Herpes outbreaks can be uncomfortable and painful and in some case, embarrassing and inconvenient. Most times, herpes patients require prescribed medication to control the flare ups. But with some natural and alternative therapies, we can add some of these superfoods to our diet to help the body fight off the herpes virus.

1) Broccoli is known to fight cancer, heart disease and other serious conditions. These green florets are high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Broccoli may also inhibit the herpes simplex virus from reproducing.

2) According to recent research, cranberries may help to fight infection by the herpes virus, one of the most common viral infections. Cranberries are already known to prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the power of certain E. coli bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls, and recent studies suggest that cranberries also significantly suppressed herpes type 2 by preventing the virus to attach to and penetrate the walls. HSV-2 or herpes simplex infection is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes.

3) Another superfood to watch for is kelp. Kelp is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable that can also help eliminate herpes outbreaks. It is also known as Laminaria and it works as a blood purifier. You can take a kelp supplement or add it in foods and salads.

Other superfoods that can help strengthen the body’s immune system to fight the herpes simplex virus are those that are high in vitamins B, C, and E, as well as lysine, an amino acid. Fish, bean sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain complex carbohydrates are all great sources for these. You should avoid refined sugars, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and smoking, as these all have the ability to deplete energy stores which can in turn compromise your immunity and your ability to fend off infections.

As far as natural remedies are concerned, you need to know that stress is a major cause for herpes outbreak. So you should do whatever you can to minimize stress in your life – get plenty of sleep, take time out to relax, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. How about relaxing over one of Gatlinburg vacations to eliminate stress and be recharged!

You may also want to check out this natural treatment that can eliminate Genital Herpes and Cold Sores. This is a two fold genital herpes treatment program. H-Away is formulated specifically for herpes outbreaks. This formula is proven effective in treating genital herpes as well as oral herpes (cold sores, canker sores and fever blisters). The product has been formulated with the highest quality anti-viral essential oils. H-Prevention is a daily maintenance herpes preventative program which controls your recurring outbreaks. This special formula also comprises of the highest quality anti-viral essential oils.

One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the “live” bacteria that is good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion.  Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.

It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The benefits of these foods for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage.  This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.  Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.

For a good skin moisturizer, you may like to check out Purely Shea, an organic Shea Butter skincare.

If you are suffering from sinusitis or rhinitis like me, this article may be of some help to you. Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause. Chronic sinusitis, which is sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States and Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms. And this number is growing everyday!

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness and tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sinuses down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat. Those suffering from this can agree with the discomfort and frustration. I read that introducing a few of the superfoods from certain vitamin groups can help to lessen our the discomforts of this painful and bothersome malady.
Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system. The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folic acid (B9), and are essential for a healthy nervous system, processing carbohydrates for energy, and the creation of red blood cells. Organ meats, beans, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, potatoes, salmon, bananas, and spinach are only a few of the many food members of the vitamin B group with high levels of this group of nutrients.

Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are common food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a positive role in immune function.

Have you heard about liquid chlorophyll? Chlorophyll is the substance that gives plants their green colour. I just learnt that it is a great deodorizer and cleaner. For bad breath (which usually comes from the stomach), take half teaspoon in half cup water before breakfast. Chlorophyll also reduces body odor.

Liquid chlorophyll is also one of the heart remedies; it is high in potassium and is a great body builder. Being nature’s greatest cleansing agent, it is one of the great remedies in all liver troubles too.

If you have bleeding gums, use it as a mouthwash, holding it in the mouth for two or three minutes until the effect of chlorophyll can come about through the absorption of this fluid. Research has also found chlorophyll to be effective in stopping tooth decay.

To get chlorophyll, simply juice drinks from the tops of vegetables such as green kale, turnip tops, carrot tops, beet tops and other green vegetables. A business associate of mine who enjoys the lively San Diego nightlife believes that this is much easier than to suffer with an aching tooth or to pay the dentist’s bill.

My 2.5 year old is craving for seaweed lately – thanks to his mama (ME) for introducing this health snack to him during Chinese New Year… I thought that was healthier than keropok (fried crackers in Malay) and candies.

Some of us may be aware that seaweed has many health benefits for our skin and overall health. In fact, seaweed stimulates and improves blood and lymph circulation, revitalizes and firms the skin while re-establishing natural moisture levels. It is also known to nourish, oxygenate and detoxify the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite!

Seaweed has a complete spectrum of chelated minerals, thus making it easy to absorb into the skin, improves the texture and shine of your hair and improves skin texture and tone (notice Japanese has very black hair?).

My findings also shows that seaweed cleanses, tones and soothes the skin and regenerates body tissues, offering a new energy and helps to maintain a youthful appearance.

It is virtually fat-free, low calorie and one of the richest sources of minerals. Seaweed contains high amounts of calcium and phosphorous and are extremely high in magnesium, iron, iodine and sodium. In fact, it contains significantly more calcium than milk and more iron than an egg. It also contain vitamins A, B1, C and E, as well as protein and carbohydrates.

One of seaweed’s most prominent health benefits is its ability to remove radioactive strontium and other heavy metals from our bodies. Kelp (whole brown seaweed) contains alginic acid which binds with the toxins in the intestines and carries them out of the system.

Are you worried about pollution in seaweed? Well, the truth is the world we now live in is highly polluted. The lands and produce grown there are frequently more polluted than the oceans. Pesticides are extensively utilized in our crop’s growth production and overall the oceans seem to be the better choice.

So if you particularly want to add fiber, vitamins and minerals that you may not be consuming enough of, then consider supplementing your diet with seaweed.