Reboot and Revive
Cold sores and mouth ulcers are a real pain… They always happen at the most inappropriate time and it feels so unfair that some people just never get them!
They are caused by the HSV-1 ( type 1 herpes virus), which the majority of people carry.
You can get over the counter medicine which I do not find effective, prescription medicine (more effective) and I thought I would share a few tips to minimize their recurrence.
1- SLEEP. Just make sure to get those 8 hours. 7 hours has been proven scientifically to not be enough for brain function, cell regeneration, mood, nervous function, etc. If you sleep enough, not only you will be physiological more performant but you will be able to deal with the next point better, namely, stress.
2- STRESS. It’s easy to say that we should stress less but it’s not as easy to put it in practice. I try to have more positive thoughts than negative thoughts daily. It is a simple trick that has been shown to make people happy (who needs a pay rise?!). I will do a full post on this but sticking to a maximum of 2 cups of coffee a day helps to not kick in anxiety, and breathing deeply is crucial for lower cortisol levels. When you feel you are doing shallow breathing, make a conscious effort to breathe normally again, maybe by taking a couple of deep breaths.
3- REDUCE ARGININE rich foods and supplements. L-Arginine is an amino acid that has been shown to activate HSV-1. Sadly, some healthy foods like spinach, nuts, pumpkin seeds contain L-Arginine. Cola, beer, chocolate, and gelatin (candy) contain it too.
4- EAT HEALTHY to support your immune system. You need a variety of nutrients for your body and immune system to function well. Following a low inflammation and healthy diet supports that.
5- SUPPLEMENTS. Vitamin C, zinc, and L-Lysine (an amino acid) can help reduce the recurrence of cold sores. Liposomal vitamin C is easier absorbed too. If you take zinc, I would recommend zinc picolinate as it is better absorbed. And as with everything I recommend, please make sure to check with your doctor before taking it 🙂
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Chronic inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and consequently increases the risk of strokes. Following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can help soften the arteries and support cardiovascular health.
Do I need to cook while on the EBS Lifestyle?
Not necessarily. You can absolutely eat out by following the Eating Out Guide. This Lifestyle isn’t about perfection — it’s about damage limitation. And if you do want to cook at home, the recipes are simple, approachable, and designed for all skill levels.
Can you eat out while following the EBS Lifestyle?
Yes. There is an Eating Out section on the Eat Burn Sleep platform that will help you choose the best cuisines and the healthiest dishes on the menu when you are eating out.
Is the EBS Lifestyle suitable for me whilst pregnant?
Yes. Many women have used this lifestyle for fertility, during pregnancy, and afterward. Following this lifestyle during pregnancy has many benefits, and there is special personalized advice for Pregnancy & Postpartum. Check it with your doctor first, of course. Stick to your doctor’s supplements advice.
