What causes colds sores and fever blisters (oral herpes) in the majority of people - but not in everyone? Please let me have a moment to show you what causes cold sores in 99% of these cases.
What causes cold sores? The short answer is the herpes simplex virus. About 80% of the sores are caused by herpes simplex type 1 - the rest by type 2.
The herpes virus, most of your life, is inactive - hiding deep in the nerves, where your facial nerves connect. About a third of those infected will never know they are infected because their body will keep it from activating.
When the herpes simplex virus senses the conditions are right, it will move along your nerve fibers to the surface of your skin. Each virus particle will then enter a cell and force that cell to create virus copies.
When you see the swelling, the cells are filling up with new virus. When full, they burst open. This releases the virus particles and creates the visible sore.
The herpes virus is the root cause of all cold sore, fever blister and oral herpes outbreaks. But what are the right conditions in our body that activates the virus and causes cold sores?
There are a number of things that can cause the virus to activate. Below you will discover the three triggers responsible for 99% of the outbreaks.
1. LOW IMMUNITY.
Good immunity depends on strong antibodies. This keeps the herpes simplex virus from taking control of your surface nerve cells. Building powerful antibodies depends on certain factors.
The strength of your antibodies is directly affected by the quality and quantity of nutrients in your diet. This includes both food and nutritional supplements.
Do you have frequent cold sore bouts? It is an obvious sign of weakness in your immune defenses. Consume more vegetables - preferably organically grown. They provide you with the very best quality vitamins and minerals.
You should start taking a multiple vitamin every day. For many people, this is the only extra thing they do for success in preventing cold sores. But use caution. There are many drug store rip-off vitamins that are totally worthless.
Do not buy vitamins unless from a dedicated vitamin provider or store. If you do not buy a high quality product, you will not see results. You get what you pay for. Look for high vitamin B and C content. These are the stress vitamins.
2. ARGININE LEVELS TOO HIGH
These two essential amino acids (protein fractions) are necessary for your good health. They are also very involved in cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes.
Arginine does many good things. But it also is the primary protein used by your cells to create herpes simplex virus. Without plenty of arginine readily available, it cannot build new virus (and a new cold sore).
Lysine does not support herpes virus creation - like water does not support fire. Your cells store both lysine and arginine in the same area of the cell. More of one means less of the other.
Increasing your intake of lysine, and saturating your cells with it, will reduce the arginine stored in the cells. Eating lysine foods, such as dairy products, is your best source of body-ready lysine. Lysine supplements work great too.
3. YOUR BODY IS NOT ALKALINE
You are very healthy when your alkaline level is around 7.4 on the pH scale. The pH scale measures from 1 (acid) to 14 (alkaline). pH of 7 is neutral. You need to be slightly above neutral.
Your system will usually range between 6.5 to 7.35 pH. Any drop below 7 moves you into the acid range and creates the right conditions for activating the herpes simplex virus and causing cold sores.
When your body is on the acid side, your oxygen levels are lower also. Since this is a perfect condition for viruses, your herpes simplex virus may come out of hiding. Carbonated drinks and sugar cause your body to go acid.
Other causes of cold sores are created during the winter season. Cold air, reduced outdoor activity, less fresh vegetables, and lower exercise levels all create acid in your body. That is why cold sores are more common in the winter.
If you have a cold sore problem, avoid the acid foods mentioned previously. To keep your pH level alkaline is easy. Eat calcium-rich green vegetables such as cabbage and asparagus. Vitamin stores have alkaline-raising supplements too.
There a few other causes of cold sores to share with you. But, hopefully, this short article has helped you toward answering the question of what causes cold sores in your life.
Cold Sore questions? Check out Denny Bodoh's popular website bursting with excellent articles on Cold Sores. You will get some amazing Cold Sore cures & treatments that really work.
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