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Sinuses are air-filled sacs around your nose and eyes. When these air pockets fill up with excess mucus which can house germs, viruses or bacteria, sinus infection occurs. It causes unwanted pressure and is extremely painful depending on the severity of the condition. When professional diagnosis can help you retain log-term relief, the choices of food imprint a great sway on sinusitis.
Yes, you read it right! Foods for sinus can be a good aid to medication for faster recovery, reducing the daily discomfort considerably. Keep reading this article to know what types of food are recommended and what should be avoided. Shall we start?
How about Mood Lifting Sinus Soothing Brunch?
The Best foods for sinuses are typically those which can boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Try incorporating these sinus relief foods and drinks into your diet to ease your condition:
Comfy Sips:
Think of a steaming bowl of yummy broth with the goodness of colourful vegetables and pieces of chicken. These soups and warm liquids have been MVPs for respiratory relief for ages and are most trusted by our parents and grandparents. Warm liquid loosens up the pesky mucus and veggies and chicken provide the much-required immunity.
The “Pooh Bear” Diet:
When sinuses move towards your throat, post-nasal drip occurs, causing “ a sore throat”. The filtered honey can soothe an irritable throat and fight upper respiratory tract infection. Include honey in your diet for sinus problems by adding drops in your herbal tea, and cereals or drizzling it on your morning toast.
Steamy Elixirs:
Stunned by the name? They are also known as humble “herbal tea”. Indian kitchens are filled with aromatics and spices with amazing health benefits. Stir up a cup with boiling water and add whole black pepper, cloves, Indian basil leaves (Tulsi), cinnamon, ginger and a little bit of honey. This magic in a cup helps drain out the mucus, clearing the air passage and controlling the inflammation and pain. In case you are a tea fanatic, you can also add a little bit of tea leaves to calm the addiction.
Hydration:
When you suffer from Sinus, what your body needs is fluids and water to flush out the excess mucus in those air pockets. Drink water at regular intervals but limit yourself to liquids devoid of caffeine and sugar. Staying hydrated also helps with common sinus symptoms like sore throat and wet cough. Start your day with a warm glass of water with a pinch of black pepper and turmeric. It provides instant relief as turmeric is antibacterial, pepper is anti-inflammatory and warm water soothes your dry throat.
Knights in Shining Armour:
Though temporary, instant relief can be sought by having a diet with foods that help with nasal congestion. Food with high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can not only flush out heavy mucus but prevent its build-up further. Pumpkin seeds are the great option as anti-inflammatory foods for the sinuses. The omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium in pumpkin seeds can relieve inflammation and help relax the blood vessels. You can sprinkle these on your salads, or cereals or roast them to snack on.
From the Fruit Plate:
Pineapple needs a special mention when it comes to foods that clear sinus congestion. A special enzyme called ‘bromelain’ found in Pineapples along with Vitamin C and magnesium, helps break down the mucus and also prevents their production. You can drink the juice or char grill pineapple rings for dessert and also add in your salad to satisfy your cravings and help your congestion. Another fruit that can help thin mucus and fight inflammation is Grapefruit. Its tart flavour is due to the presence of Salicylic acid which has high pH levels that can break down the proteins in mucus. But if you are repelled by its sour flavour try mixing it with sweeter pineapple or something savoury to reduce its tartness.
The Aromatics:
The best natural remedies for sinus with food can be prepared with Onions and Ginger which are staples in Asian kitchens! Onions are high in quercetin, a flavonoid that can improve respiratory inflammation and act as a natural anti-allergic. Add half-moons of onions in your salad or chop and add in your roasts and stews. Ginger is one of the go-to ingredients of any health food. Its anti-inflammatory properties are quite extensive and are a must ingredient in a healthy diet for sinus sufferers. Add juliennes of ginger in your salads, curry, and even your tea to get instant relief from nasal congestion.
The above list explicitly shows the role of nutrition in sinus relief. However, along with food, it is vital that you seek help from your healthcare provider if your sinus continues to persist for days and food only gives you temporary relief. If you have lingering pain and fever that does not improve in days and you experience severe congestion and unbearable headaches, make an immediate appointment with your doctor.
Say ‘No’ to these When Your Sinus Throws Tantrums
Foods to avoid during a sinus infection are those that cause inflammation and may exacerbate allergic reactions. Some of them are given below:
- Dessert Delights: Any food item with refined sugar can add fuel to the sinus fire. Refined sugar products like cakes, sweet biscuits, and muffins can cause further inflammation and suppress the immune system making your condition worse. So control your cravings till you are fit to splurge.
- Chocolate Magic: No matter how difficult it seems to stay away from this treat, it is essential as cocoa and refined sugar can contribute to further nasal congestion.
- Milk Marvels: Milk and milk products can thicken your phlegm and aggravate your sinus problems. Avoid having yoghurt or cheese and any other full-fat dairy products as it has been found to cause inflammations as well. For your morning breakfast switch to non-dairy options like coconut milk or soymilk.
- Packaged Bites: Many processed foods like processed meats and frozen foods contain safe levels of histamine which in normal conditions does not affect your body's immunity. However, when already suffering from sinus, these manufactured items top the chart in the list of foods that cause sinus problems.
- Don’t Go for Bananas: Astonished? How can a healthy fruit turn into a villain? Bananas have a cooling nature and if consumed after sunset might add to your congestion and sore throat. It is even recommended to not have rice for dinner if you are prone to sinus problems. You need to avoid such food for sinus issues.
Don’t Chill!
If you are thinking that by simply following a diet that includes healthy soups, salads and fruits you can tackle this stubborn mucus, think twice! Untreated sinus can lead to serious consequences if ignored for a considerable time. Do avoid sugar, processed food, glutens and dairy products while your symptoms exist, but contact your physician if your symptoms worsen over 10-14 days and your fever persists for more than 7 days.
To ease out the hassles of urgent appointments, resort to your comprehensive health insurance policy. For example, Care Health Insurance offers an array of policies that have the benefits of unlimited e-consultations with doctors in-network hospitals. Access to nutritionists and dieticians is also provided under wellness benefits incorporated in comprehensive plans like Care Supreme.
>>Read Also: Home Remedies for Sinus to Ease the Discomfort
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
