Sinusitis: How To Heal It With Nutrition and Food

What is Sinusitis?

Source: FreeMedEducation /Youtube

Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections often occur following a cold or after an allergy flare-up.

The Four Types

There are four different types of sinusitis:

Acute: Symptoms last less than four weeks and get better over time.

Subacute: This type of infection does not get better with treatment at first. (Usually lasts around four to eight weeks)

Chronic: Chronic infection happens with repeated or poorly treated acute infections. (lasts around eight weeks or longer)

Recurrent: If you have three or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year, it’s called recurrent.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of sinusitis may appear to be similar to other health problems, so it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swelling around the eyes

What Causes Sinusitis?

A sinus infection usually develops after a cold. The cold inflames the nasal passages, blocking the opening of the sinuses. This can then lead to infection. Allergies are another common cause as it causes the nasal tissue to swell and create more mucus.

Other conditions that can lead to sinusitis include:

• Abnormalities in nose structure
• Enlarged adenoids
• Diving and swimming
• Tooth infections
• Nose injury
• Secondhand smoke

How to Heal it with Nutrition and Food

A balanced, healthy diet provides the body with the necessary nutrition it needs to thrive. Nutrition can either be a tool to help heal your body, or it can cause illness and exacerbate sinus infection. Adding certain foods to your diet may help to relieve sinusitis symptoms in the short run and prevent them in the future.

Antioxidants

Source: Antioxidant Green Tea Porridge

Antioxidants help to fight free radicals that contribute to chronic sinusitis. Furthermore, they protect the mucus membrane. Bright-colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.

Garlic

Source: Roasted Garlic and Fresh Herb Cream Cheez

Garlic has a sulfur compound rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties that reduce inflammation and fight viruses too.

Ginger

Source: Goji Berry and Ginger Smoothie

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, which speed up healing, and decrease pain, and swelling. Furthermore, ginger can help ease allergies, discomfort, and sinus pain because it’s an antihistamine. You can also use turmeric because it has the same benefits as ginger.

Peppers

Source: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

Peppers clear the nasal congestion and soften the mucus for smooth flow. The hot chill contains capsaicin, which can ease pain, stimulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Peppers cannot treat sinusitis, but they are a great way to reduce congestion. However, take the spicy food in moderation as it may lead to abdominal pain and indigestion.

To learn more about why these particular recipes will help your sinuses, read about the spices that are included in them in Spices That Clear Out the Sniffles and Do the Body Good!

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