What is the difference between minerals and vitamins

What is the difference between minerals and vitamins

Both Minerals and Vitamins are necessary for the body to function normally and even work synergistically together, e.g. Selenium and Vitamin E, Calcium and Vitamin E. A Mineral cannot be made by the body, most Vitamins cannot be made by the body with the exception of Vitamin D which is produced in the body by the ultra violet rays from the sun and Vitamin K which is made in the intestines.

Minerals are inorganic naturally occurring substances, whereas a Vitamin is an organic compound.

The difference between the inorganic and organic is the organic compound has carbon in its chemical structure. Originally it was believed organic compounds were unique in that they could not be reproduced by man, however this is now known not to be true and there are thousands of organic compounds which are routinely made for both medicine and research. This is why whilst Vitamins do occur naturally they cannot specifically be classed as natural unless the original source is known and stated, for example Vitamin C is available from Oranges however a Vitamin C supplement will probably not have oranges as the source of the Vitamin.

Minerals are sometimes referred to as Elements which is also correct as an Element is a substance in its simplest chemical form meaning it cannot be split any further. All the 112 elements of which 96 are naturally occurring make up the periodic table. The dietary Minerals are found in the 96 naturally occurring Elements, along with other Elements used in medicine like Barium, Lithium and Bismuth.

The Vitamins are:
Vitamin A - Retinol
Vitamin B1 - Thiamin
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 - Niacin
Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine
Vitamin B7 - Biotin also known as Vitamin H
Vitamin B9 - Folate / Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 - Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin D - Calciferol
Vitamin E - Tocopherol
Vitamin K - Phylloquinone

The main Dietary Minerals:
Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Fluoride
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Sodium
Zinc

The unique amino acid L-theanine explained

L-theanine is an an amino acid which is unique in that it is almost exclusively only found in the plant that is used to make tea. All teas come from the same plant Camellia sinensis, and depending on how the producers treat the leaves after cultivation determines which of the four basic types of true tea are black tea, oolong tea, green tea and white tea you are drinking. The leaves to produce White tea are un-wilted and unoxidized, Green tea are wilted and unoxidized, Oolong are wilted, bruised, and partially oxidised and Black tea are wilted, crushed, and fully oxidised. The advantage of drinking tea as a calming agent is that there are no side effects and importantly there tea will not cause drowsiness, tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, second only to water.

This unique amino acid L-theanine also referred to simply as theanine and also known as Suntheanine, has been studied and found to produce relaxation and calming effects it is suggested it produces these effects by increasing the level of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) production, caffeine decreases GABA production. Theanine also increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors. [1] People suffering from stress, anxiety or depression can try this product.

L-theanine crosses the blood brain barrier, this ability allows it to inhibit glutamic acid excitotoxicity, this is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances. Glutamate induced neuro toxicity is a major cause of degenerative brain diseases like Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.

Other reported benefits of L-theanine are improving memory and learning capabilities, its antioxidant properties, healthy cardiovascular function and lowering blood pressure.

In one study taking 200mg of L-theanine showed that alpha waves, one type of brain waves, commonly detected by electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) and predominantly found to originate from the occipital lobe during periods of waking relaxation with the eyes closed. were observed from the back to the top of a person's head the occipital and parietal regions of the brain, and were detectable after 30 minutes. [2] The alpha waves are responsible for relaxation, superlearning, memory and relaxed focus.

People under stress can prevent many of the harmful effects of stress with L-theanine without becoming sedated in the process. L-theanine does not cause drowsiness or promote sleep, because this amino acid does not produce theta waves in the brain.

References:

1. ^ a b Nathan P, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C (2006). "The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent". J Herb Pharmacother 6 (2): 21–30

2. Mason R. 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2001,April; 7:91-95

Iodine for the thyroid

What the thyroid gland is and what it does
The thyroid is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary. The gland gets its name from the Greek word for "shield", after its shape, a double-lobed structure.
This gland is found in the neck below the mouth and at approximately the same level as the cricoid cartilage which is just above the middle of your collarbone. The thyroid controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones.
Your thyroid gland needs iodine to make thyroid hormone, which maintains normal metabolism in all cells of the body.
Dietary iodine deficiencies were common before iodine was added to table salt. You need to check your table salt has added Iodine.
Iodine deficiency causes enlargement of the thyroid, a condition known as goiter. However, if you are not deficient in iodine, taking extra iodine will not help your thyroid work better, and it might even cause problems.

For reasons that are not clear, supplementary iodine might also be helpful for cyclic mastalgia.


Seaweed and Kelp are excellent sources of Iodine
Kelp refers to several species of large, brown algae that can grow to enormous sizes reaching upto 80m in length which grows mainly in the oceans of the northern hemisphere. Kelp also known as Kombu is a type of seaweed, but not all seaweed is kelp the term seaweed loosely describes any type of vegetation growing in the ocean, including many other types of algae and plants.

Kelp is a regular part of a normal human diet in many parts of the world, such as Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. It is also incorporated into some vitamin and mineral supplements because of its nutrient value. Kelp is a good source of folic acid (a B vitamin), as well as many other vitamins and minerals, especially iodine

One type of seaweed which also has high levels of iodine is Bladderwrack (latin: Fucus vesiculosusin), this was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811. It is one of the most common algae found on the shores of the British Isles, as well as being found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

CoQ10 Ubiquinone And Ubiquinol Explained And The Bodies Requirement For Creating Cellular Energy

Coenzyme Q, CoQ is found in the cells of all living organisms comprising both plants and animals including humans. The amount of CoQ found in plants and animals varies between each species depending on the structure of the CoQ. Humans have CoQ10 because it has 10 isoprene units.

A Coenzyme is a substance which enhances the role of an enzyme. An enzyme is a biomolecule that catalyse (i.e. accelerate) the rates of chemical reactions. The role of CoQ10 is to generate energy by transporting protons and electrons from one bioenergy enzyme to another. Meaning CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant. The bioenergy enzymes in turn use sugar from foods to generate adenosine triphosphate, ATP creating cellular energy. This energy is then used by the body for all the processes needed for day to day living and life.

In humans CoQ10 is found in largest amounts in the organs which produce the highest amounts of energy, the heart, liver, kidneys and the pancreas. Although it should be remembered CoQ10 is found in all cells (except red blood cells and eye cells) in all organs within the human body.

CoQ10 is thought to be derived from biosynthesis within the human body as well as dietary sources. The biosynthesis of CoQ10 is a complex procedure needing at least 15 different chemical reactions each needing an enzyme as well as several cofactor substances including but not limited to vitamins B-3, B-5, B-6, B12, C and folate. It is easy to see if you are lacking the necessary enzymes and / or the cofactors your body will not make sufficient CoQ10. This is where the dietary sources are important. The main sources within a typical human diet are meat, fish, wheat germ and rice bran. Vegetables generally tend to have low levels of CoQ10, however spinach, broccoli and green beans are good sources.

As you get older your bodies make less CoQ10, and your body becomes less efficient at converting the ubiquinone form of CoQ10 to the more usable form of CoQ10 ubiquinol.

As CoQ10 is so important in the role of producing energy for your body to use, it is obvious if you are not obtaining enough from your diet or your body cannot manufacture enough you may be suffering from conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome CFS, myalgic encephalomyelitis ME, fibromyalgia. Because CoQ10 is found in all cells and therefore all organs it may be partly responsible for a range of disease like but not exclusive to, heart disease, angina, heart failure, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, obesity.

Supplementing with CoQ10 is an ideal way to increase your levels of this important coenzyme. CoQ10 supplements are available in two forms the standard CoQ10 known as ubiquinone and the reduced form ubiquinol which has more bioavailability. Your body converts ubiquinone to ubiquinol meaning it is more easy for the cells to absorb the CoQ10 more efficiently. By taking ubiquinol supplements rather than the standard CoQ10 you will ensure your body gets enough CoQ10. Because CoQ10 is fat soluble which ever type of supplement you take it is best taken with food at meal times. Some CoQ10 supplements already have added cofactors within them which will enhance the bioavailability of the CoQ10 like vitamin E, bioperin and omega 3, this is more typical on the ubiquinone CoQ10 supplement.

CoQ10 supplements at Paul and Cheryls Shop

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is a water soluble organic compound which is an essential nutrient needed by the body for everyday living, and the hundreds of processes your body carries out to enable it to function, Like all vitamins it cannot be manufactured by the body and must be derived from dietary sources or from supplementation in the case of known deficiencies. Because Vitamin B is water soluble a lot of it is secreted in the urine on a daily basis making the daily intake either through food sources in the diet or by taking supplements important for all the functions it is required for to enable the body to function.

There are now 8 main B Vitamins within the group, originally it was thought there was just one vitamin called vitamin B. As scientists investigated this vitamin it was realized there where over 22 vitamins which where chemically different to each other, but existed in the same foods. Over time it was realized that a lot of the 22 were not actually vitamins for a variety of reasons including they could be manufactured within the body, some were not organic and whilst some were not essential to humans they where required by other organisms. This is why there are gaps in the numbering system of what is now known as the B vitamin family, which consists of, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Biotin (B7), Folic Acid (B9) and B12.

3 substances which are sometimes referred to as being part of the B Vitamin family are Choline, Inositol and PABA.

Choline is is an organic compound, classified as a water-soluble essential nutrient,usually grouped with in the B Vitamin family, however it does not have a B number and is known as Bp.

Inositol is not technically a Vitamin because it can be synthesised by the body.

PABA, (para-aminobenzoic acid) is not essential to human health so is not technically a Vitamin

B Vitamin - - - - - - - - Name - - - - - - - - - - - -Dietary Source

B1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Thiamin - - - - - - - - - - brewers yeast, brown rice, wheat germ and soya beans

B2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Riboflavin - - - - - - - - -almonds, eggs liver and milk

B3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Niacin - - - - - - - - - - - -fish, eggs, brewers yeast, whole grains, millet, quinoa, almonds, wheat, pumpkin seeds, poultry, rice, brown rice, brussel sprouts, raspberries, artichoke, dates, celery, broccoli, mushrooms, dates and okra

B5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pantothenic Acid - - - -mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, brown rice, oats and wheat

B6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pyroxidine - - - - - - - - -bananas, millet, buckwheat, wheat oats, brown rice, shellfish ie prawns, lobster, muscles, brown rice, chicken, spinach

B7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Biotin - - - - - - - - - - - - egg yolk, liver, oysters, legumes and yeast

B9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Folic Acid - - - - - - - - -barley, brown rice, wheat, sesame seeds, oats, chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, leeks, radishes, mushrooms, peaches, pears and yam

B12 - - - - - - - - - - - - Cobalamin - - - - - - - - -liver, fish, dairy products. there are no vegetable sources of B12

Choline - - - - - - - - - - Vitamin Bp - - - - - - - - -egg yolks, soy, beef, chicken, veal, turkey livers

Inositol - - - - - - - - - - -Vitamin B8 - - - - - - - - -nuts, seeds, brown rice, beans, whole grains, raisins, cantaloupe, bananas, citrus fruits

PABA - - - - - - - - - - - Vitamin Bx - - - - - - - - - liver, kidney, brewers yeast, molasses, whole grains, bran mushrooms, spinach

There are foods which are beneficial for several of the B Vitamins like: barley, game, eggs, sunflower seeds, peas, peppers and molasses

When food is cooked the high temperatures involved in the cooking process will result in most of the vitamin content being destroyed. The best method to cook food is steaming which will preserve more of the vitamin than boiling. With foods like nuts and grains which tend to be eaten raw the levels remain unchanged.

Vitamin B1 Thiamin

Deficiency results in the condition BeriBeri (common in the 19th century), which causes Oedama (water logging of the tissues) and Emaciation both of which have nerve damage associated with them. This condition occurs mainly in the tropics. The body must have B1 to be able to convert carbohydrates into energy, it does this by making thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) which is the active form of Thiamin (B1). Every cell in your body needs Thiamin to be able to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), this is the bodies main energy carrying molecule.

The bodies ability to absorb B1 is totally dependent on having enough B6, B9 and B12 already available within the body. Both smoking and consumption of alcohol interfere with absorption of thiamin.

Dietary sources are brewers yeast, brown rice, wheat germ and soya beans.

Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

A deficiency in this B Vitamin is associated with stunted growth in children. It is also responsible for inflammation of the tongue and lips with cracking in the corners of the mouth. Vitamin B2 is important in cell respiration and very beneficial in helping the liver clear excess oestrogen's. These may be partly responsible for breast and ovarian cancer in women. Vitamin B2 transforms B9 and B5 into the neurotransmitters which are crucial for thinking and memory. People who have high levels of B2 tend to perform best at memory tests.

Dietary sources are almonds, eggs liver and milk.

Vitamin B3 Niacin

This comes in 2 forms Niacin (nicotinic acid) and Niacinamide (nicotinamide). Niacin causes flushing because it dilates blood vessels this action keeps blood pressure down protecting the cardiovascular system. Taking an Aspirin at the same time as Niacin will help to reduce the flushing. Niacinamide does not have the flushing side effects. A deficiency causes Pellagra (although the deficiency has to be extreme), which is characterized by diarrhea, skin eruptions and mental disturbances. This condition occurs mainly in the sub tropics. This B Vitamin can be formed in the human body in very tiny amount from the amino acid Tryptophan.

50 enzymes rely on B3 for their proper functioning.

Any amount of alcohol in the body will inhibit absorption of Vitamin B3.

Dietary sources are fish, eggs, brewers yeast, whole grains, millet, quinoa, almonds, wheat, pumpkin seeds, poultry, rice, brown rice, brussel sprouts, raspberries, artichoke, dates, celery, broccoli, mushrooms, dates and okra.

Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid

Being deficient can cause dermatitis. B5 is known to be involved in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates. It increase HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) levels which improve the ratio between the good and bad cholesterol's. B5 is needed to make hormones and healthy red blood cells. There is evidence that coenzyme A is converted from B5 which detoxifies the body.

Dietary sources are mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, brown rice, oats and wheat.

Vitamin B6 Pyroxidine

A low level of B6 is associated with skin disorders and problems with nerve damage and the central nervous system. Its main benefits are turning protein, fat and carbohydrate into energy and assisting in maintaining the nervous system, B12 is also very important in this role. Vitamin B6 enhances the white blood cells capability to attack offending pathogens. When B6 is synergistically in combination with B12, both will work together to prevent a build up of Homocysteine, by removing it from the blood, which can be partly responsible for atherosclerosis, (arteries furring up). Homocysteine is an amino acid found in meat, which causes blood cells to clump together and cling to arterial walls. It is very important to keep Homocysteine levels in check.

A lot of women take a B6 supplement to ease the symptoms associated with pre menstrual symptoms of bloating and cramping, although this use has not been studied and proven.

Dietary sources are bananas, millet, buckwheat, wheat oats, brown rice, shellfish ie prawns, lobster, muscles, brown rice, chicken and spinach

Vitamin B7 Biotin

B7 is more commonly known as Biotin, which is also known as Vitamin H. The body should be able to make its own from the bacteria which live in the intestines, if someone is taking antibiotics or who have a compromised immune system.

Deficiency can be responsible for dermatitis. It is essential for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and is beneficial for healthy hair, skin and nails. Because it is so key to the health of hair, skin and nails, brittle nails and hair along with hair loss may be a sign of Biotin deficiency. Cradle cap in infants may be due to Biotin deficiency, however it is important to consult with a doctor before giving supplements to children. Because of the importance of Biotin to hair health, many shampoos and conditioners have Biotin added to them.

Dietary sources are egg yolk, liver, oysters, legumes and yeast.

Vitamin B9 Folic Acid

This is essential for growth, energy and a strong immune system. B9 known as Folic Acid is also known as Folate or sometimes Folacin, is crucial to the good health of every cell within the body. B9 helps to form Dna and RNA in the genes, which are needed to regulate the formation of red blood cells, skin cells and the cells which line the small intestines.

Being deficient of B9 will causes anemia, because it is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Without B9 the body will not be able to produce red blood cells.

Because B9 is so important in the making of DNA and RNA pregnant women are advised to supplement with B9 for the normal development of the fetus in the first 6 weeks of pregnancy.

There is evidence that B9 is better absorbed when it is taken with a B12 supplement and a Vitamin C supplement, as Vitamin C prevents the B9 from being broken down to quickly in your body.

Dietary sources are barley, brown rice, wheat, sesame seeds, oats, chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, leeks, radishes, mushrooms, peaches, pears and yam.

Vitamin B12 Cobalamin

The Cobal part of Cobalamin refers to the metal Cobalt in B12.

B12 can be produced by micro-organisms in the gut, however as we age our natural levels of B12 decrease. Being deficient in B12 will cause pernicious anemia (defective production of red blood cells) and a degeneration of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia is a stubborn form of anemia which does not improve when iron supplements are taken, this type of anemia occurs because the stomach fails to excrete a special substance called intrinsic factor. The body needs the intrinsic factor for efficient absorption of Vitamin B12

If the deficiency is severe signs of senility may be displayed. This B Vitamin is absolutely essential for the production and maintenance of the myelin sheath which insulates and protects the nerve fibers. B12 is important so the body can effectively use B9 (Folic Acid).

B12 is required for energy production, to make myelin, production of red and white blood cells, the removal of Homocysteine. It is available as Cyanocobalamin a stable form of Cobalamin which the body converts to Methylcobalamin, B12 can be bought as a supplement already in this form making it instantly bioavailable.

Total vegetarians (vegans) must take a vitamin B12 supplements or consume B12 -fortified foods, or they will eventually become deficient. Because there is no Vitamin B12 in vegetables the only sources are liver, fish and some dairy products.

Dietary sources are liver, fish, dairy products. there are no vegetable sources of B12

Choline Vitamin Bp

Choline works very closely with B12 and B9 in the breakdown of fats. Being deficient in Choline may result in the degeneration of the liver and hardening of the arteries. The main health benefit of Choline is when it is converted to Acetylcholine. This is an important neurotransmiter required in the brain for memory function, intelligence and mood. People who have Alzheimer's usually have low levels of Acetylcholine in their brains.

Dietary sources are egg yolks, soy, beef, chicken and veal, turkey livers.

Inositol Vitamin B8

Inositol which is present in all cells, is also involved in the production of serotonin. Being deficient may be responsible for some forms of depression. The version Inositol Hexaphosphate, also known as IP6, is derived from Phytic Acid which is found in nuts, seeds, brown rice, beans, whole grains, raisins, cantaloupe, bananas and citrus fruits is obtained when the Phytic Acid combines with bacteria in the digestive tract. This is why it is not technically a vitamin.

Inositol combines with Choline to form Lecithin, a type of lipid which is needed to make healthy cell membranes. This is especially important for the brain, heart and liver.

Dietary source are nuts, seeds, brown rice, beans, whole grains, raisins, cantaloupe, bananas and citrus fruits.

PABA para-aminobenzoic acid Vitamin Bx

Paba assists the body in the manufacture of red blood cells, however its main reported benefits are in protecting against UVB rays. It has been found to delay the onset of wrinkles and keeps skin smooth. Because of these benefits it is taken by people who have conditions relating to the skin and connective tissues. Some studies suggest PABA mat be beneficial for people who suffer with hair loss because it is believed it protects the hair follicles.

Dietary source are liver, kidney, brewers yeast, molasses, whole grains, bran, mushrooms and spinach

The vitamin section of Paul and Cheryls Shop

Glutathione the bodies most abundant antioxidant

Glutathione is found and manufactured in every cell in the body making it the bodies most abundant antioxidant. It is found in highest concentrations in the heart, muscle tissue and the liver, with the liver having the highest and supports healthy immune system.

Glutathione supports and protects your vision and helps to turn carbohydrates into energy.

Known as a tripeptide, consisting of the three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. making it a non-essential amino acid (meaning it can be made by the body)

Glutathione is critical for necessary and vital liver detoxification processes. Allowing toxins to be removed from the liver through the bile.
The liver also supplies Glutathione to the red and white blood cells keeping these cells in healthy condition and maximising the bodies disease fighting power of the immune system.

Glutathione also acts as an antioxidant that acts to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and help to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA.

Being deficient in Glutathione can create a devastating effect on the nervous system, causing symptoms like lack of balance and co-ordination, tremors and mental disorders. Any illness or chronic disorder like rheumatoid arthritis can cause a Glutathione deficiency because your body is supporting the white blood cells needed to fight the illness / chronic disorder whilst eliminating the body of the toxins which have been created at the same time.

Glutathione is very important in the bodies detoxification process by scavenging free radical, neurotoxins and detoxifying heavy metals.
When there is not enough Glutathione in the body the toxic load caused by infections and diseases means you may end up suffering with immune dysfunction. High levels of stress will deplete Glutathione levels by increasing adrenaline levels which in turn will suppress Glutathione production.
These are all important reasons to increase your intake of glutathione either by dietary sources or by supplements

Glutathione is found in almost all fruits and vegetables, however there are some foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and parsley will not only provide Glutathione but actually stimulate the body into producing more. The process of cooking destroys most of the glutathione in these foods so they are best eaten either steamed or raw. Another way to help the body produce Glutathione is to eat foods which are rich in Glutamine like lean meats, eggs, whole grains and wheat germ, these will stimulate the liver to produce glutathione.

There is no recommended dietary allowance for Glutathione supplementation however there are no known side effects or adverse reactions from taking Glutathione. The best time to take Glutathione supplements is to take them with food to maximise absorbtion.

The therapeutic use of lysine for cold sores and herpes viruses.

Herpes Virus type 1 and 2 explained
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as Human herpes virus (HHV).
When the herpes simplex virus causes outbreaks on the lips and around the mouth it is known as Cold sores, when the outbreaks occur mainly on the genitals, it is more commonly known as Genital herpes.

HHV-1 Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) Oral and/or genital herpes (predominantly orofacial)
HHV-2 Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) Genital herpes and/or oral (predominantly genital)

Both viruses cause periods of active disease presenting as painful blisters containing infectious virus particles which typically last for 2-21 days and is followed by remission when the sores disappear. Most cases of genital herpes are asymptomatic, although viral shedding may still occur. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are transmitted by direct contact with a sore or body fluid of an infected individual. After initial infection, these viruses move to sensory nerves, where they reside as lifelong, latent viruses. The viruses lie dormant in the trigeminal ganglia nerve that provide sensation to the lips, lower mouth and neck, or in lumbrosacral nerve that supply sensation to the genitals, perineum and upper legs. There will be occasions when either or both these viruses reactivate and return to the area of skin originally infected during the primary infection. Triggers for recurrences are uncertain but may include sunburn, ultraviolet light, wind, trauma, surgery, and stress.

Cold Sores
Cold sores are very painful outbreaks on the lips. In some people the virus reactivates to cause recurrent infection this is more common with an HSV-1 than an HSV-2 oral infection. Prodromal (an early non-specific symptom) symptoms often precede a recurrence, which typically begins with reddening of the skin around the infected site, with eventual ulceration to form fluid-filled blisters that affect the lip (labial) tissue and the area between the lip and skin (vermilion border) .A lot of people are aware an outbreak is going to occur before the reddening of the skin is by a tingling feeling at the site where the out break is going to occur. It is at this time people start to use treatments to try and prevent the outbreak.

Genital Sores
Clusters of inflamed papules and vesicles on the outer surface of the genitals represent the typical symptoms of a primary HSV-1 or HSV-2 genital infection. These usually appear 4–7 days after sexual exposure to HSV for the first time, and may resemble cold sores. In males the lesions occur on the shaft of the penis or other parts of the genital region like the inner thigh, buttocks or anus. In females lesions appear on or near the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks or anus. Other common symptoms include pain, itching and burning. Less frequent yet still common symptoms include discharge from the penis or vagina, fever, headache, muscle pain (myalgia), swollen and enlarged lymph nodes and malaise. Women often experience additional symptoms that include painful urination (dysuria) and cervicitis (inflammation of the tissues of the cervix). After 2–3 weeks, existing lesions progress into ulcers and then crust and heal although lesions on the mucosal surfaces may never form crusts.

Antivirals
There are over the counter antiviral medications available for controlling hsv outbreaks, including aciclovir (Zovirax), valaciclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and penciclovir. Aciclovir was the original and prototypical member of this drug class and is now available in generic brands at a greatly reduced cost. Valaciclovir and famciclovir are prodrugs of aciclovir and penciclovir respectively, which have improved solubility in water and better bioavailability when taken orally.

Lysine, Arginine and dietary sources explained.
There are natural supplements which may also help to prevent outbreaks of HSV. One supplement which is widely reported to prevent outbreaks of cold sores is the amino acid lysine usually in the form of L-lysine. Lysine prevents the herpes virus using the amino acid Arginine which it requires in order to replicate and break out in the sores.
Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that it is essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body, for this reason it must be obtained from food or by taking a lysine supplement.
Dietary sources include cheese, eggs, milk, meat and pulses.
It is important to avoid foods which contain the amino acid Arginine as herpes virus require this. Dietary sources which have high levels of Arginine are nuts. Whilst Arginine is found in other foods like dairy products and meats, as is Lysine the amount of Lysine in these foods is far greater then the amount of Arginine.
Lysine is available in capsule form, powder form and in various topical creams.

Mouth Ulcers
If the cause of a mouth ulcer is viral, the most common cause is the Herpes simplex virus which causes recurrent herpetiform ulceration's preceded by usually painful multiple vesicles which burst.

Creams and Supplements to treat Cold Sores and Herpes

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