From the ages of 15-34, I suffered from DISGUSTING cold sore outbreaks. And in my late teens up until my mid-20’s, I would get an average of around 4-6 cold sores or more per year.
That sucked!
Luckily, I’ve been cold-sore-free for over four years now.
I learned how to use natural methods to prevent cold sores, and as a result, I’m much more confident and have higher self-esteem.
While there are many cold sore triggers to be aware of, it’s paramount for you to understand the relationship between stress and cold sores.
Stress is one of the TOP cold sore triggers.
This article will teach you about this phenomenon, as well as provide you with my favorite organic supplement for mental tranquility and feelings of well-being.
Stress and Cold Sores
I first realized there must be a direct relationship between stress and cold sores when I was 20 years old. I was working and going to community college, and I would get stressed out a lot.
During this time, I noticed a significant increase in the number of cold sores I would get.
And of course, having to go to school and work with a cold sore on my lip only heightened my stress more!
Once I began researching stress and cold sores, I found out the science behind this relationship.
Here is how stress can trigger cold sores:
- The herpes simplex virus lies dormant and inactive in your trigeminal nerve (ganglion).
- The virus stays dormant for some time, but then you become stressed out.
- Your stressed body releases cortisol (fight-or-flight stress chemical)
- The stress hormones weaken your immune system.
- You now have fewer lymphocytes to defend against the herpes simplex virus.
- The herpes simplex virus sees that you have less defense and it breaks free.
- You feel the first tingle/itch/burn, and soon after…you get a cold sore.
Two of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent cold sores is to reduce stress in your life and boost your immune system. My favorite supplement to boost immune function is called Immune Support.
And my favorite supplement for stress relief is Calm Support. In this article, I’m going to focus on the Calm Support Supplement for stress reduction and cold sore prevention.
Reduce Stress with Calm Support
Low stress levels make it more difficult for the herpes simplex virus to wake up out of dormancy and create a cold sore lesion.
Calm Support is an organic combo supplement that contains a scientifically formulated blend of amino acids, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can provide you with the relief that you’re looking for.
Specifically, Calm Support promotes:
- Restlessness Relief
- Relief of Anxious Feelings
- Mental Tranquility
- Emotional Stability
- Restful Sleep
- Positive Mood
- Comfort
- Calmness
- Overall Well-Being
While all of the nutrients in Calm Support are extremely helpful at promoting the benefits I listed above, there are several in the formulation that collectively offers the greatest benefits.
To illustrate how Calm Support can assist you by enhancing mood, comfort, and calmness while emphasizing restful sleep, I’m going to break down some of the individual Calm Support ingredients and explain why they are so beneficial.
Let’s begin learning about Calm Support by taking a look at how the nutrients in the supplement work in the brain and body to provide the best combination of science and nature.
1. Passion Flower
Passion flower is a beautiful flowering plant that has a long history of use among Native Americans in North America and European colonists.
Passion flower is a very beneficial herb for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and tense muscles because it contains monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and it binds to GABA receptors, thus enhancing brain chemistry and boosting mood.
Passion flower increases the following neurotransmitters in the brain:
- Serotonin – Makes you feel “emotionally relaxed” and content. Medications such as Prozac, Paxil, and other SSRI’s increase this neurotransmitter, and are often prescribed to treat Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Dopamine – When a person’s dopamine is too low this can lead to anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure). Dopamine is responsible for feelings of motivation, pleasure, euphoria, and it plays a large role in the “reward system” in the brain.
- Epinephrine/Norepinephrine – Also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline, these “focus neurotransmitters” can reverse depression, fight fatigue, and help the body respond to physical, mental, and emotional stress.
- GABA – Acts as a “mental relaxant.” Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications in the benzodiazepine class (Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, Librium, etc.) work directly on the brain’s GABA receptors. GABA reduces anxiety, insomnia, and promotes feelings of deep tranquility.
2. Mucuna Pruriens
Also referred to as velvet bean and other less common names, mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and Asia. It contains levodopa (L-dopa), which converts to the chemical dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes enjoyment and interest in life. It also increases mental focus and feelings of pleasure.
Mucuna pruriens can help re-supply your brain with dopamine naturally, leading to enhanced:
- Mood
- Motivation
- Pleasure
- Enjoyment of Life!
Note: In a study from 2010, mucuna pruriens was shown to reduce psychological stress in adult males.
3. Ashwagandha
This incredible root has helped countless individuals increase energy and reduce stress. Ashwagandha, commonly referred to as “Indian ginseng,” is one of the most popular “adaptogenic herbs.”
Adaptogens are special herbs that help your body adapt to stress and resist fatigue.
Adaptogens promote the facilitation of homeostasis in the body. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs.
Here are some amazing benefits for you to review, Adaptogens:
- Improve the health of your adrenal system.
- Help strengthen the body’s response to stress.
- Enhance the body’s ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue.
- Calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without over stimulating.
- Work a bit like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high it brings it down; when the temperature is too low it brings it up.
Note: In a study from 2000, ashwagandha was tested on rats to determine if it had anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant activity. The conclusion of the study was that the investigations support the use of ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression. In a study from 2013, it was concluded that ashwagandha has potential against cancer-related fatigue.
4. L-Tryptophan
L-Tryptophan is referred to as an “essential” amino acid because our bodies cannot manufacture it, and it must be obtained from food.
L-Tryptophan is an important amino acid due to its POWERFUL ability to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
After absorbing L-Tryptophan from food or a supplement, our bodies make the following conversion:
L-Tryptophan ⇒ 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) ⇒ Serotonin
As I mentioned previously, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that significantly affects mood. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety, and other problems. One way to increase serotonin is to eat foods that are rich in this amino acid.
Have you ever eaten a big Thanksgiving dinner, then had to lay on the couch afterward because you were so tired?
Turkey has a very high amount of L-Tryptophan, which can result in an individual becoming relaxed after consuming it.
Note: In addition to consuming foods high in L-Tryptophan, supplementing with Calm Support can increase serotonin production due to the presence of this amino acid in the nutrient profile.
5. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid analogue of the proteinogenic amino acids L-Glutamate and L-Glutamine. It is abundant in green, black, and white tea leaves.
L-Theanine is commonly used to help with anxiety, blood pressure control, mood, and cognition.
It increases levels of the following neurotransmitters in the brain:
- GABA
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
L-Theanine also increases alpha wave production in the brain. Alpha waves are present when your brain is in an idling default-state typically created when you’re daydreaming or consciously practicing mindfulness or meditation.
More Amazing Nutrients
If I were to continue going into this much detail on the rest of the Calm Support nutrients that are beneficial at helping a person needing relief, this would be long enough to turn into an Ebook!
Thus, I will be giving much shorter descriptions from here on out, and provide brief information as to what the following nutrients may help with.
More Calm Support nutrients:
- Valerian Root – A perennial herb that is native to Europe, which can lessen anxiety, nervous restlessness, and insomnia due to it affecting GABA receptor activity in a similar action to passion flower.
- GABA – An inhibitory neurotransmitter made by the brain that is available in supplement form. GABA is the brain’s natural Valium; great for anxiety, tension, and insomnia.
- Motherwort – This herb “gladdens the heart” and relaxes the nervous system, resulting in a big mood-boost, and relief of nervous debility and spasm. Higher doses of this herb can act as a sedative to improve sleep, while smaller doses during the day can give energy by reducing debilitating anxiety.
- Oat Seed – An herb that is soothing to the brain and nervous system. It’s especially beneficial to consume oat seed powder during times of nervous system weakness or exhaustion.
- Phyllanthus – A health-enhancing herb that has a powerful ability to detoxify the liver and alleviate pain.
- Vitamin/Mineral Blend – Calm Support contains the following nutrients that make the product totally complete: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Thiamin, Folic Acid, and Zinc.
How To Use Calm Support
Another thing I love about Calm Support is how easy it is to benefit from. You simply take the capsules with food 2-3 times a day, and you can enhance your mood in ways that you truly must experience for yourself.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening, preferably with food. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, a 30-day supply. (If you need extra relief because you’re so stressed, try taking 3-4 capsules throughout the day. It REALLY HELPS!!!)
Where Can I Buy Calm Support?
Currently, the only place where you can purchase Calm Support is at CalmSupport.com. The prices are $49 for 1 bottle (30-day supply), $78 for 2 bottles (60-day supply), and $100 for 3 bottles (90-day supply).
Here’s a screenshot I took with my MacBook Pro that shows you the Calm Support ordering page. It’s an easy ordering process and you can pay with any card.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention!!!….Calm Support works ESPECIALLY WELL if you take it throughout the Day then take Sleep Support at Night. Sleep Support is the other EPIC product they have on the CalmSupport.com website.
I’ve had a ton of people tell me the two together help much better than just using one. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using both together.
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