Written by the author, chef and culinary translator Rebecca Katz, ‘The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen’ features 150 “nourishing, big-flavor” recipes aimed to help cancer patients at every stage of their sickness and boost their recovery process. This book is just another example of how vital keeping a healthy diet is in order to both prevent and treat many diseases. With a few exceptions, the statement ‘we are what we eat’ is far from being a myth, so we shouldn’t underestimate the power of a balanced diet.
Bearing this in mind, the fact of embracing healthy eating habits can also be pretty beneficial for those who struggle with sinusitis and want to improve their quality of life. It’s a matter of choosing the proper foods and playing smart in the kitchen, though that’s easier said than done.
Do you want to learn some tricks on how these foods work? Then, let’s take a look at your pantry and get ready to create an anti-sinusitis menu:
Vitamin C, your best ally: vitamin C is meant to act as an antihistamine, protecting you from allergens. At the same time, it fosters your immune system and it may also cause the mucus to thin down, thus relieving nasal congestion. You can benefit from vitamin C by stocking up on foods such as oranges, grapefruit, red bell, green bell and chili pepper, broccoli and papaya, among others.
Pineapple: this fruit contains a protein called bromelain that has anti-inflammatory properties, and can reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Moreover, bromelain is also thought to help reducing mucus production.
Invest in salads: ideally, you should have organic vegetable salads with a hit of horseradish, garlic, cayenne pepper or ginger, full of agents that can combat excess mucus and nasal congestion. Also, avoid using vinegar or mayonnaise to dress your dishes, but use extra virgin olive oil or lemon instead, since they have healing properties.
Omega-3 fatty acids: different scientific studies suggest that munching on products rich in Omega-3, such as fish oil, cod liver and flaxseed oil, can improve the symptoms of a sinus infection, especially nasal discharge.
Whole grains: a high fiber diet based on dried fruits and whole grains is key to enhance the role played by those parts of the body in charge of removing waste products, from the bowels and the kidneys to, yes, the mucous membranes as well!
Zinc: listed as an ‘essential trace element’, zinc is crucial to strengthen your immune system and help prevent diseases like the common cold, which can lead to sinus infection. Where can you find it? Lean meats, oysters and, again, whole grains have plenty of zinc.
Thyme: this evergreen herb is a natural antiseptic that has been traditionally used to treat respiratory infections. Try making a thyme tea and wait for your symptoms to fade.
Fill up on fluids: drinking plenty of liquids, above all water, is essential to stay well hydrated and decrease nasal blockage.
Stay away from…
As opposed to such helpful choices, there are many foods that can worsen our sinusitis and turn it into a long-lasting issue. For instance, you should keep yourself from:
Dairy products, corn and wheat, as they are mainly responsible for food allergies, which in turn are highly associated with sinus problems.
Foods high in refined sugar, like candy, pastries, sodas and fruit juices.
Other simple carbohydrates, such as white rice, white bread and pasta.
Caffeine and alcohol. You don’t necessarily have to stop drinking either, but cutting down on their intake can really make a difference.
Fermented foods, such as mustard, can prompt pH imbalance and, as a result, sicknesses like sinusitis.
Well, so what do you think? Do you find it hard to follow such a diet? Or are you ready to limit your intake of certain foods in order to do away with your sinus-related problems? Dieting is definitely a good way to get started.
