Avoiding Unhealthy Food and Lifestyle
Cold sores that have not yet healed may become infected by acidic foods. Processed meals, alcohol, sodas, and fruit juice tend to have higher acid content. Limit intake of these meals and opt for sparkling water or seltzer instead. Additionally, stay away from foods with high arginine content. This amino acid is particularly abundant in chocolate and has been linked to the herpes virus.
Instead, indulge in fruit high in vitamins, such as dried mango or apricots. Another thing to avoid is consuming foods high in sugar, as the body turns added sugars into acid. When choosing desserts, avoid foods with a lot of added sugar and choose naturally sweet delights like bananas and oranges.
Furthermore, processed food contains artificial preservatives that could increase oxidative stress. Maintaining low levels of oxidative stress may aid in promoting recovery when breakouts occur. Try eliminating highly processed foods from your diet, such as frozen meals, goods made from refined grains, and candy.
Meanwhile, alcohol turns into the equivalent of sugar in the body. High sugar intake is associated with white blood cell suppression, which can increase the likelihood of breakouts. So if you drink alcohol, do it in moderation and go for something less acidic, like wine.
