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Stop Cold and Canker Sores from Ruining the Day
More than 40 million Americans suffer from these contagious lesions, characterized by an eruption of small painful blisters on the lips, or around the mouth or nose. Caused by the herpes simplex virus 1, they lay dormant in the body and become active later when something triggers them. In addition to stress, they can be caused by illness, menstruation, pregnancy, pain from an injury, sunburn or wind, being over-tired, and irritation in the mouth area. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are numerous remedies and prescription drugs on the market to help relieve these painful, embarrassing sores. ”Unfortunately,” says Robin Barr, 51, formulator of Cold Sores Begone, “herpes is a virus that remains in the body for life. Once the cold sore is healed, the virus retreats back into the nerve cells where it stays dormant until triggered, causing a new cold sore to appear.” Barr’s lifelong battle with cold sores led her on a quest to find a better solution than what was available. During her research, she came across studies from Germany suggesting certain herbs might be helpful in the early stage of a herpes simplex infection. “In my kitchen, I put together a mixture of glycerin, lemon balm, echinacea, golden seal and allantoin in specific ratios, and found when I applied it at the early symptom of an impending eruption, the sore never erupted.” Barr knew she had made an interesting discovery but continued to use it only for herself, and sharing it with friends and family who were also plagued with cold sores. A few years later, after getting a lot of positive feedback from people who had tried her remedy, she decided to start marketing it as Cold Sores Begone. Cheri Gant, 58, of Boulder City, Nev., came across the remedy completely by accident while at work one day. “I work in a dental office in Las Vegas, and one day a drug rep. came to the office with a sample. I was very interested because of the severity of my attacks. I rubbed some on my face the next time I felt some tingling, and it stopped it in its tracks,” says Gant, who used to suffer outbreaks every six months like clock work. Cold sores aren’t the only ailments for which Barr’s formula has proven effective. A slightly modified version can help people who suffer from canker sores as well. Canker sores are open sores in the mouth that appear as a white or yellow ulcer surrounded by a bright red area. They are benign, but very painful, and usually appear on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, tongue, soft palate, and the base of the gums. ”I found it in a health food store. At first I was skeptical, because nothing had worked for me before, but decided to give it a try anyway,” says Beverly Kuchinsky, 70, of Los Angeles, Calif. “Other treatments took the pain away but it came right back. I’ve found this one diminishes the pain, and makes them go away faster.” Barr says Canker Sores Begone seems to be more effective for oral sores caused by stress and fatigue than those caused by eating acidic foods. “The worst thing that can happen to a bride or groom on their wedding day is to have an outbreak right before they march down the aisle,” says Barr. “I’ve heard this and other similar stories countless times.” Today, with many innovative product and prescription choices, its easier than ever to decrease your chances of future outbreaks. Cold Sores Begone and Canker Sores Begone are available at health food stores. You can also order online at www.csbegone.com, or by calling (888) 877-6315. Courtesy of ARA Content
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FUELING UP ON WATER It's our body's vital fuel, a health drink from mother nature. It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Yet few people follow the old fashioned advice to drink eight glasses of water a day. Most people drink when they are thirsty, but the beverage of choice tends to be some other drink besides water. Americans drink two or three glasses of plain water a day, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey conducted in the late 1970. Based on an analysis of all fluid intake by adults, it is said to total about two quarts of water a day, and this includes water from foods and from other beverages. It's not usually necessary to actually swallow two quarts of plain water every day. However, people with special problems such as kidney conditions might be exceptions. Americans drink eight gallons of bottled water a year, roughly two ounces or a quarter-cup a day, according to the International Bottled Water Association. Californians drink three times the national average of bottled water, downing 24 gallons a year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and seasons of the year play a role in one's thirst also, and just as we tend to perspire more in the summer months, we also tend to drink more water. Boosting intake of plain water makes good sense, many experts concur, because water eases digestion and regulates body temperature. Water also bathes the cells and accounts for about 60 percent of body weight. And it can help us exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can ward off constipation and maybe even crankiness. An since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can help us lose weight and keep it off. It can help keep skin healthy, although it won't necessarily banish acne. Who should drink water? We all should, but pregnant women, nursing mothers and athletes should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise. There are certain workers who seem to have a more difficult time developing the water-drinking habit. Among those who don't normally drink enough water are teachers, airline attendants and nurses. Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney stones because it dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water, And it has been documented that drinking water mostly before 6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom visits. It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for women. Too busy to count how many glasses a day you drink? There are other ways to calculate if your intake is sufficient. Dark-colored urine often suggest you aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, then work in a cup between meals.
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(ARA) – Stress is
something just about everyone deals with at one time or another in their
lives. It may come from pressure on the job, anxiety over an upcoming test,
job interview or first date, or from planning a big event such as a vacation
or wedding. No matter what the reason, stress is a big factor in the
appearance of a cold sore.