About 13 percent American adults were diagnosed with sinusitis in 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinusitis causes inflammation in the sinuses -- a network of cavities in the skull. Healthy sinuses allow air to circulate through the nose and mucus to drain. Inflammation interferes with these functions, causing congestion, sore throat, fever, toothaches and painful pressure in your nose, forehead, cheeks and behind your eyes. In addition to medical treatments, when necessary, dietary changes may help manage your symptoms.
Function
A diet for sinus problems may serve multiple functions. If you're prone to recurrent infections, your diet may help guard against future outbreaks. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, for example, may help prevent sinus infections by bolstering your immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Once you have a sinus condition, certain foods may help ease throat pain and congestion. Avoiding foods that worsen your symptoms or interfere with your ability to rest may help expedite the healing process.
Helpful Foods
Antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, play an important role in immune function. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and squash. A half-cup of red bell pepper provides nearly 160 percent of adults' daily recommended intake of vitamin C. For positive energy levels and additional antioxidant benefits, consume whole grains, such as oats, barley, brown rice and 100 percent whole grain bread. MayoClinic.com recommends drinking plenty of fluids, such as juice or water. Fluids help dilute mucus and promote drainage. Warm fluids, such as broth-based soups and herbal tea, may help loosen mucus and ease throat pain.
Foods to Avoid
If you are experiencing throat pain, avoid coarse foods, such as nuts, popcorn, crunchy pizza and chips. Drinking milk may make mucus thicker, according to MayoClinic.com internist Dr. James M. Steckelberg, so choose nondairy beverages and soups instead. Limit caffeine, which may interfere with rest and delay healing. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, black tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate and diet drinks and products geared toward boosted energy. Alcohol may have similar effects.
Supplements
Various dietary supplements may promote healing from sinus problems. A basic multi-vitamin may help fill in the nutrient gaps if you have difficulty meeting your need through food alone. Supplements containing probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, may help prevent complications associated with antibiotics, according to the UMMC, and lower your risk for allergies, which can cause sinusitis. The plant compound known as bromelain, derived from pineapples, may help lower inflammation. Another plant compound called quercetin may reduce the release of histamine, which triggers congestion and watery eyes associated with allergies. Because supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications, seek guidance from your doctor.
