Sinusitis occurs when excess mucus causes your sinus passages to become irritated, inflamed and swollen. The exact cause varies, but viruses, fungal and bacterial infections, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum may contribute to this condition. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, bad breath, fever, yellow-green throat drainage, tooth pain, facial pain, reduced sense of taste and smell and an intense headache. Treatment generally consists of antibiotics, nasal washes, decongestants, corticosteroids and in severe cases surgery. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, a variety of vitamins and minerals may reduce sinus inflammation and help you breathe better.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps to build up your immune system, supports healthy mucus membranes and aids in white blood cell production, according to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements.” Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, adds that vitamin A prevents mucus accumulation, reduces your histamine levels, alleviates nasal congestion, tooth pain, fever and bad breath, repairs damaged sinus passages, decreases inflammation within your sinus passages and lowers your risk of chronic sinus infections. Foods rich in vitamin A include Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, kale, spinach, apricots, mozzarella cheese, milk, carrots and mangoes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from infections, viruses, toxins and diseases that can trigger sinusitis, according to Robert Ivker, D.O., author of “Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis.” Dr. Ivker adds that vitamin C reduces inflammation and swelling within your sinus passages, alleviates sinus headaches and facial pressure, reduces the severity and duration of sinusitis, blocks the release of histamines in your body, helps fight chronic sinus infections and accelerates the healing process. Foods rich in vitamin C include red hot chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, kale, mustard greens, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, papayas, clementines, oranges and pineapples.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that improves immune system function, aids in the healing process and repairs damaged sinus passages, according to Carol Dean, M.D., author of “The Magnesium Miracle.” Dr. Dean adds that magnesium reduces nasal congestion, throat drainage and bad breath, removes excess mucus from your sinus passages, helps fights viral, bacterial and fungal infections and lowers your risk of chronic sinusitis. Foods rich in magnesium include black beans, oysters, halibut, scallops, soy milk, okra, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, tofu and whole-grain cereal.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that boosts immune system function and protects your body from damaging free radicals that can trigger or aggravate sinusitis, according to Steve Blake, Sc.D., author of “Vitamins and Minerals Demystified.” Dr. Blake adds that zinc repairs damaged sinus cavities, reduces inflammation and swelling within your sinus passages, shortens recovery time, relieves sinus-related headaches and facial pain and lowers your risk of chronic sinusitis. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, veal liver, sesame seeds, roast beef, watermelon seeds, squash seeds, cocoa powder, lamb, peanuts and wheat germ.
References
- “The Sinus Cure: 7 Simple Steps to Relieve Sinusitis and Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions”; Debra Fulghum Bruce, Ph.D. and Murray Grossan, M.D.; 2007
- “Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis”; Robert S. Ivker, D.O.; 2000
- “The Magnesium Miracle”; Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.; 2006
- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements”; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- “Vitamins and Minerals Demystified”; Steve Blake, Sc.D.; 2007
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