Your tonsils are tissues located in your throat that help ward off infections, although the precise actions or purposes of these clumps of tissue are not fully understood. Tonsil swelling due to infection is one of the most common problems associated with these tissues. Bacteria are responsible for 15 to 30 percent of pharyngotonsillitis cases, or inflammation of your pharynx and tonsils, notes the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using natural foods to help treat your tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common problem in children. Tonsillectomies, or the removal of your inflamed tonsils, were common in the past, notes the Healthy Children website, although physicians are now more careful about removing these tissues due to increased knowledge about the function and role of tonsils in keeping you healthy. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, painful swallowing, fever and enlarged neck lymph nodes.
Beneficial Dietary Practices
Certain dietary practices might be beneficial in treating your tonsillitis. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch reports that the following natural foods and beverages might be useful for this health purpose: sage tea, marshmallow tea, flaxseed oil, bee propolis, thyme, cod liver oil and maitake, shiitake or reishi mushrooms. Balch also recommends a cleansing juice fast for three days with vegetable broth to help treat your tonsillitis.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil might be a helpful natural food in treating your tonsillitis. According to Dr. Alan Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "Natural Pharmacy," flaxseed oil contains significant amounts of essential fatty acids, including alpha linolenic acid -- a substance that possesses anti-inflammatory action. Flaxseed oil historically has been used in treating the pain and inflammation of tonsillitis, as well as speeding your recovery. This natural food has also traditionally been used to treat constipation, lupus, elevated cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Considerations
Tonsillitis, though a relatively common health problem, might lead to serious health consequences, such as blocked airways, dehydration, rheumatic fever and certain cardiovascular conditions. If you develop the characteristic signs and symptoms of tonsillitis, do not delay seeking treatment from your primary care provider. Your doctor can counsel you on the most relevant and effective treatment methods to help resolve your tonsil problem. Further scientific evaluation might be required to determine the true health merits of foods historically used in treating tonsillitis.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: Fact Sheet -- Tonsillitis
- Healthy Children: Tonsillitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan Gaby; 2006
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