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What causes colds sores and fever blisters (oral herpes)? In this interesting article, you will learn what causes cold sores - the actual triggers you should avoid.

The short answer to what causes cold sores is the herpes simplex virus.

About 33% of those infected will never get a cold sore as the virus will remain dormant. The other 66% will get at least a couple outbreaks a year.

If the herpes virus decides to replicate, it will move to the surface and enter your cells there. This destructive virus then forces the cells to create new virus particles.

Swelling of the area occurs as the cells bulge with the new virus. Once full, the cells are destroyed - releasing the virus hoards and creating your cold sore crater.

The herpes simplex virus is the root cause of all cold sores. But, to stop cold sores, you need to know what actually activates this virus.

Here are the three primary triggers that create the right conditions for the replication of the herpes simplex virus and the cold sore result.

1. YOUR IMMUNITY IS INADEQUATE TO FEND OFF THE HERPES VIRUS.

A vigorous immune response requires strong antibodies. Certain materials must be on hand for your body to build potent antibodies.

The vigor of your antibodies is directly related to your vitamin and mineral intake - from food and supplements.

Cold sores are a warning your immune system is not strong enough to protect you properly. Eat more raw vegetables for the high quality nutrients needed to strengthen your immunity.

You also would be wise to start taking vitamin supplements every day. This may be all you need to do to heal and prevent cold sore misery. But avoid worthless bargain vitamins.

If you do not buy a high quality vitamin supplement, you will not get good results. You want high vitamin B and C content. These vitamins help reduce stress.

2. HIGH ARGININE TO LYSINE RATIO.

Arginine and lysine are two amino acids essential to your health. They also are very much involved in cold sore outbreaks.

Arginine is the protein needed to create new herpes simplex virus. If arginine is scarce, the cell cannot create virus clones - and no cold sore will appear.

Herpes virus cannot be built using lysine. Your cells store both these amino acids in the same area. The more of one means less of the other.

Saturating your cells with lysine will reduce the stored arginine. Eating high lysine food, such as dairy, works but lysine capsules are easy, cheap and effective cold sore prevention.

3. YOUR pH BALANCE IS TOO ACID.

You are at peak health when your pH level is alkaline. The pH scale measures 1 through 14 with 7 being neutral. Above 7 is alkaline and below 7 is acid.

Your body works hard to maintain pH levels around 7.4. When you drop below 6.5, you are inviting illness - and creating the right conditions for another cold sore.

The more acidic, the lower your oxygen levels. This creates the perfect breeding ground for the herpes simplex virus. Soda pop and white sugar are acid causing foods to be avoided.

Cold sore activity is highest during the winter months because your body is more apt to become acid. Less outdoor activity, cold dry air and fewer fresh vegetables account for a more acid body.

Eating more green vegetables, particularly cabbage and asparagus, will help keep your pH levels healthy. And most vitamin stores carry alkalizing supplement plans that work well.

What causes cold sores has many answers because it may be different for you than another person. There is much more I wish I had time and room to share with you.

However, the three specific causes you have just read in this article will likely go a long way in determining what causes cold sores for you and how to be cold sore free for life.