Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the sinuses (paranasal sinuses), which occurs when bacteria enter the nasal cavity.

Useful foods and drinks for sinusitis

In the treatment of sinusitis, a proper and balanced diet with mandatory intake of vitamins is recommended. This is necessary to help the body fight the infection faster, also to increase its defenses. Of course, diet will not cure sinusitis, but it will have a beneficial effect on treatment. In the first place it is necessary to drink enough fluids, because their deficiency (less than 1.5 - 2 liters per day) leads to drying of the mucous membranes, the secretion does not liquefy, and the swelling in the sinuses worsens. Hot drinks (compote, herbal decoction, green tea) are preferable - they moisturize the mucous membranes and improve their condition. Hot tea has a special effect because, thanks to the content of theophylline, it relaxes the smooth muscles of the airway walls and improves lung ventilation.

• It is useful to eat foods high in calcium, especially if you do not consume whole milk due to allergies. Calcium is needed by the body not only for the health of bones and teeth, but also to protect cells from the effects of viruses and allergens. Apart from dairy products , it can also be obtained through: Chinese cabbage, almonds, broccoli, molasses, green beans, salmon, oatmeal, sardines, tofu.
• We should not forget about the sources of vitamin C , because they strengthen the immune system. Blackberries, grapes, citrus fruits are especially useful (if you are not allergic to them), as they are also rich in bioflavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C is also found in: cabbage, kiwi, red peppers, onions, parsley, spinach, celery, tomatoes and raspberries.
• Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect , which can be obtained by eating nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, peanuts), dried fruits (prunes, apricots), buckthorn, rose hips, spinach, sorrel, salmon, some cereals (oat, wheat, barley).
• It is useful to take products rich in zinc, because it ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system, also fights viruses, infections and toxins. Most of the substance is found in pork, lamb, beef, turkey and duck, cedar nuts, walnuts, beans, peas, buckwheat and in oatmeal, barley and wheat.
• It is important to include in the menu products that give the body vitamin A , which has antioxidant action and has the ability to increase immunity. Contained in liver, fish oil, carrots, parsley, red peppers, sweet potatoes, apricots.
• Do not limit the intake of sharp and spicy spices, including onions, garlic, horseradish, ginger, chili, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, as they are natural decongestants and perfectly cleanse the nose.
• Some experts note the benefits of honey in sinusitis, because the product strengthens the immune system and relieves the patient's condition. Of course, it must first be determined whether an allergy is present.

Harmful foods for sinusitis

During the treatment of sinusitis it is very important not to overeat, because all the forces of the body are focused on fighting infection and lowering fever and are not aimed at digestion. In addition, it is important not to eat before bedtime. If you fall asleep immediately after dinner, the contents of the stomach will enter the upper respiratory tract and the so-called heartburn will appear. Sour and unprocessed foods can cause inflammation.

You need to give up allergen products. Of course, they are different for each person and it is good to know them. For example, many older people are lactose intolerant because the enzymes needed to process milk sugar are lost in the stomach as they age. Excess lactose can cause swelling of the mucous membranes and cause inflammation.

Smoking is very harmful in inflammatory sinusitis , because tobacco smoke (including passive smoking) irritates the respiratory mucosa, dries it and thus increases the susceptibility to microbes, increasing inflammation.

During this period, you should also give up salty products, as excess salt can also lead to swelling of the mucous membranes.

By the way, when choosing mineral water, pay attention to the content of sodium salts in it. It is better to drink one in which they have a lower content.

Alcohol is also a cause of edema.

It is not desirable to take caffeinated beverages (coffee, cola) - they dry out the mucous membranes.