Fight or Feed a Cold Sore?

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

Want to fend off or fight a cold sore? Experts recommend that you avoid foods such as chocolate, peanuts, sunflower seeds and coffee. These foods are rich in a nutrient called arginine, which helps the cold sore virus replicate and triggers flare-ups. Instead, eat foods that are rich in the nutrient lysine; these include dairy products, pears, avocados, apples and fish.