Best Foods To Clear Sinuses

Our sinuses are made up of tiny air pockets in the area around the eyes and nose. They are lined with mucous membranes that keep the area moist and block small particles of debris from reaching the lungs. The body removes the captured bacteria before it can do any damage, but sometimes the membranes sustain damage or the mucus becomes too thick. A host of common health problems can upset the delicate balance of sinus activity. Infections, viruses, and allergies can irritate or inflame the blood vessels in the sinuses and lead to a stuffy nose and congestion. Sinusitis is a prevalent condition that causes congestion. Millions of Americans suffer from the condition every year.

Medical treatment can relieve congestion in many cases, but certain foods can also clear the sinuses and even prevent some types of sinus infections.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it's very effective for clearing up colds and stuffy sinuses as well. The heat from the hot broth increases the flow of nasal fluids and thins mucus. Chicken noodle soup contains sulfur, a chemical element used to make certain antibiotics, which may contribute to its healing effects.

Chicken also contains an amino acid named cysteine that plays a role in relieving congestion. This compound breaks apart the substance that composes mucus. The substance known as protein strands becomes less adhesive and more fluid. This process promotes drainage by producing a runny nose that clears sinuses. Cysteine also helps to fight infections by playing a role in the detoxification of the immune system. In addition, studies have shown the effect of this soup on the function of cilia. These hair-like structures are the propelling force for the removal of mucus and bacteria. Cilia help break down congestion by moving these substances out of the nose.

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Hot Sauce

Anyone who loves hot sauce knows its ability to clear the sinuses. A good dose of the spicy sauce on food can open the floodgates and clear sinuses almost instantaneously. The magical ingredient in the sauce is known as capsaicin, and it's a natural decongestant that thins out mucus. Hot sauce can clean and stimulate the sinuses, and it's just as effective as cold remedies in decongestion. It's used by many individuals to clear up a stuffy nose during bad colds, and its popularity has increased dramatically. Some individuals have even created their own homemade version by adding a few drops of the sauce to boiled water with honey and lemon. Another tried-and-tested mixture combines up to twenty drops of the sauce with tomato juice.

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Peppers And Chilies

Hot peppers, like hot sauce, contain a compound known as capsaicin that improves symptoms of congestion and gets mucus moving. Capsaicin is responsible for the heat in hot peppers, and it's also a natural pain reliever. These types of peppers and chilies are excellent for reducing inflammation and clearing your sinuses. Many different kinds of peppers contain the compound, though the most effective and spiciest peppers are chilies. Our bodies reaction to ingestion of hot peppers and chilies usually includes watery eyes and a runny nose, both of which help open nasal airways and release clogged mucus. You can consume the peppers raw, pickled, or by sprinkling some cayenne or chili flakes directly on top of your favorite foods.

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Tea

A cup of hot tea is a natural remedy for stuffy noses and congestion. Hot beverages are excellent for moistening mucus membranes and clearing the sinuses, as the steam and warmth relaxes the sinuses and eases congestion by loosening and releasing mucus. Drinking hot beverages promotes the movement of mucus by hydrating nasal airways and breaking down mucus. Sipping hot drinks also helps soothe soreness in the throat and chest tightness associated with congestion. Green tea and herbal choices like peppermint or chamomile are among the best choices for relieving symptoms of sinusitis. Add some honey to ease the soreness in your throat and to get a boost from its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects as well.

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Ginger

Ginger has long been used to treat cold and flu symptoms. Consumption of ginger is thought to be helpful in preventing the common cold and influenza, and the spice may also be beneficial for fighting the viruses after infection. Ginger stimulates the sinuses, eases coughing, and thins mucus. It's used throughout Asia for its medicinal qualities. The spice contains a dietary anti-inflammatory compound, which can be useful for relieving swollen nasal passages for improved breathing. It also has antibacterial properties.

Ginger can also relieve some of the aches and pains that accompany congestion like a headache. You can use ginger in both ground and root form to create a hot drink or add it to a variety of beverages. Ginger root can be boiled in water or used as an ingredient in a dish. A well-liked drink that was created to help decongest sinuses combines ginger with lemon and honey.