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Sinus Infections

5 Foods that Help Fight Sinus Infections

July 19, 2017

3 minutes

Reviewed by Michael Kaplan, MD

Sinusitis is a painful, debilitating condition that can ruin even the best day. Between the sinus headaches, the facial pain, trouble breathing, stuffy nose, fatigue and all the other irritating symptoms, all you really want is relief! But it isn’t always so simple, sinus medications can have irritating side effects, and taking them all the time can get expensive.

For people looking for no-medication sinus treatments, the answer may be right in your pantry. Have you ever noticed that after a long day of sinus pain and congestion, eating a good meal seems to make you feel a lot better? It’s not just your imagination, some foods can actually heal or prevent sinus infections. These are the top 5 foods that help stop and prevent sinus infections.

1) Spicy Foods

Have you ever felt your nose start to run while you were eating a spicy dish? The spices and acids in spicy foods actually break up the mucus in your nostrils, causing it to drain from your nostrils. For the best effect, try things like curry, wasabi, and spicy mustard. Peppers will also work, but are more likely to cause heartburn and indigestion, which can actually cause more sinus problems later on.

2) Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions don’t just have a strong odor, they can also stimulate your nasal passages and help clear blocked sinuses. For deep sinus infections, garlic can be particularly helpful. When crushed, garlic actually has anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that can help speed your body’s healing process.

3) Pineapple

Pineapples are full of antioxidants which help protect your mucus membranes from damage. That’s not all, pineapples also break down mucus and bacteria that builds up in your sinuses, reducing inflammation and decreasing the painful side effects of sinusitis.

4) Ginger

Ginger isn’t just a great palette cleanser, it’s also extremely helpful for sinus infections. Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and natural antihistamines. These natural agents reduce congestion, swelling and pain and will help clear the painful symptoms of a sinus infection.

5) Water

Water might not be a food, but when it comes to relieving sinusitis symptoms, it’s hard to top. Clean, filtered water provides your body with the energy and resources it needs to keep up with basic functions, including those that keep your sinuses working the way they’re supposed to. When your body is dehydrated, the body can’t perform it’s necessary functions. This leads to stopped up mucus, clogged sinuses, and lots of bacteria that can lead to sinus infections.

Tired of Sinusitis? Discover Lasting Relief at Kaplan Sinus Relief

If you have Chronic Sinusitis, even the best diet might not provide the relief you need. If constant sinus infections are getting in the way of your life, schedule an appointment with Houston’s balloon sinuplasty experts at Kaplan Sinus Relief to determine a treatment that’s right for you.

Location

4101 Greenbriar Drive, Suite 320

Houston, TX 77098