Nutrition
Staying sinusitis free with our diet
Pineapple
In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can live a sinusitis free life with our diet.
If you are fed up with that swollen, achy feeling in your forehead, and your cold or hay feverseems to have lasted far longer than usual, you might have sinusitis.
The sinuses are hollow air spaces inside the bones surrounding the nose. Sinuses produce mucus, which drains into the nose. Unfortunately, swelling in the nose can block the sinuses and cause pain and infection. When the sinuses get infected or inflamed, it is called sinusitis.
Some causes include allergies, pollutants, nasal problems, and certain diseases. Symptoms of sinusitis may include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough, and nasal congestion. Nasal drip (mucous drainage in the back of the throat) may also be present.
Management of sinusitis is mainly conservative and medical. Diet plays a key role in the management as well.
Foods to include
Antioxidant (vitamins A, C, E, and glutathione) rich foods such as; sweet potatoes, carrots, avocados, oranges, and honeydew melons.
Bromelain rich foods such as; fresh pineapples.
Probiotic bacteria, commonly found in probiotic yogurt.
Water moistens the mucous membrane, facilitating proper draining of the sinuses.
Foods to avoid
Dairy and related products such as; milk, cheese, custard, and butter.
Gluten-containing foods such as wheat and wheat products.
Monosodium glutamate, often found in canned foods, salad dressing, deli meats, and fast foods.
Lifestyle modification
Avoiding all forms of allergens.
Cessation of cigarette smoking or secondhand smoking.
Moderation of alcohol.
Inhalation of vapour from warm water.
Applying heating pads to the inflamed area.
In conclusion, having sinusitis can be one of the most inconvenient experiences ever; a massive pain-in-the-head. Knowing the symptoms and tackling them before they arrive will be most rewarding, and the above dietary and lifestyle changes will be sure to take care of us.
The writer Dr Bernice Korkor Asare is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult
“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”
E-mail: holistichealthconsultgh@gmail.com