Foods to prevent cold sores Arginine-Rich FoodStudies show that arginine may contribute to the spread of Apr 14, 2021 · Here are some foods to avoid with herpes. Normally, HSV lives within nerves (ganglions) near the spinal cord, then it eventually gets triggered and travels within smaller peripheral nerves to the surface of the skin (around the mouth or genitalia), where it erupts and causes the formation of a sore. This type of food contains materials that can decrease the function of your immune system. Foods like chocolate, peanuts, and most nuts can be high in arginine and may contribute to outbreaks. Before potentially expecting the worst, it is important not to get discouraged. Therefore, steering clear of foods that are particularly high in arginine can be beneficial during an outbreak. Diet plays a significant role in how the body responds to viral infections. While citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients, it might be best to avoid them if you're currently dealing with a cold sore. As with most health complaints, diet is an important factor for preventing cold sore outbreaks. While individual needs may vary based on factors like diet and overall health status, general recommendations suggest aiming for a daily intake of around 1,000 mg for prevention purposes. Some people infected with HSV-1 never experience an outbreak, but most have experienced the pain and embarrassment of cold sore blisters. Managing Foods That Trigger Cold Sores. Some foods suppress your immune system, which may lead to a cold sore outbreak when you don’t feel well. If sun exposure is a trigger for you, using sunscreens Nov 12, 2024 · This is why managing the intake of L-Arginine through dietary choices is crucial for those prone to cold sores. Oct 16, 2024 · Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1. The acidity of these fruits can stress your lips and mouth, potentially worsening the symptoms of a cold sore. While everyone may react differently, the following categories of foods have been associated with cold sore outbreaks: Sugary Foods. #5: Avoid Acidic and Spicy Foods If you are prone to getting cold sores, you might benefit from avoiding acidic and spicy foods. Lysine-Rich Foods For Cold Sores Lysine is an amino acid that can help inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores. Nov 5, 2024 · Lifestyle choices can significantly impact the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks: Role of Diet in Cold Sore Management. Certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms associated with cold sores. List of the best foods for preventing and healing cold sores on lips caused by the herpes simplex virus. Salty snack items such as pretzels and pickles and salad dressings containing vinegar may also aggravate a ruptured cold sore. However, eating certain foods can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Here are some common foods to watch out for: Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are rich in Jul 17, 2023 · Finally, while citric foods are not going to increase the risk of triggering herpes, it’s best to avoid them when having cold sores. May 13, 2025 · Eat acidic food: Food that’s high in acid, like citrus fruit and tomatoes, can cause a burning sensation when coming into contact with a cold sore. Wheat is a great grain that has many health benefits, but unfortunately, it contains arginine in high amounts and should be avoided with herpes. Avoid processed food. Oct 28, 2022 · There is no cure for herpes. Once you have the virus in your body, it remains there for the rest of your life, most of the time dormant (inactive). Arginine is an amino acid that is thought to trigger the onset of cold sores, so if you are prone to getting cold sores, it may be worth reducing the foods that are rich in this amino acid. Learn how white tea, red marine algae, lemon balm, iceberg lettuce, and celery can help fight and prevent cold sores. You might want to avoid lemons, oranges, vinegar, pickles, and tomatoes. Conversely, arginine may encourage the herpes virus’s replication. Try avocado, certain fish, milk and cheese instead. Foods to avoid with herpes 1. Salty snack foods such as pickles or pretzels and vinegar-based salad dressings can also exacerbate an open cold sore. May 7, 2025 · Should I avoid any foods while recovering from a cold sore? Yes, certain foods may exacerbate cold sore outbreaks and should be avoided during recovery. Below are the types of foods you should avoid to keep cold sores at bay: 1. Mar 9, 2023 · Cold sores are painful, open blisters that develop in or around your mouth, usually on your lips. While there is no cure for cold sores or a method to prevent cold sores completely, certain dietary choices can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. g. Avoid Foods That Can Worsen Cold Sores. Dec 11, 2023 · Foods To Avoid Cold Sores Generally speaking, foods that are ideal for cold sore prevention and management are those that also support the immune system/have antiviral properties. The key is to focus on foods that support the immune system and inhibit the replication of the herpes virus. May 9, 2025 · Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), can be painful and frustrating. Instead, stick with foods that Aug 6, 2015 · To prevent cold sores, valacyclovir or another antiviral drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), can be taken daily. Aug 14, 2017 · But if it's any consolation, if you struggle with cold sores, you're definitely not alone. com Instead of reaching for convenience foods, try a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Wheat . Certain foods have been identified as potential triggers for cold sores. Avoid kissing others when a cold sore is active, they are extremely contagious. You also want to wash towels, washcloths, pillowcases, sheets, and other items that you used while you had a cold sore. 3 days ago · You should minimize eating acidic beverages and foods such as oranges, pineapples, grapefruit, tomatoes, wine, and soda and fruit juice to avoid worsening of a ruptured cold sore. Here are some of the foods you may want to avoid to improve your condition. In fact, there are over 3 million cases every year in the United states alone, and 90 percent of us get at least one cold sore in our lifetime, with 40 percent of us having recurring chronic cold sore infections. Arginine-rich and acidic foods may promote herpes virus replication or irritate lesions, while lysine-rich and non-acidic foods may help suppress outbreaks and soothe symptoms. Feb 20, 2024 · Older research shows supplementing with lysine shortens the duration of a cold sore. While triggers like stress and sun exposure are well known, your diet also plays a crucial role in managing outbreaks. The Role of Diet in Cold Sore Management. At the time your lip’s swollen from cold sores, acidic foods like oranges or tomatoes can make the irritation worse, so it’s best to skip them for a while. These whole foods will help to boost your immune system and make it stronger in the fight against any viral infection. Sweet treats are delicious but can be detrimental to your health and well-being May 15, 2025 · Managing herpes and cold sores through diet involves balancing amino acids lysine and arginine, as well as avoiding acidic and spicy foods that can trigger outbreaks. Eat salty, acidic foods, like chips or lemons. Hold off on the spices and reduce your salt consumption until your mouth is healed. Use antiviral Processed food If you don’t know this already, processed foods can degrade the cold sore condition. Nov 10, 2023 · Should I avoid certain foods when I have a cold sore? Along with understanding your triggers, it’d be great if eating certain foods could put a stop to cold sores for good. Foods to Avoid if You Have a Cold Sore. Better than avoiding good foods, you can increase your consumption of lysine during the cold sore period. Avoid processed foods, such as sugary breakfast Aug 25, 2022 · Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at cold sores: Touching sores transfer the virus to the hands, allowing it to spread to the fingers, eyes, and other people. What you want to avoid when sick with a cold or flu are foods with added sugars, such as: nuts, and seeds can aggravate a sore throat, raw lips, or cold sores. Alongside foods that trigger cold sores, there are foods high in lysine to eat instead. Lysine, an amino acid found in various foods, has been shown to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores. Lysine-Rich Foods. May 4, 2025 · In keeping your new super diet on the right track, you’ll also want to avoid certain foods that can aggravate and trigger cold sores (read more about what can trigger a cold sore). to explore the triggers of cold sores and help you prevent and prepare for future flare-ups. Although we’ve highlighted these foods, you don’t have to completely avoid them forever. Some foods are naturally higher with arginine than others. The herpes virus lives in the nerve cells of… Continue reading about Herpes Outbreak Prevention Diet: What to Eat to Avoid Flareups Jan 9, 2024 · Citrus fruits and their juices can be irritating to cold sores. Whenever a cold sore flares up on your tongue, spicy or acidic foods can turn a minor annoyance into serious discomfort. Choose healthy foods. Avoid Spicy or Acidic Foods. Some foods you may want to avoid if you have a cold include: Sugary foods and drinks: Excess sugar can increase inflammation and may worsen cold symptoms. Nov 26, 2024 · It’s equally important to know which foods to steer clear of when you have a cold. You should avoid foods that have wheat as one of their ingredients. To help your cold sore heal faster and more comfortably, it’s essential to only use products that promote healing and aren't going to make things worse. While some people believe that certain foods can trigger a cold-sore outbreak, there isn’t enough proof to back this up. Cold sores can last up to 21 days. It could also help if you avoid triggers, such as exposure to sun or wind, that can activate the cold sore virus. Chocolate; Nuts (especially walnuts and Brazil nuts) 2. Touch, scratch or A diet that is high in lysine (found in nonfat yogurt and other nonfat dairy) and low in arginine (found in nuts, peanuts, and chocolate) may help prevent or treat cold sores. Jun 29, 2021 · Lysine supports human health in many ways, but it’s best known for its potential role in protecting against cold sores. Arginine-rich foods include many nuts and seeds, chocolate, beer, cola, peanuts, raisins, wheat, oats and carob. If you’re tired of dealing with the burning, itching, and embarrassment of cold sores, it’s time to take a closer look at your diet. Unfortunately, there isn’t solid evidence to suggest that’s the case. . To prevent reinfection, throw away your toothbrush, lip balm, cosmetics, and other products that may have touched the cold sore. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Remember, a balanced diet is a key to managing your symptoms and helping to keep cold sores at bay. Bioflavonoids, vitamin C, zinc, and the vitamin B group are all micronutrients that can help you improve your immunity, thus extending the period of remission between two subsequent breakouts. Beyond that, try some home remedies to help you tolerate the cold sore until it Apr 24, 2025 · Yes, certain foods are best avoided when trying to prevent cold sores, particularly those high in arginine. Eat foods that may decrease the severity of the cold sore and avoid foods that exacerbate your symptoms. Foods High in L-Arginine to Avoid To minimize the risk of cold sore outbreaks, consider limiting foods that are high in L-Arginine. This is useful to heal a cold sore quickly and prevent new sores. Jan 9, 2023 · Cold sores are a reality for a large portion of the population, but that doesn't mean you have to go through more than the minimum discomfort and inconvenience. Still, additional and more recent research is needed. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet means better immunity and less risk for cold sores, as immunosuppression is a known risk factor for cold sores. If your cold sore scab begins to bleed, it needs to be treated ASAP. Pain and delayed healing are never good, but an infection can introduce new issues. Found in foods such as beef, chicken, pork, spinach, and squash, zinc can build your immune system and prevent cold sore recurrence. Unfortunately, various things can cause the virus to reactivate, resulting in a herpes outbreak (flareup of symptoms). Therefore, a diet that emphasizes lysine-rich foods while minimizing those high in arginine is vital. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Related to Cold Sores & Diet: Apr 14, 2023 · Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1. Cold sores around the mouth are especially sensitive to irritants like spicy, oily, or acidic foods. Amino Acids 5 days ago · Keep in mind, a dry mouth irritates the sore, so keep fluids handy and sip often to speed up recovery. Processed Food. Avoid experimenting with harsh or unproven remedies, and focus on keeping the area protected and moisturized for optimal healing. Apr 26, 2024 · Diet and cold sores. These foods include spicy or overly acidic foods, as these can cause issues around the lips and possibly damage delicate tissue, allowing a cold sore outbreak to Acidic foods and drinks can irritate the cold sore womb. Intravenous Antiviral Medications: These medications are given when other medicines do not work. May 19, 2021 · Highly spiced meals could irritate the sensitive cold sore area in or around your mouth. Foods That Trigger Cold Sores: The Key Offenders. If May 19, 2013 · To avoid aggravating an open cold sore, minimize your consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as pineapple, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits, tomatoes, fruit juice, wine and soda. May 31, 2024 · This may help prevent it from forming a cold sore. Apr 5, 2024 · 2. See full list on foodfornet. 1. Oct 6, 2019 · Because the virus will naturally avoid invading any cells without arginine, a diet high in lysine will help prevent you from getting cold sores. Follow good oral hygiene habits. Apr 20, 2025 · Don't share food and beverages. Taking a small break from certain foods can allow your cold sore to heal. Also available in a wide variety of supplement forms, the direct application of topical zinc (zinc oxide/glycine cream) can reduce inflammation. Arginine is an amino acid that can promote the replication of the herpes virus. How to Prevent Cold Sores? Avoiding triggers that cause cold sores, which are difficult to avoid, may The question “how much lysine to prevent cold sores?” often arises among those seeking relief from frequent outbreaks. Acidic foods Oct 29, 2020 · Foods That Combat or Prevent a Cold Sore While many foods trigger cold sores, others may help to prevent an outbreak or cause it to clear up sooner. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these foods while you have an active infection. Foods that Contain Lysine Lysine, also known as l-lysine, is an amino acid. Stay away from spicy foods, carbonated drinks or any other causes of irritation. Don’ts: Eat foods that contain Arginine, such as chocolate, cola, beer (see liver and cold sores) and peanuts. Regular brushing after meals and flossing once a day can keep your mouth clean and free of foods that might trigger a sore. Incorporating lysine-rich foods into daily meals can Jan 27, 2023 · Avoid consuming foods that can irritate. Foods High in Arginine. To help prevent nutritional deficiencies, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, some foods can actually trigger the virus, while others might help keep it under control. May 23, 2025 · Maintain a balanced diet that limits arginine-rich foods and emphasizes lysine-rich foods such as dairy, fish, chicken, and legumes Incorporate moderate amounts of Brazil nuts for selenium, avoid excessive chocolate and processed foods, and support overall immune health through vitamins and minerals. A generally poor diet that lacks fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, instead focusing on trans fats, sugar and meat, will weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to skin outbreaks too. You might want to avoid acidic foods and opt Dec 5, 2021 · The more you aggravate a cold sore, the longer it will take to heal. , nuts, chocolate, oats) Balanced nutrition: Essential for overall immune health May 24, 2025 · Remember, less is often more when it comes to cold sore care. Foods high in arginine—such as flaxseeds, chocolate, spinach, whole grains, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts—can promote herpes virus replication and potentially worsen cold sores. Jun 4, 2023 · Foods to avoid with cold sores. It is not possible to clear the virus, but you can take steps to ensure that it stays dormant. While you may usually be fine with these foods, when you have a cold sore, they could worsen your symptoms. Speaking from my own personal experience, here are some of the most common foods I recommend avoiding if you want to to keep those cold sores at bay. Nov 30, 2022 · We hope that this article on the best food to help cold sores heal faster has helped you to understand the importance of eating healthy foods for cold sore prevention and healing. These foods irritate the sore, making pain worse and slowing healing. Jan 16, 2014 · The recurrence of cold sores can be limited with the help of a diet to reduce cold sores. Don’t touch someone’s cold sore or items that may have touched their cold sore. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that limiting the consumption of such foods helps control cold sore outbreaks in some people. Let’s look at which foods may lead to cold sores and some easy diet changes that could help reduce cold sore outbreaks. 7 You may want to avoid items like citrus fruits, tomatoes, juices, and foods with vinegar like salad dressing until your outbreak heals. Fried and greasy foods: These can be difficult to digest and may worsen an upset stomach. Certain foods can irritate existing cold sores or prevent healing and should therefore be avoided: Saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Instead, focus on nutrient-dense foods that boost immune support, like leafy greens or lean proteins, to help your body fight the virus. May 25, 2025 · Foods That Cause Cold Sores. Lysine is an essential amino acid believed to help prevent cold sores, whereas arginine is an amino acid needed by HSV in order to grow Apr 19, 2025 · Chapped or sore lips can lead to a cold sore outbreak (see cold sore vs pimple on lip). Oral Antiviral Medicine: Certain antiviral medications can be consumed through the mouth. Processed foods like pasta, frozen food, high-calorie snacks, and sugar breakfasts will weaken your immune system, and your body will fail to prevent the Apr 3, 2018 · Avoid any foods to which you're sensitive or allergic. May 9, 2025 · To prevent cold sore outbreaks, focus on managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet to boost your immune system, and avoiding known triggers like UV exposure and fatigue. However, two studies noticed that lysine healed cold sores within six days. Foods high in arginine, such as nuts and chocolate, can promote the replication of the herpes virus, potentially prolonging the outbreak. The herpes simplex virus has a high requirement for the amino acid , arginine . The following foods are higher in lysine and can be used to balance out the high arginine foods to avoid with cold sores - especially during the outbreak. Foods high in lysine: May help prevent outbreaks (e. Dec 18, 2015 · Next time a cold sore leaves you sitting on the couch watching The Bachelor instead of embarking on your own journey of love, use these simple food swaps to heal that scarlet letter fast, and get you back in the game. If you have herpes, you will have to deal with cold sores often. 5 days ago · Avoid Acidic Foods and Boost Immune Support. , fish, chicken, eggs, cheese) Foods high in arginine: May trigger outbreaks (e. An anti-cold sore diet can help you deal with the outbreaks. Citric foods and spicy food might increase the risk of pain, so it’s best to avoid them until the symptoms have cleared. This reduces the chance of a cold sore coming back by about one-third. vwwivjb mmyee vyeh yxv tgrwl ojbghv awttdi xhfc lzbm lbkthie