Any Foods That Will Help Reduce Sinus Problems

Your sinuses are air-filled cavities around your eyes, nose and cheeks. While healthy sinuses allow you to breathe, smell and taste efficiently, sinus inflammation associated with infections cause pain, pressure, congestion, toothaches, sore throat and fatigue. Sinusitis, the medical term for sinus inflammation, affects more than 30 million Americans each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to medical treatment, certain foods can help manage your symptoms. Discuss dietary changes with your doctor or dietitian.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne peppers contain a natural compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin effectively reduces inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, fights bacteria responsible for sinus infections and minimizes sinus headaches, according a report published in the "Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents" in March 2006. Consume cayenne peppers in raw, cooked or powdered forms. Add powdered cayenne to chili, soups, mashed potatoes or other dishes for enhanced flavor and sinus benefits.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are top suppliers of antioxidants -- nutrients that support your body's ability to heal from infections. In test tube studies, quercetin, which gives fruits and vegetables their color, effectively reduced production and release of histamine, which causes watery eyes and runny nose, according to the UMMC. Although evidence is lacking, colorful fruits and vegetables might have similar effects in humans. Colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, pineapple, tomatoes, bell peppers and squash, are also antioxidant-rich.

Fluids

Staying well hydrated helps dilute mucus secretion and enhances sinus drainage, according to MayoClinic.com. Choose non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids, which are the most hydrating. Valuable options include water, broth-based soups, low-fat soy or rice milk, pure juices, herbal tea and all-fruit frozen bars. Fresh fruits and vegetables also promote hydration.

Whole Grains

"Prescription for Natural Cures," by surgeon and physician Dr. James Balch and naturopathic practitioner Mark Stengler, recommends emphasizing foods that produce little or no mucus, such as whole grains, particularly if your sinus symptoms are severe. Whole grains also provide valuable amounts of antioxidants, such as selenium and B-vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, which promote positive energy levels and guard against fatigue. Nutritious whole grain foods include 100 percent whole grain breads and pastas, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice and barley.