How Food Can Affect Your Sinusitis and Foods that Helps to Eliminate It

When you have a sinus infection, it is referred to as a condition called Sinusitis. The prefixes acute and chronic refer to the intensity and the level of Sinusitis. For people with sinusitis, there is always a desire to find effective remedies. One of the available remedies is to avoid certain foods that may aggravate or worsen sinusitis symptoms. Amidst growing concern, researchers have been studying how foods that cause inflammation in the body can affect the sinus membranes.

Poor nutrition can result in a myriad of negative health impacts, including causing or exacerbating your sinus symptoms. Certain foods can trigger or alleviate inflammation, and knowing the foods can help ease the discomfort. Here are some of the foods that can affect your sinusitis. 

Foods That Trigger Sinusitis 

Here are some of the foods that trigger sinusitis, and you should therefore avoid them:

1. High Sugar Foods 

A diet that is high on refined sugars, such as soda, candy, and baked goods, may worsen sinusitis symptoms by increasing inflammation. Some evidence has shown that high sugar diets exacerbate sinus symptoms and increase inflammation in children with sinus symptoms. This means that reducing the consumption of added sugar may help improve symptoms and quality of life in this particular population. Also, some healthcare providers usually recommend avoiding refined sugar as a natural means of reducing sinusitis symptoms in adults. 

2. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

This is a flavor-enhancing food additive that is commonly found in soy sauce, fast foods, prepared soups, salad dressings, and deli meats. A study conducted by the University of Toyama showed that MSG could affect liver health and trigger chronic inflammation. This essentially implies that MSG may worsen sinusitis symptoms. It still remains questionable why the chemical has not been withdrawn from the food chain, and many people usually demand that the safety profile of MSG be re-evaluated.  

3. Foods High in Saturated Fat

Foods that are high in saturated fat, such as pizza and cheese, as well as meat products, pasta dishes, full-fat dairy products, and grain-based desserts, can trigger adipose or fat tissue and cause inflammation. These foods are known to worsen chronic sinusitis symptoms. You should therefore avoid foods that are high in saturated fat.

Foods that Help to Eliminate Sinusitis 

Here are some of the foods that help to reduce or eliminate symptoms of sinusitis: 

1. Peppers 

Peppers usually clear the nasal congestion and soften the mucus for smooth flow. The hot chill contains capsaicin, which can help ease pain, stimulate the immune system, as well as reduce inflammation. Peppers are not a treatment option for chronic sinusitis, but they are an effective way to reduce sinus symptoms. However, it is recommended to take peppers in moderation as they may lead to abdominal pain and indigestion. 

2. Garlic and Ginger 

Garlic contains a sulphur compound that is rich in antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, known to reduce inflammation and fight viruses too. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, which help to speed healing and decrease pain and swelling. Also, since ginger has antihistamines, it can help ease allergies, discomfort, and sinus pain.

3. Fish and Seafood 

Fish are full of quality protein, and some types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds help boost the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation. Omega-3-rich foods usually help stave off infection, and they lower the risk of heart disease and age-related hearing loss. They can help reduce symptoms of sinusitis. It is recommended to eat fish that are high in omega-3 but low in compounds like mercury once or twice a week. 

4. Honey 

Honey is one of the few natural compounds that have inherent antibacterial properties. In chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes in the sinus cavities become inflamed, causing headaches, a stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing. Though it can be caused by allergies, chronic sinusitis can also be caused by bacteria that colonize the nose and sinuses. Honey has the ability to kill bacteria and reduce chronic sinusitis. Honey can also help to soothe sore throats that often accompany bacterial sinus infections. 

Do you suffer from moderate to severe chronic sinus issues?  At Advanced Sinus Relief Centers, we offer our balloon sinuplasty treatment in-office, giving Phoenix area residents the opportunity to avoid the hassle and fees that come along with hospital visits. Schedule an appointment today.