If you are what you eat — and if you are prone to sinus infections — then you might want to do a quick check of the grocery list. Not all foods are created equal when it comes to recuperating from a nasty sinus attack. When the body’s fighting off a sinus infection, these foods may help offer a boost. Discover the best foods for sinus health.
Soup
It might sound cliché, but warm bowls of chicken soup and other non-spicy soups can help clear nasal clogs. When warm soup hits the back of your throat, it also can help loosen mucus buildup. Just don’t go for the three-alarm chili: spicy foods that can trigger heart burn can actually stunt the healing process.
Citrus fruits
Foods with lots of Vitamin C have been shown to help clear congestion. Bring on the oranges (in fruit or juice form!), tangerines and grapefruit.
Pineapple
This tropical treat contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain, which can help reduce nasal inflammation, according to research.
Ginger
Soothing for the stomach. Soothing when you have stubborn congestion. Adding ginger to foods or tea can help clear out mucus in the nasal passages. Ginger also has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This can prevent cell damage and help ward off chronic disease, such a chronic sinus infections.
Garlic
Sinus infections can cause bad breath, and garlic won’t be kind on that front. But it does contain a compound (and a natural antibiotic) known as allicin, which might help fend off sinus and respiratory ailments.
It helps to eat the best foods for sinus health when you’re facing a sinus infection, but it’s also important to talk with your doctor. If sinus infections aren’t treated properly — and early on — they can grow into other, bigger problems.
We’re here if you need to talk. Until then, bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Warm, non-spicy soups such as chicken soup can help clear nasal congestion and loosen mucus buildup during a sinus infection. However, spicy soups like chili should be avoided as they may trigger heartburn and slow down the healing process.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit are rich in Vitamin C, which has been shown to help clear congestion associated with sinus infections. Consuming these fruits or their juices can support the immune system and promote sinus health.
Pineapple contains bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that research suggests can reduce nasal inflammation. Including pineapple in your diet may help alleviate some of the swelling and discomfort caused by sinus infections.
Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help clear mucus from nasal passages and soothe stubborn congestion. Additionally, it can prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic sinus infections when added to foods or teas.
Garlic contains allicin, a natural antibiotic compound that may help fend off sinus and respiratory infections. While it might worsen bad breath during sinus infections, its antibacterial properties can support the healing process.
Yes, spicy foods such as very hot chili can trigger heartburn and potentially stunt the healing process during a sinus infection. It is better to choose soothing, non-spicy options like warm soups and fruits that promote recovery.
While eating the best foods for sinus health can support recovery, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Untreated sinus infections may worsen and lead to more serious complications.
