Can Bananas Aggravate Post-Nasal Drip? Foods that have increased histamine levels can trigger your body to produce more mucus. Bananas are one among them, and that is the reason why bananas can aggravate post-nasal drip. Other fruits that also high histamine levels include strawberries, pineapple, and papaya.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples known for its ability to help break up excess sinus mucus and reduce the production of mucus often caused by allergies. Drink pineapple juice, grill the rings for a nice side dish or enjoy the fruit alone or in salads to help relieve allergy congestion.
Eat spicy foods: The chili peppers used in Thai or Indian food and Japanese horseradish, or wasabi, can help clear up thin mucus because they are expectorants. 10 The spiciness of the ingredients encourages your body to expel mucus.
Food to Avoid
Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.
The most common causes of post-nasal drip are: viral infections in your nose and throat (such as a cold) hay fever — inflammation of the inside lining of your nose, also called 'allergic rhinitis' sinusitis —inflammation of the hollow spaces in the bones of your face (sinuses)
Drink fluids.
Water or juice will help dilute mucous secretions and promote drainage. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can be dehydrating. Drinking alcohol can also worsen the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose.
Cut Back on Dairy Products
Many people with post-nasal drip swear that giving up or at least cutting back on dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese reduces mucus production and eases their symptoms. No studies have proven definitively that the strategy is helpful, but personal stories abound.
Manuka OR Raw Local Honey can help with post-nasal drip.
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties can reduce inflammation and attack the bacteria that cause pain. Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect.
Pineapple is a fruit which can help in eliminating mucus. Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help with respiratory problems that are associated with asthma and allergies.
Beneficial bacteria in yogurt and other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and miso, improve sinus health by crowding out pathogens and preventing loss of good bacteria if you take antibiotics. Probiotics also help prevent allergies from developing, according to Rush University Medical Center.
Fortunately, avocado can be used as a source of sinus relief and considered good food for the sinuses. Its abundant supply of vitamin C, for example, can diminish the symptoms of a cold and pressure from allergies.
Tobacco smoke and air contaminants can irritate and inflame your lungs and nasal passages. Use a humidifier. If the air in your home is dry, such as it is if you have forced hot air heat, adding moisture to the air may help prevent sinusitis.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Post-nasal drip is one of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis, and over a prolonged period of time, it may lead to a chronic sore throat, a chronic cough, or throat clearing.
How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.
Bacterial infections causing post-nasal drip can linger without antibiotic treatment. You should seek medical attention within a few weeks of symptoms. Post-nasal drip will be present for 12 weeks or longer before it's classed as chronic.
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.
Bananas. “Yes, it might sound shocking, but bananas increase the congestion by impacting the production of phlegm. Also, one thing we need to understand is to note the time and season when bananas trigger the sinus.
Overview. Bananas can help relieve an upset stomach by stimulating the production of mucus from the stomach lining.