Foods That Help Ease Sinusitis

Foods That Help Ease Sinusitis

Climatic changes can often cause recurrent headaches, sneezing, and a blocked nose, leading to severe cold. This condition is medically referred to as sinusitis which is caused by a virus that infects and causes the soft tissues of the nasal cavity (also called sinuses) to become swollen.

The nose gets blocked due to accumulation of fluid in the sinuses. These allergic reactions could often lead to headaches and even formation of nasal polyps in chronic cases. About one in seven or eight people suffer from this condition in India. This number increases in cold and humid weather. While sinusitis commonly affects people across all ages and genders, its nagging symptoms, which can last over ten days, can be quite difficult to deal with.

Kinds Of Sinusitis

There are two kinds of sinusitis, chronic and acute. Acute sinusitis shows symptoms such as pain or pressure on the face, stuffed nose and runny nose, cough and congestion, loss of senses like smell and taste, dental pain, fatigue and bad breath. Chronic sinusitis shows symptoms such as feeling of congestion or fullness in the face, nasal obstruction or pus formation in the nasal cavity, runny nose and fever or discoloured drainage from the nose.

Besides medical intervention, there are several steps you can take to help relieve these symptoms. Sinusitis is a disorder of fluids. Hence, it is very important to drink plenty of water which helps clear out the mucus, decongests the nasal cavities and washes out germs from the system. Some foods can also provide relief from the symptoms of sinusitis. However, it is important to know the right kind of foods to eat. Sinusitis worsens with sweet, salt and sour foods, while astringent, bitter and pungent foods improve the symptoms.

Sinusitis worsens with sweet, salt and sour foods, while astringent, bitter and pungent foods improve the symptoms

Foods That Fight Sinusitis

Garlic
This rather pungent spice has multiple therapeutic properties. Thus, those suffering from sinusitis should eat raw garlic, as its active component allicin helps decongest the nose. Garlic can be added to soups or mixed with a salad as dressing.

Radish
Radish can be eaten raw in salads or added to soups and sandwiches. It is rich in vitamin C and helps boost immunity. It is also known to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight the common cold, sinusitis and flu.

Turmeric
A common but wonderful ingredient in Indian cooking, turmeric has antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-cancer properties. It has been an age-old remedy for coughs, cold and fever. Warm milk, with a pinch of turmeric, can help relieve a sore throat and nasal congestion. It can also be added to herbal teas to ease symptoms of sinusitis.

Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Snacking on fruits instead of pre-packed snacks is a healthy option, as well as a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants for the body. Antioxidants help in protecting the mucous membrane. Fruits such as kiwi, oranges, berries, grapes and of other citrus varieties are rich in both these components, including coloured vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

Raw Onions
Onions have a strong and spicy taste that can help drain out the sinuses. The antihistamine properties in raw onions aid in reducing inflammation and decongesting the airways.

Horseradish
This pleasantly spicy root has an effect similar to that of chilli peppers. It not only relieves inflammatory conditions but also loosens out the mucous layer. Horseradish, known for its antibiotic properties, is used in many delicacies for its tingling taste.

Ginger
This spicy root is rich in antioxidants and is known for its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is used in foods to promote digestion, speed- up healing, reduce pain and swelling. It is often used in healing teas and concoctions to reduce allergic conditions, sinus pain, nausea and headache. Ginger is specially used in many Chinese medicinal preparations for the same reason. A tea made with ginger, lemon and honey is known to be quite beneficial in relieving symptoms of a common cold.

Peppers And Chillies
Eating h and spicy chilli peppers help relieve a blocked nose. The capsaicin in chilli produces heat and has a soothing effect on the sinuses, However, chillies must be included in the diet in, moderation.

Pineapple
The antioxidants in pineapple help protect the mucous membrane while the enzymes (bromelain) in the fruit have anti-inflammatory properties that break down the mucus build-up in the sinuses.

FOOTNOTE

Although these foods do not cure sinusitis, they can surely ease the discomfort associated with the condition. Besides consuming these foods, some other ways to relieve sinusitis include having apple cider vinegar, applying a hot compress, doing a steam inhalation, exercising, applying eucalyptus and other essential oils and a saline nasal rinse.

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