Mucous-free Diet Naturopathic medicine advocates a diet low in foods that are thought to increase mucus production as a means by which to assist reduction of excessive nasal catarrh.
It is recommended to eliminate or reduce the following foods: Dairy products, eggs, fried and fatty food, sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol.
In addition, foods may be included that help to resolve mucous such as garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, mustard etc.
Hot lemon drinks are also very beneficial.
As well as reducing mucus, lemon contributes vitamin C and bioflavonoids and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
A fruit, vegetable or juice fast may be recommended for 2-3 days at the onset of treatment as this greatly assists with removal of wastes and toxins that may be contributing to excess mucous production.
Food Allergies Especially in chronic sinusitis food allergies are likely to be a contributing factor.
In the initial stages of treatment it is recommended to avoid common allergens such as wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, oranges, peanuts etc.
until the diagnosis can be further refined.
Immune Enhancing Diet In order to promote optimal immune function the diet should contain a high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables with moderate levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates.
It has been demonstrated that consuming 100g of carbohydrates in the form of sugar, honey, fructose, glucose or orange juice reduces white blood cell function by up to 50% with the effects persisting for up to five hours.
So it is very important to avoid consumption of simple sugars during any kind of infection.
Short term fasting (2-3 days) also improves immunity by reducing blood sugar levels which enhances white blood cell function.
Nutritional Supplements for Sinus Infection Nutrients of benefits for sinusitis are largely those that enhance immune function and the health of the mucous membranes.
Suggested supplements include: Vitamin C: 3000 mg daily, in divided doses Bioflavonoids: 1000 mg daily Vitamin A: 5000 iu daily Beta-carotene: 25 000 iu daily Zinc: 20-30 mg daily Selenium: 200mcg daily Bromelain for Sinus Infection Bromelain has been shown to reliably produce very good results in the treatment of acute sinusitis.
Bromelain is an enzyme complex contained in pineapple and has been shown to reduce the viscosity of sputum in patients with bronchitis.
This action is likely to be responsible for its effectiveness for sinusitis.
Bromelain also has an anti-inflammatory action.
Dosage: 1200-1800 iu, three times daily between meals.
Effectiveness of Dietary Treatment of Sinus Infection Acute sinusitis often clears up without treatment.
Dietary therapy and nutritional supplements can help to promote a speedy recovery and complete resolution of sinus infections.
In cases of chronic sinus infection it is necessary to address predisposing factors as well as utilizing therapies to reduce symptoms and directly target the infection.
This approach is most likely to lead to a total recovery although a maintenance program of dietary and herbal treatment may be recommended as a follow up regime.
In very severe or unresponsive cases of sinus infection it may be necessary to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy.
In these cases following the dietary guidelines suggested above will help to reduce the chance of a recurrence of the condition.