Cold Sores
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
High-Lysine, Low-Arginine
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.High-Lysine, Low-ArginineThe herpes simplex virus has a high requirement for the amino acid, arginine. On the other hand, the amino acid, lysine, inhibits viral replication.25 Therefore, a diet that is low in arginine and high in lysine may help prevent or treat herpes outbreaks. Several studies have shown that increasing lysine intake can reduce the recurrence rate of cold sores.26 Although people with herpes simplex reportedly consume about the same amount of arginine and lysine in their diet as do people without cold sores,27 it is conceivable that adjusting the intake of these amino acids may be beneficial. For that reason, many doctors advise people with cold sores to avoid foods with high arginine-to-lysine ratios, such as nuts, peanuts, and chocolate. Nonfat yogurt and other nonfat dairy can be a healthful way to increase lysine intake.