When you have a sinus infection, the resulting congestion can make you feel like you’ve never taken a deep breath before. When this is the case, it’s helpful to turn to a handful of medical and home remedies to ease your discomfort, including short-term decongestants, nasal sprays and rinses, facial steaming and certain foods and drinks.
Let’s take a look at a few common foods and drinks people use to help clear their congestion.
1. Water
The first and most important beverage to clear congestion is water. Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and ease congestion. Aim for at least eight cups of water a day. If you struggle to drink enough water, try swapping a couple of cups for coconut water or other natural fruit juices.
2. Soup
Drinking a bowl of chicken noodle soup is a time-honored sick day tradition. A water or broth-based soup is an excellent, comforting way to increase your hydration and thin mucus.
3. Garlic
One 2015 study concluded that there is sufficient scientific evidence of garlic’s immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. They further stated that more human trials are necessary to fully understand garlic’s health benefits.
While garlic may not cure congestion, the immune system and ant-inflammation support it offers make an excellent choice before and after sickness. Not to mention, it’s a tasty addition to soups, salads, breads and more.
4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pairing turmeric with black pepper can improve your body’s absorption of its beneficial ingredients.
Turmeric is a great ingredient to add to soups, curries and more. You can also get extra turmeric in your body by drinking it in teas. Ginger turmeric teas are the most common option. Check out The Treehouse Tea for tasty turmeric tea options.
When Should I Seek Help for My Sinus Issues?
No single food can instantly clear congestion, but drinking plenty of water and incorporating ingredients like garlic and turmeric into your diet is a great way to support your overall health. Combining these healthy-body ingredients with expert sinus care is a great way to ward off infections and minimize symptoms. If you develop more than a couple of sinus infections a year or your infections are long-lasting (longer than 10 days), it’s time to see a sinus specialist.
Our sinus specialists can recommend medication or long-term treatment options like Balloon Sinuplasty or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to minimize your sinus infection recurrence. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates to schedule your appointment today.