SINUSITIS- How To Treat It With Nutrition
Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passage become inflamed. It’s the bacteria in the mucous which causes inflammation. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
Causes of acute sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis (swelling in the lining of nose)
- Common cold, hay fever
- Small growth in the lining of the nose called nasal polyps
- Allergies like pollen, dust, some foods, moulds
- Deviated nasal septum: The wall between the nostrils may restrict or block sinus passages.
Symptoms of Sinusitis:
- Sore throat
- Pain in the face, ear, forehead, back of the eyes
- Nasal congestion, loss of smell or runny nose
- Fatigue, fever
- Headache
Sinusitis can be treated with medications but it will give only temporary relief and may have many side effects too. If one wants to eliminate the symptoms in a natural way then there are few diet recommendations to be followed to reduce sinus congestion and boost the immune system
- Drink plenty of fluids: Constant blowing nose and sneezing leads to dehydration and that can cause headaches. Drinking water helps to keep the nasal membrane moist and prevents congestion.
- Omega- 3 fatty acids– Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce sinus swelling and nasal congestion. Sources: Oily fish, linseed or flaxseed oil, avocado, nuts, seeds and eggs.
- Vitamin C– It balances histamine levels (contributes to inflammation), runny nose, sneezing. It also reduces inflammation and boosts immunity. Sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, broccoli and blueberries.
- Vitamin E: It has immunologic effects that improves rhinitis symptoms, protects from hay fever, suppresses neutrophil count and inhibits immunoglobulin E(IgE) production. Sources: Spinach, tofu, nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, avocado, fish, broccoli, olive oil.
- Cayenne Pepper: Capsaicin the active compound in cayenne pepper may thin the mucus and decreases the congestion.
- Apple cider vinegar: Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar or using it as salad dressing provides the mineral called potassium and reduces mucus production.
- Dietary Polyphenols: A study published in American Journal of Rhinlogy & Allergy has demonstrated that dietary polyphenols such as [6]-gingerol, quercetin, curcumin and EGCG can effectively inhibit the secretion of mucus while maintaining normal nasal motion.
- Sources of dietary polyphenols are:
- [6]-gingerol: ginger
- Quercetin: red wine, tea, onions, green leafy vegetables, apple, berries, broccoli, nuts and seeds
- EGCG: green tea extract
- Curcumin: Turmeric
Foods to avoid in Sinusitis
Foods that trigger sinusitis are dairy products like cow’s milk, cheese, yoghurt, custard, cream cheese, cream. It increases the production of phlegm and mucus in the upper respiratory tract.
Drinking too much alcohol, caffeine dehydrates the body, hardens the mucus and inflames the nasal passage.