MICROgenics Cold Sore Relief

Cold Sores

• Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), often transmitted through contact with a lesion of an infected person via kissing or sharing of utensils. Once in the body, the virus lays dormant, waiting for the perfect environment to produce a cold sore. Common triggers are stress, sun burn, low immune status, and a diet high in foods containing the amino acid arginine, such as nuts and chocolate.
• Taking lysine supplements can speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent cold sore outbreaks, as it retards the Herpes Simplex Virus replication and growth. On the other hand, the amino acid arginine exacerbates the virus growth.
• Lysine is an essential amino acid. It is referred to as essential, because the body cannot synthesise it, requiring intake through external sources. Lysine has many functions in the body because it is incorporated into many proteins, which are used by the body for a variety of purposes.
• In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 65 Herpes simplex patients, taking 1000mg a day of Lysine was found to reduce the recurrence of Cold sore attacks when taken regularly
• Most people, including vegans (vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs), consume adequate amounts of lysine. However, vegans whose diets contain large amounts of grains and only minimal amounts of beans could become deficient in lysine. Athletes involved in frequent vigorous exercise have increased need for essential amino acids, although most diets meet these increased needs. The essential amino acid requirements of burn patients may exceed the amount of lysine in the diet.
• Lysine supplementation increases the absorption of calcium and may reduce its excretion. Some researchers believe that the disturbed balance of arginine and lysine may play a role in viral problems.
• Lysine works with other essential amino acids to maintain growth, lean body mass, and the body’s store of nitrogen. In addition, dietary supplementation with an essential amino acid L-lysine has been shown to reduce anxiety (emotion along with fear, anger, sadness or worry) in humans with low dietary intake of L-lysine. A combination of L-lysine and L-arginine has been documented to normalize hormonal stress responses in humans with high trait anxiety.
• Recent research on natural cold sore treatments found that there is evidence that certain dietary modifications and natural substances may be useful for treating active Herpes simplex lesions or preventing recurrences. Treatments discussed include lysine, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E

Immune Health

• MICROgenics Cold Sore Relief includes immune supporting herbs Echinacea and Olive leaf to help combat outbreaks and assist the immune system in controlling the virus.
• Olive leaf is used for treatment of viral and bacterial infections including the common cold.
• Echinacea is well known for its therapeutic effect on supporting a healthy immune system.
• Zinc and Vitamin C are included to maintain a healthy immune response.

Triggers – Diet and Stress

• To reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks Naturopaths and Nutritionists may recommend a dietary balance in the lysine/arginine ratio of foods. These recommendations may include: decreasing arginine foods such as poultry, red meat, some dairy products, oats, nuts, chocolate, coconut, and soya beans whilst increasing lysine foods such as beans, fish, lamb, milk, cheese (parmesan) and eggs.
• Stress is another major trigger for cold sore outbreaks. Addressing the cause and learning techniques to manage stress may also reduce the frequency of cold sores.