4 foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores

4 foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores

Cold sores are a problematic symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus that can derail your plans. They often appear when you are already under the weather, making them even more challenging to eliminate. Furthermore, they are not as quick to leave as they are to arrive. They linger around for longer and might feed off some healthy food you eat to boost your immunity. Here are some foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores.

Chocolate
Chocolate has often been touted for all the health benefits it brings. It is also loaded with antioxidants; the darker the chocolate, the higher its protein and fiber content will be. But chocolate is best avoided for people with cold sores because of its high arginine content. For people who prefer hot chocolate in the winter, switching to alternatives like cappuccino will help save some discomfort.

Pickles
Foods with high salt content, like pickles, are another no-no for people with cold sores. Not only does high sodium content further irritate the skin it also interferes with macrophage activation. Since macrophages are essential to bringing down the inflammatory markers in the body, eating foods like pickles can prove counter-productive to cold sores treatments.

Oranges
Stress is one of the most common reasons behind cold sores, as it impairs the immune system’s functioning. One of the most effective ways to strengthen the immune system is by adding vitamin C-rich foods and supplements to daily meals. However, when people with cold sores eat acidic foods like oranges, it interferes with the healing process and prevents scabs from forming over cold sores. Oranges, one of the most accessible and effective ways of adding vitamin C to the daily meal plan, must be avoided owing to their acidic nature. Instead, one can choose non-citrus sources of vitamin C, like bell peppers.

Almonds
Almonds are known for their various health benefits and the nutrients they pack. They are rich in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. But they also carry a considerable amount of arginine, a compound that triggers the activity of the Herpes Simplex virus. This virus is responsible for painful and discomforting cold sores. Therefore, avoiding almonds from one’s daily meal plan is necessary.

Our
Blog.

5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder.
Read More
4 best foods for hemophilia

4 best foods for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, certain food choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss.
Read More