Thursday, March 28, 2024

Foods To Avoid With Sinus Congestion

Foods That Help Cure Sinusitis

Sinusitis (Foods to Avoid) with Dr. Veera

Have you woken up one morning with terrible pain in your forehead or between your eyes? To add to this agony, you experience a swelling face, stuffy nose and congestion. Your upper teeth hurt and it feels like your head is about to explode! If you have these symptoms, it is an indication of Sinusitis!

What Food And Drinks Should You Avoid

Dairy Products

Youll probably be aware that phlegm is a type of mucus . Most of the time phlegm manages to protect the body by preventing germs and harmful materials from entering the airways and causing infection. However, when we do catch a cold or infection the mucus becomes thicker and it is this that gives you that blocked-up feeling.

So, why should you avoid milk at this time? Well, milk wont, as has sometimes been suggested, make you produce more mucus, but it can make phlegm thicker and thus more unpleasant. Therefore, until your symptoms ease, it might be best to stick to toast for breakfast rather than milky porridge or cereal. Whilst youre ill you could even try an alternative to dairy such as almond or soya milk you never know, you might even find you enjoy this little change!

If youre suffering from other cold and flu symptoms alongside your blocked nose, you could have a look at our blog foods to avoid if youve got a cold or flu. This provides lots of information about what to steer clear of when youre poorly.

Alcohol

Foods That Help Relieve Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion has many reverberating symptoms that can ruin your day and put you out of commission. Sinus congestion is the fullness you feel in various areas across your face, head and neck caused by a blockage in the sinus cavities. Sinus congestion occurs when the mucus in your nasal passageway doesnt drain properly, leaving a build-up that blocks your sinuses.

Don’t Miss: Does Flonase Help Sinus Pressure

Citrus Fruits Such As Strawberries Oranges

The citrus fruits, such as strawberries and oranges, contain the right amount of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a type of antioxidant that alleviates the symptoms of sinus infection and also counteracts histamine.

Thus, it helps in reducing inflammation, sneezing, runny nose, and other related symptoms.

A recent study revealed that taking vitamin C rich foods would reduce chronic inflammation and allergic responses.

What are good sources of vitamin C?

Citrus fruits such as orange, strawberries, lemon, guava, kiwi, and grapefruit are good vitamin C sources.

Moreover, some vegetables such as broccoli, capsicums, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts are rich in vitamin C.

Why Honey Wont Necessarily Help With Seasonal Allergies

Foods to Avoid Nasal Congestion

The belief that honey can treat allergies is based on a hypothesis similar to the concept of allergy shots by exposing someone to an allergen, the person becomes less sensitive to it over time. But allergy shots deliver allergens in high doses. The amounts of pollen in honey are far too small to prove effective, and this treatment is purely anecdotal.

The other claim is that honeys antibacterial properties can combat allergies, but Nejat reminds of us one important fact: Allergies arent a bacterial issue. So, if honey soothes your throat and tastes good, go ahead and spoon some into your tea. But dont expect it to cure your allergies.

Recommended Reading: Does Amoxicillin Help With Sinus Infection

Spice It Up With Garlic

Garlic and its relative, the onion, stimulate many of the same pathways as peppers to reduce inflammation and pain. Allicin, a sulfur compound created when garlic is crushed or cut, is antibacterial, antifungal, and even kills some viruses, too.

Garlic has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a perfect addition to any meal. Not only do your sinuses benefit, but its great for protecting the heart and fighting the common cold. What makes garlic so great is you can easily add it to your meals. Its a very versatile spice that goes well with almost anything! Try these garlic mushroom burgers for a tasty and healthy meal packed with garlic.

What makes garlic so great is you can easily add it to your meals. Its a very versatile spice that goes well with almost anything!

Why Spicy Foods Can Alleviate Allergy Symptoms

You know the feeling after youve taken a bite of wasabi, ginger, horseradish or jalapeno your nose constricts, your eyes burn and tears start running down your face. Nejat explained that this happens because certain foods trigger the bodys nervous system to innervate different parts of the body, reversing some of the effects of histamines, which can be a natural relief to some of the symptoms of allergies.

Jalapenos and some other peppers, for example, contain a chemical compound called capsaicin, an active ingredient found in many nasal sprays. It helps to decongest and provide sinus relief by stimulating certain nerves to loosen mucus and help it run. Chili peppers arent the only foods that contain effective chemical compounds. Other spicy foods, such as wasabi, horseradish and ginger, each contain their own compounds that trigger a similar reaction.

But keep in mind that spicy foods bring short-lived relief, much like many over-the-counter allergy medicines. It does work, but I dont see it as a good long-term treatment, Nejat said. You dont want to be downing wasabi six times a day during allergy season.

But eating spicy foods in moderation wont hurt your sinuses, either. Nejat said spicy foods are a natural alternative to going to the pharmacy and getting allergy relief meds, especially if you like these foods. If you like wasabi and it makes you feel better, go for it.

Don’t Miss: Flonase Help With Sinus Pressure

Foods That Can Reduce Inflammation And Help With Symptoms Of Sinusitis

  • Fish: Wild salmon, cod, and sardines as they are high in omega 3 fatty acids
  • Tart cherries: They can reduce inflammation ten times better than aspirin, also, reduce your risk of heart disease
  • Turmeric spice: Often used in Thai and Indian food, contains curcumin which reduces inflammation
  • Avocados: Avocados are also high in omega 3 fatty acids
  • Beans: Mung beans, pinto, and kidney beans are also high in omega 3 fatty acids
  • Red bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts have high levels of vitamin C and calcium
  • Citrus fruits as oranges, grapefruit, and berries
  • Other fruits as tomatoes, apples and pears are rich in Quercetin, a natural antihistamine
  • Drinking green tea and more fluids can help to alleviate any headaches that can result from dehydration
  • Spices such as ginger, basil, and cayenne pepper

The common relation in all of them is that each contains antioxidants and rich in omega 3. By adding the aforementioned foods into your daily diet, you will drastically improve your sinuses and reduce inflammation all over your body.

Also Read:

Find Out What Food And Drink Might Ease Or Worsen Your Blocked Nose

How To Cure Sinus Permanently At Home [ Relieve Sinus Congestion Headache Fast ]

There are many food and drinks we know to avoid when suffering from a bout of illness. Heavy foods such as pizza for example, are not a good idea when youve got a stomach bug. Equally, fizzy juice should be avoided if your throat is feeling sore. However, have you ever thought about the food and drinks that could ease or worsen the problem of a blocked nose? In this blog, we look at this issue so that if your nose does ever feel congested, youll know what to do to get over the problem quickly!

Dr. Jen Tan

Also Check: Good Medicine For A Sinus Infection

Changes In Air Pressure

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities within your skull sudden pressure changes can cause air to get trapped in them, which can lead to sinus pressure, pain, and congestion. This commonly happens during air travel, so it’s best to avoid flying when you have nasal and sinus congestion due to a cold or allergy. If you need to fly, ask your doctor if you should take a decongestant or a nasal spray first. Diving is another cause of sudden sinus-pressure changes. Diving can also force contaminated water from a pond or chlorinated water from a swimming pool into your sinuses and cause sinus problems.

How Food Help In Curing Sinusitis

Avoid junk food such as pizza, chips, burgers, etc.

You need to start keeping away from fried food, white sugar, white flour, and fatty meats.

Moreover, gluten, refined carbohydrates, and MSG as well as cut-out things such as wheat, instant mashed potatoes, processed soups, and pastries. A lot of physicians believe that milk, milk products, and caffeine should also be avoided by patients of sinusitis.

Also Check: What Can Cure A Sinus Infection

Food And Drinks That Might Help

Spice

Were not suggesting you order a vindaloo curry at your local takeaway or add hot sauce to every meal but spice, in moderation, can be beneficial for your blocked nose.

Spicy sauces and foods get their heat from capsaicin, a compound found inside chilli peppers. As youve probably experienced yourself, hot foods can make your nose itchy or run and it is this compound that causes this effect. So, if your nose is feeling a bit stuffy, spice, as a result of capsaicin, could break up mucus to leave you feeling less congested have your tissues at the ready though for when your nose begins to run!

The best way to include spice in your diet, and therefore help your blocked nose, would be to incorporate it into a healthy dinner recipe. Our Spicy Bean Hotpot is perfect for warming you up when youre feeling poorly! It is crammed full of vegetables and flavour, plus theres loads of protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins to support your immune system and help get you back to full health. The recipe also gives you the option to add as many or as few chillies as you like so, if you like it hotter, then add as many as you like!

Our blog the best foods for a cold or flu, provides further information on foods to help you through a bout of illness.

Water

Citrus Fruit

If youd like some more information on the drinks that could help this kind of illness, have a glance at our blog the best drinks to cure your cold.

Ginger

Soup

Ways To Clear Clogged Sinuses

5 Ways to Get Rid of Sinus Headache without Congestion or ...

Food alone may not be enough to get rid of the symptoms of your seasonal allergies and infections. e may not be enough to get rid of the symptoms of your seasonal allergies and infections. When it comes to sinus problems the foods you eat are just as important as the foods you dont eat. Other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and staying hydrated can all help prevent sinus problems and leave you feeling clearer. Try these easy activities to stay decongested and breathing fine even when sinus infections are at their worst:

Recommended Reading: Sore Throat And Sinus Remedies

Foods That Clear Up Congestion

A persistent cough with a blocked nose indicates congestion in your body due to excessive mucus production. However, mucus is important for your body as it nourishes the organs and hydrates the body, but its excess production indicates a sign of infection.

In this condition, you will have a runny nose, mucus buildup, sinus pain, and swollen nasal tissue. Letâs see why it is caused.

Causes

Common cold, sinus infection, and the flu cause runny nose. These infections make your throat, as well as the nasal cavity, inflamed, resulting in mucus accumulation. This type of condition usually lasts for a week or less than a few days. However, certain conditions impart long term congestions. Such conditions are allergies, hay fever, chemical exposures, noncancerous growths called nasal polyps, a long-lasting sinus infection, a deviated septum, environmental irritants, and pregnancy.

How to get rid of nasal congestion? How to get rid of chest congestion? These questions will linger your mind due to a certain discomfort. There are certain natural remedies and foods which can help in getting rid of this condition. Here we will discuss what foods will help you in decongesting your nose as well as the chest.

Foods To Avoid When Suffering From Sinusitis

Sinusitis is one of the common conditions that affect people who live in polluted areas. Among the common symptoms, acute and lasting pain in the nasal passages is the most prominent.

It is actually hard to avoid sinus inflammation and pain, but fortunately, there are measures that can help reduce the symptoms.

Even though no single food or combination of foods and liquids are a cure for sinus, foods have a dramatic effect on sinus symptoms. You can follow the below guidelines to lower the inflammation. Before getting right into it, let us clear out how food help in the condition.

Recommended Reading: Sinus Pressure Causing Tooth Pain

Treat Your Symptoms With Chiropractic

Sinuses and allergies can be effectively managed with non-invasive chiropractic treatments. Chiropractors can manipulate your bones and muscles to improve your immunity and revive your healing process.

You can visit the nearest Chiropractor in Frankfort, KY or to book an appointment at Shelby County Chiropractic .

With a mixture of exercise, balanced diet and chiropractic treatments, you can achieve congestion-free sinuses.

Include Horseradish In Your Diet

Eliminate Nasal Congestion And Sinusitis Fast – With This Powerful Carrot Juice

Horseradish is an integral part of folk medicine and is native to Russia and Hungary. It is quite popular in a condiment and also has a much longer history as a medicine.

Herbalists use horseradish roots and leaves for centuries to treat sinusitis, asthma, arthritis, and cancer.

Moreover, horseradish contains compounds such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates.

These compounds help to fight against bacterial and fungal infections and also improve any breathing problems.

It stimulates mucus drainage and eases sinus pressure. Also, it reduces the inflammation of frontal sinuses and helps in the opening of blocked sinuses.

In a recent study, it is effective in reducing the symptoms of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in children and the adult population.

However, when you eat, it has a tingling sensation in your nasal area and reduces mucus secretion.

Don’t Miss: Sinus Pressure Points To Relieve Congestion

Behind The Stuffy Nose

The sinuses are small air pockets in the skull around the eyes, nose, and forehead that are lined with mucous membranes. They moisten the air we breathe in while also catching dust, microbes, and allergens before these can reach the lungs.

Related: 14 Foods for Healthy Lungs and Improved Breathing

This warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and mold, but the body does a good job of removing or destroying the captured bacteria, spores, and cysts before they can begin growing.

Problems arise when our mucous membranes are damaged, or the mucus becomes too thick to move freely. When this happens, infections can explode to life in the pockets of your sinuses and lead to a more severe condition.

Sinusitis can be painful and debilitating. A few of the symptoms of a sinus infection to watch out for are:

  • headaches
  • fever
  • fatigue

Sinusitis can also be caused by allergies, nasal polyps, the common cold, immune deficiencies, dental infections, or a deviated septum. There are things you can do and foods to add to your recipes that can help prevent sinus infections or clear your sinuses up.

Make A Diy Saline Nasal Spray

A simple saline solution is often enough to break up thick mucus and get sinuses clear, open, and moving again.

To make a saline nasal solution, first, you have to boil around 8 ounces of water and then let it cool to room temperature. Afterward, put it in a clean jar and throw in one teaspoon of baking soda and three teaspoons of kosher salt.

Read Also: What Medicine Helps A Sinus Infection

Foods And Your Sinus Problems

Having sinus pressure, congestion, sinusitis, sinus headaches, rhinitis? Allergies are one major factor in causing or contributig to many of those sinus disorders. Another major player is food. Yes, some foods can cause some sinus difficulties to many people, yet this is widely unknown. In fact, as I talk to people through the internet, and mention to them some specific foods to avoid, so far the answer has been 100 percent the same a few days later: “It’s true”–then they mention the particular food they have left out and the positive results on their sinuses within a very short time.

There seems to be, however, a difference of opinion on this issue in the medical profession. But we who have suffered from sinus problems in the past and have changed some foods in our diet have no problems saying: “It does make a difference.” For example, some foods can create excessive:

  • histamine

Foods To Quickly Relieve Sinus Congestion

Pin by Jackie Sellers on Health/food

There are a number of ways to help relieve sinus congestion, including hovering over a pot of hot water or taking over-the-counter medications. However, for quick relief, sometimes the best medicine is food!

Spicy foods:Everyone knows that spicy foods like hot peppers can clear sinuses. Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy foods that causes a burning sensation when in contact with bodily tissues. Capsaicin irritates mucous membranes, which results in a runny nose, thereby softening any nasal obstruction.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a great decongestant because it contains the enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain breaks down the junk that builds up in the sinuses and helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

Horseradish: Horseradish has many health benefits that are attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content. Horseradish can help clear the sinus passages and ease mucus from the upper respiratory passages.

Garlic: Garlic is a versatile spice that goes well with almost anything. Similar to the benefits of peppers, garlic helps reduce inflammation and pain in the sinus passages.

Antioxidant-rich foods: Antioxidant-rich foods, such as citrus, kiwi, spinach, berries and other vegetables help protect the mucous membranes from free radical damage. Such antioxidant-rich foods are also loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Recommended Reading: Advil Cold And Sinus Nighttime

Popular Articles
Related news