Things To Eat When You Have Sinusitis

The medical term sinusitis describes the inflammation of your sinuses, caused by allergies, viruses or bacteria. Symptoms may include headaches and facial pressure, toothaches, nasal discharge and congestion, fever, bad breath and fatigue. See your doctor to determine the best course of treatment, depending on the underlying cause, and self-care suggestions. She may suggest using a humidifier and nasal spray and drinking plenty of fluids. You may additionally finds that certain foods ease symptoms and speed healing.

Probiotics

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests eating foods containing probiotics if you have sinusitis. The condition sometimes stems from bacterial infections. The "good" bacteria found in probiotic foods may combat the "bad" bacteria causing the infection. They also stave off some allergic reactions. Probiotic foods include some yogurts, fermented milk products and juices. MayoClinic.com suggests looking for terms such as "live cultures," "lactobacillus" .or "probiotic" on the label.

Red, Yellow and Orange Produce

Fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins A and C help sinusitis sufferers recover more quickly, while also speeding healing of mucous membranes, according to the natural medicine website Ayushveda.com. Foods rich in these reparative and immunity-boosting nutrients include strawberries, tropical fruits, tomatoes, broccoli and citrus fruits.

Pungent Foods

Some home remedies for sinus problems appear to work because they have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling of the mucous passages, according to herbalist Barbara Griggs. Griggs suggests soaking 4 oz. horseradish in 20 oz. water for two hours and adding about 1 tsp. honey, or to taste. Take 1 tsp. of the resulting pungent syrup every few hours. Similarly, infusing a raw onion in boiling water and then drinking the cooled, strained liquid may open up the sinuses. Simply adding plenty of onions and garlic to your food is also helpful during times of sinusitis, notes Griggs.

Elderberry

According to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, fruits and flowers of the elder shrub are traditional sinus remedies. Use cooked berries in syrups or jams, or make teas from the dried berries or flower heads. The center notes that preliminary research shows that a combination of antibiotics and elder flowers may be especially useful for treating sinus infections.

Additional Tips

Upping your fluid intakes has the effect of thinning out mucous. Drink water, clear soups and herbal teas, if desired. Griggs especially recommends sage or plantain teas for sinus problems. Food-derived dietary supplements such as quercetin and bromelain also ease sinus swelling. Herbal treatments such as eucalyptus oil and an herbal blend known as Sinupret also show promise for people with sinusitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.