Conquering Cold Sores: A traveler’s Guide

Many individuals find that travel, especially to sunny destinations, can trigger unwelcome cold sores. One reader shared, I get a cold sore nearly every year when I go on a sun holiday. The intense heat seems to trigger it. I’m also a nervous traveller, which probably doesn’t help.Is there anything I can do to head it off at the pass? Here’s how to manage and prevent these outbreaks.

Understanding the Triggers

• Stress and Sunlight: Travel-related anxiety combined with intense sun exposure creates a perfect storm for cold sore reactivation.
• Othre Triggers: Fatigue, fever, and menstruation can also contribute to outbreaks.
• Prevalence: The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is widespread; it is estimated that 80-90% of the population carries it, though only about 20% develop visible sores.

Natural Remedies and Preventative Measures

Several natural approaches can help prevent and treat cold sores, offering alternatives to traditional antiviral medications.

Amino Acids: Lysine vs. Arginine

• Lysine: This amino acid is often recommended to prevent herpes virus flare-ups. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person.
• Arginine: It is indeed crucial to avoid arginine, as it is required by the herpes virus for replication. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, nuts, oats, carob, coconut, and soybeans.

Topical Treatments: The Power of Propolis

Propolis, a substance made by bees, can substantially speed up the healing of cold sore lesions. Topically, propolis – made by bees from the collection of resins, gums, and sticky plant buds – will heal lesions significantly faster than antiviral medication Acyclovir, and also reduce the likelihood of additional infection.

Vitamin C and Camu-Camu

Boosting your immune system with vitamin C is vital when a viral outbreak is likely. Camu-camu, a rainforest fruit, is an excellent source. Camu-camu is a rainforest fruit with an impressive 8-10% vitamin C content by weight, approximately 30 times that found in oranges, and powerful antiviral properties. It is also effective against other forms of herpes, such as shingles, genital herpes, and the Epstein-Barr virus.

Camu-camu may alleviate cold sore outbreaks more quickly than some pharmaceutical drugs and is a good option for those who don’t respond to lysine supplementation. A typical dosage is one 500mg capsule daily for prevention or one capsule three times daily with food for three days to treat an existing outbreak. Expect to pay around €20-25 for a bottle of 60 capsules, available at health stores and pharmacies.

Addressing Digestive Issues: Twisted Colon, Coeliac disease, and IBS

For individuals managing multiple digestive conditions, finding relief can be complex. One reader in their 70s asked, I’m in my 70s and have been diagnosed with a twisted colon. Is there anything I can do to ease the symptoms? I’m also coeliac and have IBS. Here’s some guidance.

Managing a Twisted Colon

A twisted colon often requires surgical intervention. It is indeed advisable to seek a follow-up appointment or a second opinion regarding treatment options.

Natural Remedies for IBS

• Aloe Vera Juice: pure aloe vera juice has been successfully used in medical trials to treat IBS, as it helps soothe and heal the mucous membranes in the gut. consult a doctor before starting any new remedy.
• Fiber Intake: If using psyllium husks or other fiber supplements, consider taking a break, as excessive fiber can be problematic with a twisted bowel.
• Juicing: Juicing fresh organic fruits and vegetables can be an excellent way to get nutrients when the digestive system is compromised.