. You can potentially go from zero to 100 in terms of pain in no time.
How does this happen?
While the scab stage is good regarding a healing cold sore, acidic foods can irritate the sore. Once the scab cracks, things can escalate in a hurry. This misfortune has the potential to cause extreme pain and even bleeding.
Here is a summary of what you need to know.
Before potentially expecting the worst, it is important not to get discouraged. Taking a small break from certain foods can allow your cold sore to heal. Additionally, the said break will likely be a small one at that.
While your favorite fruit juice might be calling your name, the pain from drinking it could have you weeping. To avoid a lengthy issue, some foods and drinks will have to be placed on the back burner.
Listed below are some items to avoid if you want fast cold sore healing and relief.
Worthy of its own section due to its importance, foods rich in arginine can also pose a serious issue. Known as a potent amino acid, arginine can serve as a healing agent. However, this protein can worsen cold sores.
Arginine carries the potential to aid HSV-1 and not only cause it to thrive but to spread. This essentially means that certain foods can work directly against you. Quite obviously this is not conducive to cold sore healing.
It is also important to note that HSV-1 is contagious as soon as you experience the symptoms. Including arginine in your diet can not only make things worse for you but also introduce potential issues for others.
Noted below are some prominent foods that contain high levels of arginine.
Transitioning to the more positive side of the equation, there are several foods you can enjoy. While these foods are tasty, they can also potentially heal your cold sores.
Although there is no cure for cold sores in the literal sense, the foods documented below can help. It should also be noted that many of these items can be found in supplement form. This is important because having more options means more opportunities to heal your cold sore.
Of note, it should also be observed that the items listed below are not processed foods. The mention of cheese, for example, should be regarded as unprocessed rather than processed.
While there is no foolproof way to prevent a cold sore recurrence, there are positive steps you can take. By simply knowing your body, protecting your lips, and being aware of your surroundings, you can win the battle.
Excluding the obvious advice of steering clear of cold sore food triggers, there are numerous treatments available.
Well-documented and reviewed on this site, cold sore healing has never been a bigger market. Courtesy of various creams, patches, and supplements, the choices are virtually endless.
Listed below are just a few ways to heal and treat cold sores
Now that you understand the pitfalls of acidic foods you can manage and prevent cold sore with confidence.
While placing your favorite food or drink aside for a couple of weeks might be difficult, it will be rewarding. Although that hint of lime in your tea will not cause a cold sore, it can worsen an existing blister. Be mindful of that example, and others like it, as you move forward.
Cold sore food triggers can be pesky. Navigate the field with caution.
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