When not creating another cold sore, the herpes virus hides deep in the roots of your facial nerves. Two-thirds of those infected will experience one or more cold sore outbreaks in the next 11 months.



The herpes virus only becomes active when it senses the right conditions for replication. The virus will then move up the nerves to the surface, enter the cells, and force them to create virus clones.

The cells burst open when they become full - releasing the new virus particles. The cold sore is a result of thousands of destroyed cells.

There are three triggers creating the perfect environment to activate the herpes simplex virus in our bodies.

1. DROP IN IMMUNE STRENGTH.

The strength of your immunity to herpes virus depends on the quality of the antibodies your body has previously created. Powerful and effective antibodies depend on certain factors.

The most important factor to a strong immune system - the nutrients you get from your diet.

First, consume more vegetables. Organic or local-grown vegetables are ten times better than commercially grown produce because they provide better quality and high quantities of vitamins and minerals.

Second, add a high quality multi-vitamin to your daily routine. This reduces frequency of cold sore and oral herpes outbreaks.

But do not waste your money on cheap drug store vitamins. Go to a real vitamin store. Buy the best you can afford - or you will be very disappointed.

2. CELLS HAVE TOO MUCH ARGININE IN STORAGE.

Lysine and arginine are two amino acids your body needs. And they both have a big effect on cold sores.

Arginine is the main protein needed to construct new herpes virus. If the cell does not have enough arginine available, it cannot create virus clones.

Each cell has special receptors for storing lysine and arginine. More lysine means less arginine in storage. And the good news is - lysine cannot be used to make viruses.

Eat high lysine foods, such as dairy products and fish. This will increase lysine in your cells - and reduce the availability of arginine. Lysine capsules are easy and convenient when you want big amounts of lysine. This is a powerful therapy that can reduce and eliminate cold sores.

3. YOUR pH BALANCE HAS GONE ACID.

Your body was designed to be healthiest when slightly alkaline. This can be measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14. Below 7 is acid, above 7 is alkaline.

Your system usually remains between 6.4 and 7.4. Dropping below 6.4 encourages viruses and other chronic diseases - including cold sore outbreaks.

The herpes virus will not activate if your body is alkaline. When you are acid, you will have lower oxygen levels and a weaker immune system. Foods contributing to an acid situation include coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, fat and sugar.

Cold weather (winter cold and flu season) causes an unhealthy drop in pH levels. Less exercise, lower intake of vegetables, less sunshine and little outdoor activity all play a big part in creating an acid environment.

To keep a healthy alkaline balance, avoid the acid-producing foods mentioned above. Begin eating more green vegetables, like asparagus, and you will raise your pH levels.

And, check out the vitamin stores for special formulas to keep your pH on the alkaline side. Taking additional calcium supplements will help greatly also.

You now know the three most common causes of cold sores. Hopefully the information provided in this short article has helped you discover what causes cold sores in your life.