Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of one or more of the sinuses, located behind the nasal cavity.  This inflammation can cause pain, mucus production and congestion causing pressure headaches.  This inflammation can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection or due to an allergic reaction.

Sinusitis is a symptom of an underlying condition that is causing this inflammation.

Traditional healers such as Naturopaths and Traditional Chinese medicine aim to find the cause of disharmony within the body. An ancient Chinese analogy states that symptoms are merely the leaves of disease and in order to achieve true harmony one must discover the roots of the illness.

One example is a weak lining of the digestive tract can allow larger than optimum particles of food to enter the blood system. These particles are considered by the body to be foreign and therefore create an allergic reaction which can manifest as sinusitis. It is interesting to note that the nasal and sinus cavities are actually the top terminus of the digestive tract.

SOME TRIGGERS THAT CAN CAUSE SINUSITIS:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal polyps
  • Excessive use of nasal decongestant sprays

CAUSES OF SINUSITIS/ ALLERGIES:

  • Excessive consumption of simple sugars
  • Cosmetic Ingredients such as Propylene Glycol (applied topically as a constituent of some Skin care products)
  • Hypochlorhydria (insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid)
  • Intestinal Permeability (leaky gut, Crohnes Disease, Colitis, Coeliacs Disease)
  • Chronic dehydration
  • Food additives such as Sodium Metabisulfate
  • Candida albicans proliferation may allow antigens to enter into the circulatory system
  • Pharmaceutical Drugs Sulfonamides (a group of pharmaceutical Antibiotics)

DIET TIPS TO REDUCE SINUSITIS

  • Increase water intake (at least 2 litres/ day). Include herbal teas also such as Marshmallow, Echinacea, Ginger, Lemon, Elecampagne, Licorice and Rosehip and Fenugreek
  • Begin each day with a warm lemon juice drink as it cleansing to the digestion, nasal cavity and sinuses. Squeeze half a lemon in warm water, you may even like to add a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and grated ginger to this
  • Increase sulphur rich foods in your diet such as onions and garlic as these help to break down congestion. Also increase Chilli, Horseradish and Turmeric as these are also anti-inflammatory in action and will help to break down congestion also
  • Reduce acid forming foods such as dairy, wheat, sugar, alcohol, red meats, preserved and processed foods and deep fried foods
  • Consume more garlic, ginger, onions, turmeric and chilli
  • Increase alkalizing foods such as miso soup, vegetable juices, barley grass and barley soup, lemon juice, brown rice plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, grains and sprouts
  • Have a vegetable juice each day such as carrot, tomato, celery, ginger and beetroot

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR SINUSITIS

  • Address digestive function, liver detoxification and immunity
  • Speak to your healthcare professional about an allergy test and reduce an foods you may be allergic to. Common allergen foods which contribute to sinusitis are dairy, wheat, oranges and bee products
  • Steam inhalations help to reduce congestion in the airways. In a large bowl almost fill it with boiling water and add drops of pure essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Tea Tree or Cajuput in the water, put a towel over your head and lean into the bowl. Inhale the vapours for about ten minutes, do this process three times
  • Gently massage the area along the eyebrows, alongside the nose and cheek bones. You may find tender spots here, if you do just hold the pressure for 10 seconds, this helps to break up the congestion and disperse it
  • Buy a neti pot (from your local health food store) and fill it with water or sea water to help clear the sinuses

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SINUSITIS

  • Strengthen the digestive system with slippery elm powder, glutamine and aloe vera juice
  • Vitamin C and bioflavinoid (quercetin) are beneficial for not only increasing immunity but also reducing inflammation and the sensitivity of the immune cells and mucus membranes which contribute to congestion and allergic responses
  • Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory
  • Probiotics may help to recorrect any bowel flora troubles which contribute to lymphatic congestion
  • Herbs which may be of assistance such as Fenugreek, Rosehips, Albizzia, Marshmallow and Garlic

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