[su_note note_color=”#ffe3e6″]This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other Amazon websites.[/su_note]
If you’re suffering from a cold sore, you’re probably looking for ways to make it go away as quickly as possible. What foods should you be eating? Which ones are best to avoid?
It’s hard to know what to eat if you’re experiencing a cold sore outbreak. Some foods can help with the pain and healing time, while others will only worsen things. The last thing you want to do is make your symptoms worse, but sometimes you just need something comforting to eat.
To help you out, here are some of the best and worst foods to eat during a cold sore outbreak. Keep reading to learn more.
3 Best Foods To Eat If You Have Cold Sores
A cold sore episode can hamper an individual’s ability to enjoy their food. Thankfully, there are a number of food items believed to be helpful for those who are dealing with cold sores. They include:
1. Plain Yogurt
Yogurt is said to be one of the best meals for a cold sore outbreak. The lactic acid in yogurt helps speed up the sores’ healing process and reduce the pain. The vitamin B-complex, also present in yogurt, can help boost your immune system and fight off the virus that causes cold sores.
Another benefit of eating plain yogurt during a cold sore outbreak is that it’ll help eliminate any dryness or flaking of the skin around the affected area by providing moisture and nutrients to the skin. To know more about moisturizing the affected area, you might want to look over at this website.
Plus, plain yogurt can also help increase your overall energy level, making you feel more energetic and less tired during a cold sore outbreak.
2. Swiss Cheese
Eat some Swiss cheese during a cold sore outbreak and you’ll find that your symptoms are not as severe. One of the best ways to prevent future outbreaks of cold sores is by boosting your immune system. This will help your body fight off new infections quickly before they spread and cause problems.
Consuming Swiss cheese regularly can help boost your immune system, making it easier for you to fight off any new viruses that may come along. This will help keep your body healthy and protect you from developing more serious health conditions over time as well as from having to deal with cold sores all of the time.
3. Chicken And Salmon
Chicken and salmon are the best meats to eat during a cold sore outbreak. The amino acids in these proteins help to repair your cells and tissues, which can help reduce the pain and swelling of a cold sore. Additionally, they contain high amounts of the amino acid cysteine, which has been shown to boost the production of natural antiviral defenses in your body.
Salmon is particularly good for fighting off cold sores because it contains high amounts of vitamin C which help strengthen your immune system and keep you well-nourished during a cold sore outbreak.
4 Worst Foods To Eat During A Cold Sore Episode
As mentioned above, there are food items that are said to be the best to consume during a cold sore episode. Keep in mind that on the flip side, there are various foods that should be avoided at all costs. Some of them are:
1. Citrus Fruits
Avoid citrus fruits during a cold sore outbreak because they contain citric acid and ascorbic acid that may irritate your mouth and further aggravate the condition. Citric acid is found in oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, pineapples, and cranberries. If you’re experiencing a cold sore outbreak, it’s best to avoid eating citrus fruits altogether until the symptoms have subsided.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate is a delicious treat but can also be harmful if you have a cold sore outbreak. Chocolate contains phenylalanine, a compound that can make a cold sore worse. It’s best to avoid eating chocolate during this time.
If you’re craving something sweet, try other options like ice cream or cookies instead of chocolate. For something crunchy, try plain potato chips or pretzels instead of chocolate-covered ones.
3. Processed Foods
Avoid eating processed foods during a cold sore outbreak to help prevent the spread of the virus. Processed foods are often high in sugar and salt, irritating your mouth and worsening the cold sore. Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables to get your daily vitamins while avoiding processed foods that may irritate your mouth. It’d be best if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during an outbreak as well.
4. Spicy Foods
Eating spicy foods may be tempting if you’re experiencing a cold sore outbreak. After all, they can help clear your sinuses and make you feel better. But eating spicy foods during a cold sore outbreak can actually make things worse.
When you eat something spicy, it causes your body to release mucus in your mouth. While this is helpful during a cold or allergies, a cold sore can cause them to burst open and possibly spread the virus to other areas of your mouth.
Final Thoughts
Certain foods will help your body fight cold sores, so be sure to eat plenty of those. Nonetheless, you should also avoid a few kinds of food because your cold sores might get worse. Remember the list above of some of the best and worst foods to eat during a cold sore outbreak. That way, you’ll be able to manage your situation better than before.
