Rhinitis is the medical term for a "runny nose." It involves irritation of the nasal passages that results in nasal dripping. Allergic rhinitis is a form of runny nose associated with allergies. Both types of rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic, may be prevented or treated through dietary measures. Particular foods have been shown to make a positive difference in the treatment of rhinitis. However, there are other foods that should be avoided.
Spicy Foods
Hot, spicy foods contain capsaicin, a chemical that can exacerbate the respiratory system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), vasomotor rhinitis, or non-allergic runny nose, can be triggered by the intake of spicy foods. If you suffer from frequent runny nose, limit or avoid excessively spicy foods. Avoid foods that contain ample amounts of chili pepper, jabanero peppers or spicy miso paste. Prepare your foods with mild spices or use lesser amounts of hot sauce and peppers to reduce overall spiciness. When dining at Asian or Mexican restaurants, ask that your dishes be prepared with mild spiciness for best results. You may also wish to ask that spicy condiments and sauces be served "on the side," so that you can better control the spice level of your food.
Butter and Margarine
According to research published in the "European Respiratory Journal" in 2003, children who consume saturated or trans-fats, such as those found in butter and margarine, are at heightened risk for allergic rhinitis. To potentially prevent allergic rhinitis, replace butter and margarine as well as other saturated fats, including fatty meat and high-fat dairy products with reduced fat, healthier alternatives. Olive and canola oil are plant-based fats that promote heart health. Incorporate modest amounts of these oils into baked goods and use them in place of butter when grilling or sauteing foods. Drizzle whole grain bread with olive oil rather than butter and replace whole milk with skim or low-fat dairy products. Replace processed cookies, cakes and other snack foods with whole grain, naturally prepared alternatives, as processed foods often contain trans-fats. Since saturated and trans-fats are associated with increased risk for heart disease and other serious conditions, limiting or avoiding them can enhance your overall wellness.
Dairy Products
The UMMC suggests avoiding common food allergens or foods that may cause inflammation for those who have allergic rhinitis. Dairy products are both a common allergen and a possible trigger for inflammation. If you have allergic rhinitis, consider limiting or avoiding dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, creamy sauces and ice cream, to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, you may have an intolerance to dairy products. If this is the case, replace cow's milk with soy, almond or rice milk. Non-dairy cheeses, ice cream and yogurt varieties are available as well in most health food grocery stores. Avoid creamy soups and sauces when dining out and watch out for "hidden" forms of dairy, which may be listed on nutrition labels as casein, a milk protein, or lactose, a natural sugar derived from cow's milk. Since dairy products provide calcium, Vitamin D and protein, incorporate a variety of vegetables, legumes and breads and cereals that are fortified with these nutrients into your diet consistently for best results. As always, seek approval and guidance from a trusted healthcare professional prior to making significant dietary or lifestyle changes.
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