Is your head pounding and it feels ad if there is something stuffed inside your head? Unable to breathe properly or even smell? Are you unable to taste anything that you eat? There can be multiple reasons for this- seasonal best Foods To Fight Sinus Infection lergies, cold or flu. Or even worse, a sinus infection.
Most of the time, an episode of sinusitis can make the taste buds dormant. In such cases, eating something spicy can help with the symptoms. Spicy foods can help in getting temporary relief from headaches, body ache or pressure around the eyes. Here’s a checklist to help you-
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Ginger
The widely used kitchen ingredient for Asian cuisine is also known as therapeutic effects. You can take ginger either by boiling it in warm tea or put in some foods. Used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, consuming ginger can keep off infectious agents responsible for cold or flu. Tea made with ginger, lemon, and honey can help decongest sinuses. As ginger is also anti-inflammatory in nature, it can also cure inflammation and help in getting relief from body aches or sinus headaches.
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Radishes
Radishes act as well a natural decongestant as well as rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties. As they are also rich in Vitamin C, they can also cure a common cold or flu almost instantaneously. Take radishes in your meal for munching in salsa or as a topping for soup, tacos, sandwiches or etc.
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Raw garlic
The active ingredient of garlic- allyl thiosulfonate- provides temporary relief from a stuffy nose due to sinusitis. The ingredient is rich in antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. For better results, take raw garlic. You can also add some garlic cloves in your meals. When you eat raw garlic, you’ll feel its pungent smell that can open up the sinuses.
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Onions
Different in chilies, the pungent smell and spiciness of onions can make eyes watery and helps to drain the blocked sinuses. This works as onions contain natural antihistamine properties that curb nasal congestion and inflammation. More brown more pungent the onion is. Rather than eating it, a more efficient way to reap the benefits of onion is to peel and chop them that allows the eyes to water.
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Chilies
The most effective and spiciest vegetable that can help in getting relief from a sinus infection is chilies. Rich in capsaicin, can help in opening up the nasal airways and alleviate a headache due to sinusitis. In addition to this, this also causes runny nose and watery eyes that helps to release blocked mucus and open the blocked nasal passages. Either you can eat them raw, mix them into a salsa, sprinkle chili flakes over food, add them to curries, soups, sauces, dressing, etc.
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Pineapple
Rich in antioxidants, pineapple protects the mucus membranes from damage. Moreover, pineapple also helps in breaking down the excessive mucus build-up in the sinuses and thereby, reducing inflammation.
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Horseradish
Horseradish acts as a powerful natural decongestant that provides instant relief from a stuffy nose. When you eat horseradish, there’s a tingling sensation in the nasal area that indicates a loosening of the mucus in the nose. For your information, Wasabi is a green-colored horseradish from Japan.
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Probiotics
Fermented foods contain probiotics (friendly bacteria) that keep harmful infectious microorganisms at bay. Some examples include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha or pickles.
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Antioxidants- Rich foods
Free radical damage due to oxidation can lead to chronic sinusitis. Hence, take antioxidant-rich food items that protects the mucus membranes. Try to eat bright, colorful fruits and vegetables such as citrus, kiwi, spinach, berries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and other vibrant food. Not only with antioxidants, but these are also rich in minerals and vitamins.
Food To Avoid When Suffering from Sinusitis
If you are suffering from symptoms of sinusitis such as the stuffy nose, pressure around the eyes or headache, make sure that you avoid the following food items-
- Processed sugar
- Fatty foods
- Monosodium glutamate
- Omega- 6 fatty acids
- Gluten and casein
- Refined carbohydrates
- Wine and alcohol
- Dairy products
- Tomatoes
- Red meat
In addition to keeping an attentive eye at the diet, using prescribed nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and even antibiotics can help. Also, keep yourself hydrated to drain out the mucus. But repeated episodes of sinusitis require a permanent cure that involves surgical intervention. Get in touch with an ENT specialist to know about the possible treatment options available.
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