The sinuses are air cavities in the bones around the nose and eyes. Sinusitis is the
inflammation or infection of a sinus. Sinusitis could be acute or chronic. People with sinusitis would complain of headaches, pressure and pain on the face over the check bones, clogged nose, nasal discharge, cough, fever, toothache, and tenderness over the affect sinus.
The sinuses have continuous exposure to the external environment through the nostrils. Under normal conditions, defense mechanisms of the host maintain the sinuses sterile. However, an infection (sinusitis) can supervene if there are structural or functional abnormalities. Sinusitis is usually a bacterial infection.
Potential risk factors are:
- Upper respiratory infection by a virus (common cold).
- Allergy (hay fever).
- Air pollution.
- Smoking.
- Food allergies.
- Weak immune system: for example, late stage of HIV infection.
- Elderly people.
- People with asthma.
- Head injuries.
- Diabetes.
- Acid reflux.
- Nasal polyps and septal deviation the nose.
- People with low function thyroid, and cystic fibrosis.
- Dental procedures.
- Climbing to high altitude.
- Swimming.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Dairy products. They increase the production of mucus.
- Processed foods.
- Fried foods.
- Suagrs.
- Allergen foods.
- Alcohol.
- Salt.
- Pickles.
- Spicy foods.
Recommended Foods:
- Drinking plenty of water. Dehydration hinders the healing process.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains.
- Flaxseeds.
- Garlic.
- Onions.
- Horseradish.
- Cayenne peppers. It contains capsaicin that alleviates pain and reduces congestion of the nose.
- Pineapple. It contains bromelain that has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Lime.
- Lemon.
- Citrus fruits.
Recommended Supplements:
- Bromelain: 1500 mg a day.
- Vitamin C: up to 5000 mg a day.
- Vitamin A: 3000 – 5000 IU a day.
- Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 1 – 3 grams a day.
- Echinacea: liquid form: 15 ml a day, or dried root: 3 – 6 grams day.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- Aloe Vera Juice: ¼ cup three times a day. It has healing effect.
- N – Acteylcycteine (NAC): 500 – 1500 mg a day. NAC softens mucus and makes it easy get drained.
- Oregano Oil: 0.5 ml every 6 hours, or 500 mg every 4 – 6 hours.
- Eucalyptus Oil: add 5 – 10 drops in hot water and inhale it deeply. The active ingredient in eucalyptus is cineole, which is a decongestant and expectorant. Taking eucalyptus oil internally is not recommended, as it is toxic and could be fatal.
- Green Tea: three cups a day.
