Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. 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.
Seasonal allergies, cologne, perfume, smoke, and other airborne particulates can mess with your sinuses, especially when suffering from a sinus infection. Unfortunately, other than staying in a hermetically sealed room, there's not much you can do about some of these.
Vitamins and minerals — Colorful fruits and vegetables — like apricots, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green peppers, kale, parsley and broccoli — get high praise from the scientists working on sinus healers world-wide. They contain lots of vitamin C which is known to fend off colds, allergies and sinus infections.
Yogurt might be great for your gut, but not if you have sinus. The problem with this combination is that it increases the production of phlegm, which leads to more congestion. Even if you want to include this in your diet, avoid consuming at night.
One of the major dietary contributors of congestion and nasal inflammation is dairy. Some foods either contain histamine or cause the body to release histamines. Additionally, some foods also contain tyramine which is a chemical that can also trigger headaches.
Fortunately, there are foods you can eat that help treat sinusitis. Consuming excessive dairy products can lead to excess production of mucus in the sinuses, further aggravating your sinusitis. Chocolate, eggs, and flour products also encourage excessive mucus production.
Hydrate – Drink plenty of fluids, like sugar-free juice and water, to hydrate your sinuses. Try to avoid coffee, as this can make symptoms worse. Breathe in steam – Steam can open up your nasal passages and allow mucus to drain.
Your body needs to be fully hydrated in order to recover from a sinus infection. Also, drinking hot liquids like tea or soup can help break down the stuffiness and mucus in your nasal cavities.
Honey can calm the nasal passage, irritated throat and clear the excess mucus causing sinus. Blend a teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this mixture twice daily to get relief from sinus.
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.
Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.
An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer. It is ongoing — it may seem like it's improving, and then it comes right back as bad as it was at first. Chronic sinus infections may drag on for months at a time.
Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn't relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose.
Banana: As much as it is recommended to eat a banana for a healthy body, it is also advised to stay away from bananas during cold or flu. If you have sinus issues then don't eat bananas after sunset. It has a cooling nature and causes congestion, sore throat.
One plant compound, quercetin, has antioxidant properties and acts as an antihistamine. The compound can be found in foods like apples, leafy vegetables, red onions, broccoli, peppers, grapes, and green tea. Consuming these foods may help reduce inflammation and regulate allergic reactions that lead to sinus issues.
Eating spicy food is a natural way to open nasal passages and get mucus flowing. Capsaicin, the compound found in chiles that gives them their heat, can help ease sinus pain, reduce inflammation and release blocked mucus.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Moreover, green tea and non-sugar-added juices are good fluids, helping you thin out mucus and drain it from irritated sinuses. However, stay away from alcohol, sugary beverages, caffeine, and smoking. Since these tend to dehydrate your system and clog already inflamed airways with thick mucus.
When you lie down, however, your body doesn't have to fight as hard to send blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses can, in turn, cause sinus congestion, pressure, and pain.