Your sinuses secrete mucus that keeps your airway free of infections and particles that can block the sinuses and cause discomfort. Blockages result in sinus infections and breathing problems. Sinus infections typically occur when harmful bacteria enter your body and spread throughout your respiratory tract. Symptoms of obstructed or infected sinuses include headache, fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, bad breath, nasal discharge, pressure and congestion, and chronic earaches. A variety of vitamins may unblock clogged sinuses, lower your risk for chronic sinus infections and help you breathe easier.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that lubricates sinus passages and repairs damaged sinus tissues. It also protects mucus membranes from damage, improves immune system function and lowers your risk of chronic sinus infections, according to Jordan Josephson, author of the book "Sinus Relief Now: The Ground-Breaking 5-Step Program for Sinus, Allergy, and Asthma Sufferers." Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, dried apricots, milk, mozzarella cheese, spinach, carrots, liver, eggs and mangoes.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in energy metabolism and assists in the healing process, including the repair of damaged sinus tissues. B-12 may also alleviate sinusitis symptoms such as cough, nasal discharge, sore throat, earache, fatigue and headache, according to Jorg Kastner, author of the book "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine." Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include chicken, turkey, milk, eggs, roast beef, liver, veal, lamb, tuna, salmon and crab.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your sinuses from harmful free radicals that can cause or worsen sinus infections. Murray Grossan, author of the book "The Sinus Cure: Seven Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions," explains that vitamin C also eases symptoms commonly associated with sinusitis, such as headache, wheezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion, and decreases inflammation in the sinus passages. Vitamin C hydrates the sinus tissues and repairs damaged sinus cavities. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, kale, Swiss chard, pineapples, blueberries, cranberries and kiwi.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that enhances immune system function, protecting you from infections, viruses and pollutants that can irritate, inflame or block your sinuses. Deborah Rosin, author of the book "The Sinus Sourcebook," explains that vitamin E also soothes inflamed sinus tissues. Foods rich in vitamin E include mayonnaise, sunflower seeds, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, olives, sweet potatoes, almonds, broccoli, papaya, hazelnuts and spinach.
References
- "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine"; Jorg Kastner; 2004
- "No More Allergies, Asthma or Sinus Infections: The Revolutionary Diet Approach to Eliminating Upper Respiratory Problems - Including Children's Middle Ear Infections"; Lon Jones; 2010
- "The Sinus Sourcebook"; Deborah Rosin; 1999
- "Sinus Relief Now: The Ground-Breaking 5-Step Program for Sinus, Allergy, and Asthma Sufferers"; Jordan S. Josephson; 2006
- "The Sinus Cure: Seven Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions"; Murray Grossan; 2007
Member Comments