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Causes of Cold Sores on the Lip or Nose

Basically, the infection known by many as ‘Cold Sores’ is caused by a virus known as the ‘Herpes Simplex’ virus. This virus replicates itself on the edge of your nose or lip. It is a very common problem worldwide, with 90% of the world population estimated to have been infected with cold sores at some point of their lives. However, what makes the other 10% survive this widely common infection? To know the answer to this, we must know what the triggers that can cause cold sores are.

If you suddenly find yourselves infected with cold sores, it might be a sign that your immune system is rather weak. To keep the herpes virus from becoming active or activating itself, your immune system needs to be fairly strong. You should be aware of many things that could harm the immune system. Most importantly, you have to be aware of the nutrients you get from the food you eat and the supplements you consumed. One of the easiest ways to boost your immune system in your busy life is to make sure that you take the best possible vitamin and mineral supplement.

Another factor that could trigger cold sore activity is large stores of arginine as well as low amounts of lysine in a person’s cells. Arginine is widely agreed upon as the main ingredient for building new virus. It is impossible for a new virus to be created without sufficient amount of arginine in a person’s cells. The replication will then stop almost immediately and cold sores will not be a problem. Arginine and lysine both compete for the same space in cells. Since lysine does not support the creation and growth of new virus, it would be best to increase the lysine stores to prevent and reduce cold sore outbreaks.

In addition, cold sores usually affect people whose bodies tend to be more acid than neutral. Keep in mind that the optimal pH balance for perfect health is 7.4. The body normally regulate our pH around the 6.5 to 7.4 range. To maintain this healthy pH level, a person should always make sure to take balanced diet of vegetables, meats and fruits. Calcium is primarily used to keep the pH level above 7. The calcium stored in bones is extracted for this purpose. Therefore, it is more than necessary to eat foods high in calcium. Supplements that contain a good supply of minerals should also be considered. These foods alone are not enough.

On the other hand, cold sores can also be caused by stress. It is not simply a myth or just rumors. Physical and mental stresses both affect a person physically in terms of his physical health. A stressed out person will experience a phenomenon where lysine is lowered and arginine is raised in his nerve cells. The body pH of a stressed person also lowers into the acid side of normal.