Every person has four sets of air-filled cavities that lie behind his cheeks, eyes and nose. These cavities are sinuses. Chronic respiratory illnesses or exposure to allergens and irritants can cause pressure, inflammation and pain. Sinus headaches are described as a dull, throbbing pain that gets worse if a person bends or leans over. For many people, cold, damp weather will make a sinus headache more severe.
Fresh Foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins A and C are beneficial in fighting sinus infections and eliminating sinus headaches, according to Acu-Cell. Foods that contain large amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene are red, orange and yellow in color. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and brightly colored bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A. Tomatoes, strawberries, cherries, pineapple and citrus fruits contain large amounts of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps to fight infection.
Chronic sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis and other upper respiratory illnesses. These health problems can be prevented by washing your hands often, reducing your exposure to infection and eating a well-balanced diet.
Eliminate Processed Foods
Processed foods that contain a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives and preservatives should be avoided, according to Vaxa. Too much sugar increases the risk of infection, while additives and preservatives can affect how food is digested and nutrients are absorbed. These chemical compounds are stored in the liver and take longer to break down than fresh foods. They also can cause allergic reactions that result in headaches, sneezing and congestion.
Eliminating processed foods and replacing them with fresh, nutrient-rich foods allows the body to receive the maximum nutrients with the least amount of stress.
Avoid Dairy Foods
Dairy foods produce mucus that causes congestion in the sinus cavities. All types of dairy products, even low-fat and skim milk, contain lactose. Because lactose is a simple sugar, it can promote the growth of yeast and other infections, according to Vaxa.
Whey protein is a milk derivative that does not contain lactose. Rice and soy products also are good alternatives to conventional dairy products. When sinus infections and headaches occur, rice milk is the better option. Soy can produce mucus and congestion if an infection already exists.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
Always drink plenty of fluids. Water that has been purified, steam distilled or run through reverse osmosis are the best options, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Water flushes toxins from the tissues and helps to eliminate them from the body. Drinking hot tea or inhaling steam from a cup of herbal tea might relieve some of the discomfort and pressure associated with sinus headaches. Fresh fruit juices also can be consumed to provide added nutrients.
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine and excessive amounts of sugar. Caffeine stresses the adrenal glands and can weaken the immune system.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinus Headaches
- Acu-Cell Disorders: Sinus Headaches
- Vaxa: Sinus Diet
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2002
- Sinus Wars: Sinus Headache Diet
