According to Ayurveda science, food plays a paramount role in evaluating the health condition of an individual. Additionally, food plays a fundamental role in aggravating or treating a pre-existing health condition. When it comes to sinusitis, Ayurveda believes that there are triggering food items that indirectly or directly aggravate this condition. Let us know what exactly the sinus is?

What is Sinus? 

Sinusitis, often known as ‘sinus’, is a health condition that covers most cases of nasal congestion. In such a situation, the nasal passage becomes inflamed. Some of the major causes of nasal congestion include cold weather, pollution, dust, and different kinds of allergens. The condition becomes worse if a few foods are consumed without knowledge. Some of the immediate symptoms of sinus are:

1. Nasal congestion
2. Severe headaches
3. Sneezing
4. Running nose
5. Breathlessness

According to nutritionist Dr Lovneet Batra, there are a few foods that you must avoid if you have a sinusitis condition:

1. Bananas

Banana is one of the favourite fruits of most people, but unfortunately, if you have a pre-existing sinus condition, this fruit might increase your congestion. Consumption of bananas results in phlegm production, which means a blocked, stuffy nose.

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It is recommended for sinusitis patients to not eat bananas during the late hours of the day or before sleep; else, it will block your nasal passage and make it difficult for you to sleep. Remember, this doesn’t mean you are allergic to bananas. You can eat them in moderation, check how they react to your sinus condition, and avoid them at night.

2. Rice

Rice is one of the staple food of North Indians. It is widely consumed day and night. The kind of psychology that goes with rice is that you can eat it with any curry. However, knowing what you are blending rice with is vital if you have a health issue like the sinus. If you eat rice with yogurt, remember it will increase the inflammation and make your nose stuffy at night. However, if you eat with hot dal in the afternoon hours, it becomes anti-inflammatory.

3. Yogurt

We all know that yogurt is rich in calcium, soothes the stomach, and is a digestive food, so it is consumed daily in most households. However, if you have a sinus, it produces phlegm. This means yogurt consumption will lead to more and more congestion, especially if you consume it at night. If you can not avoid yogurt from your meals, make sure you add ‘jeera’ over it to reduce its inflammatory nature to a bit and consume it in the morning hours on days you feel better.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes might seem like a favourite ingredient for most curry preparations. However, when it comes to someone who has severe nasal congestion, this food must be avoided owing to its inflammatory nature. It instantly blocks the nasal cavity making it hard for you to breathe.

5. Foods high in histamine

The body’s white blood cells combat different allergens that produce histamine. For healthy individuals, their ability to consume histamine through food is normal. They can eat anything, anytime. However, if someone has a histamine intolerance and has symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing issues, and breathing troubles, then foods high in histamine must be avoided.

Henceforth, if you are someone who has histamine intolerance, then you must avoid the below foods that might aggravate your sinus symptoms:

ü Ham, sausage, and salami

ü Preserved or dried fish

ü Fish sauces

ü Tomatoes

ü Avocado and eggplant

ü Dried fruit such as apricots and raisins

ü Cheese and Chocolate

ü Fermented foods such as yogurt

ü Sour items such as vinegar, lemon, lime juice

ü Alcohol

The bottom line is Prevention! 

1. Drink more water- More and more water intake every two hours is a must for patients with sinus. It will help flush the virus out of your body and ensure you are adequately hydrated.
2. Include antibacterial foods– To combat the virus, induce antibacterial foods in your diets, such as ginger, garlic, and onions.
3. Drink herbal teas– It is always best to start your day with herbal teas, one of which is ginger or Tulsi tea. These are loaded with antioxidants.
4. Use warm towel therapy– Apply warm heated towels to your cheeks, nose, and head to help ease the sinus pains. It is a great therapy, which you can do anytime or right before you sleep. Additionally, this will aid in clearing out the nasal passages and make you breathe better at night.