Cold sores that occur around your mouth are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Unfortunately, once you've been exposed to this virus, then these nasty lesions can reoccur even if you're careful. However, you can certainly reduce the frequency of breakouts with preventative care. Take a look at why your cold sores may keep coming back and how you can deter future breakouts with natural cold sore prevention:

Why Do Cold Sores Keep Coming Back?

If you have other members of your household, then you could possibly be infecting each other, since personal contact--like kissing--can pass the infection. Until symptoms have disappeared, be careful about personal contact. This means that everyone should be washing their hands, disinfecting utensils, and disposing of toiletries that have been used during infection (e.g. toothbrushes, razors, etc.).

However, if no one else in your household has an infection, but you keep getting cold sores, it may be due to triggers like stress or low immunity. When you catch a cold, for instance, it may also be accompanied with cold sores. Another common trigger is sun damage; people who don't wear sunblock or SPF-treated lip balm can have flare-ups.

How Can You Prevent Cold Sores With Supplements?

Adding sunscreen to your daily regimen is an easy way prevention method; but, what if your cold sore triggers are related to stress or immune system issues? If that's the case, then you should be boosting your immune system with supplements. Here are some supplements that could possibly help:

Monolaurin

Monolaurin is a fatty extract made from lauric acid and found in things like coconut milk. If you get sick often and cold sores keep coming back, then monolaurin would be a great supplement to try. It prevents illnesses like influenza, shingles, colds, as well as infections, like cold sores. Monolaurin is often distributed in small tablets that you take with cold water with meals.

However, be sure to consult your doctor before you start taking monolaurin. If you start with too high of a dose, then you may experience headaches, nausea, and body aches. Your doctor will know how much you should be taking a day and when you can increase your intake.

Omega-3s

Omega-3 oils are fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish are a great source of omega-3 oils, so you can also take fish oil supplements to get these compounds. According to one study, omega-3 oils were found to reduce anxiety--a symptom of stress--and inflammation, a symptom of many illnesses. Chronic inflammation also messes up your body's immune system, so reducing dysfunction with omega-3 supplements is a great way to avoid cold sore breakouts.

Zinc

Zinc helps the body activities t-cells, which are an important part of your immune repose. With a better immune system, you may be able to see fewer cold sores. Again, be sure to talk with your doctor to take the appropriate amount. Too much zinc can cause nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. 

Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. Lysine is fantastic for not only preventing cold sores but treating them if the herpes infection is active. You can apply topical lysine on sores and take tablets for preventative measures. If you aren't fond of taking so many supplements, lysine is found in many good foods, like dairy products, apples, fish, and beans. 

Keep in mind that adding good supplements and foods to your diet may not be enough. If cold sores are still being triggered, you may have to cut out foods that contain arginine (a chemical that can activate the herpes virus). Abstain from grain cereals, chocolate, some soups, cola, and beer since they have arginine. 

If you consider the previous supplements and watch your diet, you'll be able to get a handle on your cold sore breakouts. For more tips on natural cold sore prevention, talk with your doctor.