Invaders of Vday

Somethings are as unwanted as a "Dear John" letter or an orange jelly filled chocolate on Valentine's Day. Here are a few health concerns that can make you a bit less romantic and natural health tips so you can keep your date with your honey.

Cold Sores
A kiss is easy to resist with a cold sore on your lip. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these ugly lesions can be triggered by stress or after a cold or flu. If you are someone who is prone to them, it is helpful to recognize its prodrome (aka early onset symptoms). When you experience that tingling sensation on your lip, which is the tell tale sign that a cold sore is approaching, apply a single drop of pure lavender essential oil to your lip. You will prevent the cold sore from even happening. If you don't catch it in time, take high doses of L-lysine, which has inhibitory effect on replication of the Herpes virus. At the same time you want to decrease your intake of arginine rich foods like chocolate and nuts as it has the opposite effect.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
It isn't nicknamed honeymoon cystitis for nothing. Increased frequency in sexual contact or a new partner can increase the odds of a getting an UTI. If you have experienced the burning, back pain and insane urgency of a UTI, you know that this is something you want to avoid. UTIs occur when, bacteria (usually Ecoli) finds itself in the bladder where it doesn't belong.

To prevent UTIs, it is important to drink enough water during the day. This helps to increase urination which flushes microbes out of the system. Probiotics particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and reuteri defend against E coli, inhibit adherence of pathogenic organisms and help maintain pH. In women who are particularly susceptible to UTIs, it is recommended to take D-mannose and cranberry juice regularly after sexual intercourse as these helps prevent adherence of bacteria.

Low Libido
Lack of desire can be caused by a more chronic issue or certain medications including antidepressants and even birth control pills but it can also effect healthy people from time to time. For example, when we are stressed, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol, which lower libido as well as constrict blood vessels contributing to erectile dysfunction. Another problem is lack of sleep which also elevates cortisol levels. In addition, you might rethink using alcohol and other drugs to get you in the mood. Shakespeare was correct when he said, alcohol "provokes the desire, but takes away the performance." Though a little lowers inhibition, too much impairs your nervous system and leads to fatigue making it difficult to become aroused.