Cold Sore Supplements

About Cold Sore Supplements

Cold Sores are caused by an enveloped virus called Herpes Simplex Type 1. Around 90% of people around the world are infected with this virus, which persists for life. Because it's an enveloped virus, it is an opportunistic infection. This means that when the immune system becomes suppressed the enveloped virus becomes active and cold sores may appear.

Anyone who has a compromised immune system is prone to cold sores. One of the factors that can lower the immune systems activity is a hormone called cortisol. Though cortisol is an important hormone that helps us respond favourably to stressful situationts, an excessive amount over many months may adversely impact the immune system. Other factors that contribute to poor immunity are excessive sunlight exposure, poor diet, lack of exercise and irregular sleeping patterns.

High dietary arginine levels have also been linked to cold sore recurrence. Cold sore sufferers might like to avoid foods rich in arginine, which help to reduce the severity of the cold sore infection. Arginine rich foods include pumpkin seeds, peanuts, turkey, pork and soyabeans. So if you're a peanut butter addict, all Sporty's Health has to say is: sorry, it's just science.

Some of the most helpful supplements for cold sore infections are those that support the immune system, and those that directly have an anti-viral effects. One of the most powerful natural anti-viral compounds is the mineral zinc. Additionally, the amino acid lysine directly slows replication of the Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus.

Lysine and zinc should help to suppress viral replication, which allows your immune system more time to get the infection under control. This is how a fever works too. Other nutrients that support general immune function are selenium and vitamin C and A, and herbal medicines, such as echinacea and andrographis.