Best Foods To Clear Sinus Congestion
Spicy Food
Generally, spicy food like pepper, jalapeño, and horseradish will release mucus in your nostrils, thus clearing your sinuses. But, if you suffer from acid reflux, avoid spicy foods as they can trigger heartburn. When stomach acid flows back upward, it irritates and inflames your nasal passages, causing them to become swollen and blocked.
Chicken Soup
It contains an amino acid called cysteine which helps initiates a process that enables breaking down mucus, leading to a runny nose and cleared sinuses.
Warm Drinks
Tea or other hot drinks moisten your mucus membranes, promoting movement of mucus through your sinuses.
Foods Rich In Zinc, Vitamin A, C, and E
Vitamin A is known as a membrane conditioner which helps build healthy mucous membranes in the head and throat. Leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomatoes, and fruits are rich sources of vitamin A. Citric fruits like grapefruit and lemon are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, while zinc is found in red meat, poultry, and seafood.
Garlic
It releases an enzyme called allicin when crushed. Allicin may destroy bacteria and kill viruses that cause sinus infections.
Pineapple
It contains bromelain, which has been used for centuries to treat inflammation after surgery, particularly sinus surgery.
Coconut water
It contains potassium and has bodily cleansing properties.
Worst Foods For Sinus Congestion
- Caffeine weakens your adrenal glands
- Fermented foods (cheese, beer, sauerkraut, and wine)
- Fried food
- Starchy foods
- Eggs
- Food containing additives
- Omega 6 fatty acid containing food
- Refined vegetable oils
- Saturated and trans fat food
- High sugar content food (soft drinks, desserts, and ice cream)
- Cow’s milk
- Refined carbohydrates (white bread, rice, and pasta)
