Sinus headaches develop when the air-filled cavities throughout your face become inflamed and cause pressure, tenderness and symptoms such as fatigue, fever and congestion. They can be triggered by allergies, respiratory infections and anything that prevents your sinuses from draining, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. In addition to medical treatment, certain foods may help prevent or minimize your symptoms.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent the fatigue associated with dehydration and allow your body to flush toxins out through urine. Drinking ample fluids also helps dilute mucous, which is the slippery substance known to clog sinuses, and promotes drainage, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can reduce hydration and interfere with your ability to rest. Valuable options include water, pure juices, caffeine-free herbal teas and broth-based soups.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which support your body's ability to heal from infections. A natural substance in pineapples called bromelain may help reduce sinus inflammation, according to the UMMC. The plant substance quercetin, which gives vegetables and fruits their color, may reduce the production and release of histamine -- processes responsible for allergy symptoms. For best potential results, consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, cherries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy greens and squash.
Soy
Soy is a protein-rich legume prevalent in vegetarian and Asian cuisine. It also provides a low-fat protein alternative to high-fat meats and dairy products, which may increase inflammation, congestion, head pain and other sinus-related symptoms, according to "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine" by Jorg Kastner. Protein supports tissue repair, physical strength and immune function. Nutritious soy-based foods include soy milk, soy-based yogurt, boiled or steamed soybeans, fresh or baked tofu and miso -- a fermented soybean paste.
Whole Grains
Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they provide more antioxidants, fiber and protein than refined grains, such as white flour. Dr. Robert S. Ivker, author of "Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis," recommends eating complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, to maintain positive energy levels and as a valuable source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Nutritious whole-grain foods include steel-cut oatmeal, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, pearled barley, quinoa and 100 percent whole-grain breads.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sinus Headache
- MayoClinic.com: Acute Sinusitis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine"; Jorg Kastner; 2004
- "Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis"; Robert S. Ivker; 2000
