Friday, March 29, 2024

What Foods Help With Sinus Congestion

Foods That Clear Up Congestion

Unclog Your Sinus Mucus & Congestion Within 60 Seconds | Dr. Mandell

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.

Treating Sinus Infections Using Natural Remedies

Natural home remedies are a safe and effective solution in the prevention and treatment of sinusitis. These simple and inexpensive solutions offer an alternative to the expense and side effects that often accompany over-the-counter medications. For some sinus sufferers, home remedies may fall short in providing long-term results. For those who suffer frequent or extended sinus infections, it is important to see a medical professional. If left untreated, these sinus infections may impact overall health and could lead to further medical complications in addition to the daily symptoms of sinusitis.

Also Check: Do Sinus Infections Get Better On Their Own

What About Cayenne Pepper

If youve ever eaten spicy food, you know that it can sometimes make your nose run. Thats likely the reason some people believe eating or even snorting cayenne pepper can help with a sinus infection.

Similarly, others focus on capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers that makes them spicy, believing that a capsaicin nasal spray may clear out congestion.

However, theres no peer-reviewed research to prove that either cayenne or capsaicin are an effective remedy for sinus infections. And while these foods are generally safe, they could have side effects if you take too much. Eating too much cayenne, for example, can irritate your mouth and stomach, and in very large doses it could lead to vomiting or diarrhea.

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Recommended Reading: Over The Counter Medication For Sinus Congestion

Worst Foods For A Sinus Infection

  • Caffeine weakens your adrenal glands and causes sinus congestion
  • Fried foods/Processed foods containing additives are best avoided during a sinus infection
  • Foods with high sugar content, especially ice cream, worsen a sinus infection
  • Refined carbs like bread, pasta, and rice do not help during sinus congestions
  • Fermented foods like cheese worsen sinus
  • Starchy heavy foods like noodles are not for people with a sinus problem
  • Milk is known to worsen a sinus congestion as it thickens mucus and promotes microbial growth
  • Foods high in saturated fats like egg yolk and meat are to be avoided during a sinus infection
  • Keep your sinus clean and relax, breathe refresh and stay healthy! We hope this article helped you. Please do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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    About Trupti Hingad

    Get Ahead Of Your Allergies

    These Are the Best and Worst Foods for Sinus Congestion

    Can your diet impact your allergies? Well, maybe. Research is still evolving and there isnt a clear answer to that question quite yet .

    The foods and drinks you consume might play a limited role in reducing your symptoms. But ultimately, the best way to manage your allergies is to get ahead of them with the right medications and treatment plan.

    Need help? Take our short quiz and get a personalized, allergist-picked treatment Pack.

    Don’t Miss: Advil Cold And Sinus Ingredients

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

    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

    Foods To Avoid When You Have A Sinus Infection

    Sinus infections can leave you with a splitting headache and a lot of discomfort. One of the best home remedies to avoid sinus infections is to eliminate certain foods from the diet. This HealthHearty article provides a list of foods to be avoided with a sinus infection.

    Sinus infections can leave you with a splitting headache and a lot of discomfort. One of the best home remedies to avoid sinus infections is to eliminate certain foods from the diet. This HealthHearty article provides a list of foods to be avoided with a sinus infection.

    Quick Fact

    According to data from the Infectious Diseases Society of America , nearly one in seven people are diagnosed with a sinus infection each year.

    When you hear people saying, My sinuses are killing me you know that although it might not be true literally, but a sinus infection can leave you extremely miserable. The stuffy, clogged nose, the thick mucus, and not to forget the splitting headache in the center of the forehead, are some of the common signs of sinusitis.

    What is Sinus Infection?Characterized by the inflammation or swelling of your sinuses, that is the result of the sinuses getting blocked and filled with fluid, sinusitis or sinus infection is quite a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. The sinuses are small hollow spaces that are present over the eyes, inside each cheekbone and behind the bridge of the nose. These sinuses are lined with mucus-producing membranes.

    Starchy Foods

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    When To See A Doctor For A Sinus Infection

    Although many sinus infections clear up on their own and symptoms can be managed with natural remedies, its also important to see a doctor if you suspect you have a sinus infection.

    You should immediately seek medical attention if:

    • You have severe symptoms, includingheadache or facial pain
    • Your symptoms dont improveafter 10 days
    • Your symptoms worsen over time
    • You have a fever that lasts longerthan four days
    • You have had multiple sinusinfections in the past year

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    Changes In Air Pressure

    Seasonal Allergies and Nasal Congestion with Dr. Luong and Dr. Anmuth

    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 its 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.

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    Inhale Menthol And Camphor

    Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth.

    Best Diet For Nasal Allergies

    Certain foods and drinks can make allergy symptoms worse — or better.

    Could what you’re eating affect your nasal allergies? It’s possible. Here are some tips on which foods may help your nasal allergy symptoms — and which foods are making them worse.

    Foods That May Help

    • Warm fluids. Whether you’re sipping tea or eating chicken soup, warm fluids help break up congestion in your airways, making it easier to cough up mucus.
    • Fish. Will a tuna sandwich stop your sneezing? Probably not. But some studies suggest that healthy omega-3 fatty acids — found in fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel — could lower the risk of developing allergies. Other studies have disagreed.
    • Yogurt. Some research shows that healthy bacteria called probiotics — found in yogurt — may slightly reduce pollen allergy symptoms in kids. More research needs to be done.
    • Honey. Taking a teaspoon of honey is a common treatment for allergies. Does it really work? Studies haven’t shown any benefit. But since it’s low-risk, you could see if it helps. Don’t give honey to kids under 1 year old.

    Foods That Make Symptoms Worse

    Show Sources

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    Take Fenugreek Seeds Each Day

    When mentioning the most effective natural home remedies for sinusitis, it must be a big failure if you forget fenugreek seeds. They act as powerful soldiers to prevent the conquer of sinusitis attack with the help of anti-inflammatory property found in them. This makes a great benefit for you to cure sinus infection. The method is quite simple:

    • Add some fenugreek seeds into a glass of water
    • Mix it together and let it boil for a few minutes
    • Leave it warm, then take this solution
    • Repeat the process on a several basis until your sinus infection is cured
    • But fenugreek seeds may have some side effect, therefore, you should ask for doctors help before taking it.

    Also Check: Can Sinus Pressure Make You Dizzy

    Food To Avoid During Sinus Infection

    Spicy Foods That Help Fight Congestion

    Generally, all types of unhealthy food are harmful during a sinus infection. All these unhealthy foods will worsen your sinus infection.

    The most common unhealthy foods include fried foods and processed foods. The processed foods are white sugar, white flour, carbohydrates, processed meats, and MSG containing foods.

    Recommended Reading: Sinus Congestion Over The Counter Medicine

    Foods To Clear Sinuses: Relieve Sinus Congestion With Food

    It doesnt matter if you have the flu, a cold, or seasonal allergies being congested can make you feel miserable. When you feel under the weather, it is natural that you will look for ways to get relief. However, certain medications can make you feel worse by making you feel disconnected or overly tired. While your congestion may be gone, you now have another slew of symptoms to deal with. Due to this, some may prefer to go for a more natural approach. In fact, eating foods to clear sinuses can help give you temporary relief, without the added side effects.

    If you require a natural decongestant, look no further than your dinner plate. While conventional medicine can help, it can also make you feel drowsy. So instead, eat these foods to clear sinuses, it might just be all of the medicine you need.

    Peppermint Drinking peppermint tea, indulging in the candy, or even inhaling peppermint essential oil can help relieve a stuffy nose. This flavorful herb can help fight congestion, as it contains menthol, an anti-inflammatory agent.

    Jalapeno Peppers While jalapenos are acidic and can trigger acid reflux if eaten in large amounts when taken in moderation, jalapenos can help relieve sinus congestion. These spicy peppers can help break down mucus and clear out your sinuses.

    Remedy #: Make Over Your Nighttime

    If you have had stuffy sinuses before, you know that congestion gets worse at night and prevents you from getting a good nights sleep. This lack of sleep could lead to a vicious cycle. You need lots of rest to recover from the flu or cold but the congestion symptoms do not allow you to get the rest you need so you take longer to heal.

    One way to makeover your nighttime routine is to place an extra pillow under your head while sleeping. This helps the sinuses to drain out more easily.

    Another thing you could do is to ensure your room is humid while you sleep. This will help thin out the mucus in the nose and minimize the congestion.

    You can also use nasal breathing strips while sleeping. These work by lifting the sides of the nose, which opens up the nasal passage. Breathe Right Nasal Stripsare drug-free and highly recommended by over 4,950 users on Amazon.

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    Ways To Clear Clogged Sinuses

    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:

    Also Check: How To Relieve Sinus In Nose

    Chest Congestion Mucinex 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets 40ct 600 Mg Guaifenesin Relieves

    ClariFix fixes chronic nasal congestion
    • One easy pill: a unique bi-layer tablet, one layer for immediate release, the other layer for extended release so the medicine starts to release right away and lasts for up to 12 hours.
    • Trust mucinex: mucinex is the #1 doctor recommended otc expectorant and the #1 cold & cough brand doctors trust for themselves & their families.
    • Symptoms treated: relieves chest congestion caused by excess mucus by making your cough more productive.
    • Mucinex 12 hour extended-release bi-layer tablets: clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, it provides powerful relief for your chest congestion.
    • Stock up and save: did you know, if you use mucinex 12 hour often you can and save when you buy higher count packs.
    • Ingredients: guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants.

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    Add Peppers To Your Meals

    Everyone knows that hot peppers can clear sinuses. When you eat something hot and spicy, you might feel nasal discharge or nasal obstruction soften and become looser.

    Thats because of capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat, eases pain, reduces inflammation, and stimulates your immune system.

    While it may not be able to treat sinusitis infections, its still a good way to clear sinuses of mucus. Just use it wisely and in moderation because eating too many spicy foods may lead to indigestion, nausea, or abdominal pain.

    Spice Up With Raw Onions

    Raw onions naturally help in the opening and draining of sinuses.

    It contains a compound called quercetin that has anti-histamine propertiesthis property aids in reducing nasal congestion and sinus inflammation.

    According to the study, quercetin inhibits the production and release of histamine. In contrast, histamine is responsible for allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or blocked nose, watering eyes, shortness of breath, and coughs.

    Moreover, another study has shown that quercetin suppresses nitric oxide production responsible for the development of allergic diseases.

    How to eat raw onions?

    You can eat raw onions with salads or add them to your sandwiches.

    For more results, you can purchase quercetin supplements.

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    Otc Medicine For Sinus Congestion

    When your sinuses become inflamed and congested, this means that the tiny, air-filled spaces that are connected to your nasal cavity have been blocked or are unable to drain normally. This buildup of mucus then causes a feeling of pressure or fullness in your forehead, eyes, or jaw. Luckily, OTC medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate pain caused by the pressure buildup.

    Here are the most common types of OTC medication for sinus congestion:

    1. Decongestant: Nasal decongestants are available in tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays and work by reducing blood flow to the sinuses, ultimately reducing nasal swelling and inflammation. Popular nasal decongestants include:

    • Phenylephrine with brand names Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex, and Pretz-D.
    • Pseudoephedrine with brand names Sudafed, Dimetapp Decongestant, and 12 Hour Cold Maximum Strength.

    2. Pain reliever: There are two main categories of pain relievers:

    3. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can be used to treat stomach problems and the common cold among other ailments. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, which your immune system releases to protect against foreign invasions. Histamines cause symptoms like inflammation, congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing. So antihistamines are designed to alleviate those symptoms. Popular antihistamines include cetirizine and fexofenadine .

    The 6 Best Foods To Eat When You Have A Sinus Infection

    Foods That Help Relieve Sinus Congestion

    Headaches, congestion, sinus pressure…whatever your symptoms, sinus issues are unpleasant. Fortunately, there are certain foods for sinus infections that have immune-supporting nutrients to help ease those symptoms.

    Video of the Day

    Your sinuses are pockets located along your eyes, nose, cheekbones and forehead, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Mucous membranes line these cavities and produce phlegm that filters out incoming bacteria.

    Typically, this mucus drains out of your nose. But colds, respiratory infections, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can cause your nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen, per Harvard Health Publishing. Those blocked sinuses can cause a buildup of bacteria-filled mucus, which can in turn lead to a sinus infection.

    You can typically fight a sinus infection with over-the-counter decongestants, cold and allergy medicines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet can also help your body cope with illness.

    But what exactly should you eat when you have a sinus infection? While food alone can’t cure sinus infections, certain ingredients may help relieve some of your symptoms. Below, browse six foods to munch on when you’re under the weather, plus which foods to limit or avoid.

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