Help Fight Sinus Congestion With These 7 Spicy Foods
When you are dealing with painful and uncomfortable symptoms, the first instinct of many is to head to their medicine cabinet, and who could blame them? When you feel like you cant breathe, have a pounding headache, and have no sense of taste and smell, it is probably accurate to say that you feel miserable. The worst is that these symptoms can stem from the flu, sinusitis, allergies, or even the common cold and the suffering is the same all the way around. With colder days right around the bend, there is likely to be an increase in these symptoms, but who wants to take over-the-counter drugs regularly? Many dont realize that there are foods for nasal congestion that can be consumed to offer some relief, naturally.
If you want to ditch the nasal sprays and are looking for a more natural approach for temporary relief, check out some of the best spicy foods for nasal congestion.
Best Foods Good For Sinus Congestion
Neha Ghosh
What do you do when a sinus headache hits you? You either turn off the lights, lie down or pop a pill, right? Sinus congestion or a stuffy nose occurs when you are suffering from cold or when the temperature is too hot or cold.
Chronic sinus is worse and devastating that can create various complications. The symptoms of a sinus headache are congestion, sneezing, headache, coughing, etc. Foods that are rich in vitamin A should be included, as these help build a strong defence against the sinus infection-causing pathogens.
Instead of popping antibiotics, the best solution to counter sinus headache is to include the best foods good for sinus congestion.
These are the 10 best foods good for sinus congestion
Get Your Allergies Under Control
Katie Stavert, 30, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, has already had two procedures to open up her sinuses, but she still needs to take allergy medications and saline solutions if she wants to keep her sinuses clear. Im allergic to everything, she says, but especially sagebrush and trees.
Allergies can definitely contribute to sinus congestion. Jeff Culp, MD, an allergist and assistant professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, tells people to figure out whats triggering their allergies, then plan appropriately either by taking allergy medication or avoiding the allergens altogether.
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Colorful Fruits And Vegetables
Certain compounds in brightly colored fruits and vegetables â like carotenoids and flavonoids â may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help your body function at its best and may even defend against infection, according to May 2013 research in âAdvances in Nutritionâ.
Per Harvard Health Publishing, these anti-inflammatory foods include:
- Strawberries
Ways To Clear Up Sinus Congestion
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You dont have to keep living with the symptoms of a sinus infection. Here are eight smart tips from both experts and readers thatll help get you breathing easier in no time.
Sinus congestion may make you feel miserable, but managing it can be easy if you find the right treatment, that is. First, it helps to figure out whats triggering the congestion. You can treat the symptoms, but you are going to be chasing your tail if you dont know whats causing them, says Ian Alexander, MD, an otolaryngologist and founder of the National Sinus Institute, which has clinics in New Mexico and Texas. Common causes include allergies and infections, but your congestion could also be caused by structural problems with your nose and sinuses. Here are some short- and long-term solutions that can help ease congestion and relieve sinusitis symptoms.
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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.
Foods To Quickly Relieve Sinus Congestion
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.
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The Mechanics Of Snot: How Seasonal Allergies Can Congest Your Sinuses
Before you assume you have seasonal allergies, remember what assuming does to U and ME. Dr. Morris Nejat, an allergist and immunologist at the New York Allergy & Sinus Centers, explained to HuffPost that a lot of times, people cant diagnose it properly themselves, so you need to identify what it is youre reacting to, whether its pollen, animals, dust, etc.
Nejat said its entirely possible that youre not suffering from allergies at all, but either a sinus infection, a deviated septum or each of those on top of allergies. By seeing your allergist, youll be able to get proper testing and get an exam to make sure youre getting the right treatment, whether that be medication or allergy shots, Nejat advised.
If you do indeed have seasonal allergies and your sinuses are producing snot like its their job, consider that it actually is their job. When your body comes into contact with something its allergic to, Nejat explained that your body says, Hey, that tree pollen is kind of weird, Id better be aware of whats going to happen next time, and forms immunoglobulin E antibodies, which attack that tree pollen the next time your body encounters it. Those IgEs make your body release histamines, causing allergic symptoms like congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, mucus production and redness. And without treatment, your body will do this every time it encounters that tree pollen for the rest of your life.
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.
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Sinus And Food: How Food Can Affect The Sinuses
Having sinus pressure, drainage or just plain excessive mucus? Have you wonder how some of the foods you eat may be impacting your sinus issues? These are questions many people have been asking which deserve an answer.
Mucus and Food There is such thing as a “good kind of mucus.” It is produced to help our respiratory organs carry on their work efficiently. This kind of mucus is being produced all the time by the membranes lining the sinus cavity. Yet when it becomes excessive it is annoying and we wish to do something about it. At this point some begin to think about the possible connection between mucus and food. From the outset we can say: The connection is more real and verifiable than many realize. The excessive mucus can irritate the sinus cavity and nasal cavity and cause infection in those organs’ membranes, especially after eating certain foods.
Sometimes environmental elements such as: pollen, house dust, smog, smoke, etc are addressed by the immune systems as invaders that it must protect against, and to do this it uses histamine–a clear, watery mucus like substance that is intended to wash off those invaders. Yet it is wrong choice of foods that can exacerbate this condition, and in some cases actually be the cause of the primary cause of the mucus problem.
Sinus and Food
Foods to Clear the Sinuses:
- Fresh fruits
Worst Foods for the Sinuses:
- eggnog
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.
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Don’t Go Near These 15 Foods If You Have Sinus Problems
Posted: Nov 12, 2021 · by Shai Cohen · This blog generates income via ads
The season of allergy goes along during the winter season or the cold months and the usual thing that people experience are sinus conditions or problems. Some people may consider sinus problems as normal or common but it is important to know that sinus problems may be signs of other underlying conditions.
Ways To Clear Clogged Sinuses
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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
Practice Stress Relief Techniques
Stress promotes sinus problems by creating oxidative compounds and limiting many of the bodys regular functions. Find ways to alleviate and release stress from your life.
Try doing meditation and practicing breathing exercises. Yoga is also a great exercise to relieve stress.
Other things that can stimulate your bodys natural healing properties are mind over body techniques and getting a massage.
Related: Reduce Stress and Improve Health Naturally with Meditation
Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference:
These are just some of the best ways to clear sinuses naturally. If infections get worse, seek advice from a medical professional.
Natural treatments and supplements are great, but you shouldnt neglect taking the proper medication as well.
Fighting a sinus infection? Try this great soup recipe that uses many of the ingredients listed above!
Sinus problems can be a real issue and stand in the way of doing the things you love. If youre constantly battling with a stuffy nose or sinus issues, its a good idea to incorporate certain foods into your diet. While doing things like cutting our dairy and exercising regularly may benefit your sinuses as well. By making positive and healthy lifestyle choices, you can help to improve your overall well-being and kick sinus problems to the curb.
Did this guide help you learn how to clear sinuses? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Include Horseradish In Your Daily Diet
Horseradish might not be a common food you eat everyday, but it does have a lot of health benefits. The health benefits of horseradish are mainly attributed to its high nutrient and mineral content, which includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as its organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils, like sinigrin, a powerful glucosinolate.
This spicy root acts much the same way as chili peppers, reducing inflammation and stimulating the immune system.. It also has antibiotic properties.
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Foods To Fight Nasal Congestion
Home » 6 Foods to Fight Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is an unpleasant, yet common allergy symptom for many of the roughly 50 million Americans living with allergies. Professional allergy diagnosis can help you find long-term relief from allergies by determining the source, but you can make changes at home to provide temporary relief from your symptoms. One way how to clear sinuses temporarily is to relieve your allergies congestion and prevent the excess mucus buildup. This can be achieved by adding certain foods to your diet. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties that are high in antioxidants can help your body flush out excess mucus and prevent more from building up. Here are six foods to help keep allergy related congestion at bay:
1. Snack on pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that can help relieve inflammation, as well as magnesium, which reduces inflammation by helping relax blood vessels. Both of these nutrients can help reduce sinus swelling caused by allergies, allowing mucus to drain better, preventing congestion. Sprinkle the seeds on salads, bake them into bread, or snack on them on their own to take advantage of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Broth And Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has long been regarded as one of the best home remedies for colds, bronchitis, and the flu. Some theories suggest that because its hot food, chicken soup can help fight the effects of getting chilled, which is associated with catching colds.
Warm fluids like chicken broth also help thin mucous, and chicken soup has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Some of this could be due to a compound called carnosine, which is found in foods like chicken.
Theres another benefit of chicken soup: its easy to add other congestion-fighting ingredients to it. Many chicken soup recipes contain onions and garlic, and a few ethnic chicken soups like Lugaw even contain ginger.
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Add Turmeric To Your Meals
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and is one of the famous foods to heal your sinus infection.
According to the study, turmeric contains an active yellow phenolic compound called curcumin that reduces sinus inflammation and control sinus infection.
How to use turmeric?
You can add turmeric to your food. Also, you can prepare herbal tea by adding one teaspoon of turmeric to it.
Health Tips: The Sinus Fighters
Figuring out whats causing your runny nose can be confusing. Colds, flu, allergies, and sinusitis all have similar symptoms stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, facial pressure and fatigue occur in all the above. Only a doctor can say for sure which condition you have and if you have a sinus infection, you feel stuffed-up and tired, your face is tender and swollen and headache pain and pressure increase when you bend over with accumulation of yellow-green mucus. With a simple cold, the mucus is generally clear.
Researches indicate that breathing smoke or fumes can trigger a bout with sinusitis even if your sinuses are healthy. But if your membranes are already weakened by pollution, you are even more likely to get infections. This chronic irritation to nasal passages might lead to nasal allergies, a major cause of sinusitis. Fungi is another prime cause of sinus problem but it is also caused by taking a lot of antibiotics that can destroy the good bacteria, making the way clear for an overgrowth of fungi. The body reacts to this imbalance by sending white blood cells to the nose and sinuses to combat the problem and these results in inflammation, increased swelling of the mucous membrane and sinusitis.
Ginger-garlic The stinky compound in garlic, allicin, kills fungi and bacteria and gives your immune system a much needed boost.
TRY EATING
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Looking For Natural Ways To Stop The Sniffles Start With Foods That Can Help You Breathe Easier Again
Youve gone through 27 tissues in the last hour, your eyes are watering and you feel like theres a bowling ball resting on your forehead. Whether youre suffering from a cold, the flu or allergies, nasal congestion is no fun. When nasal membranes become irritated or inflamed, our bodies make mucus in an effort to flush out the irritant, which can sometimes lead to congestion. Thankfully, these foods can help bring some relief.