I used to suffer from chronic sinusitis – but since going holistic 2 years ago, my sinus cavities are free and clear! There used to be pressure in my head so great I thought my head would explode, and if I bent over, it actually felt like it did! I had constant mucus production and severe bronchitis infections all year round. I was sick all summer, every summer. The lymph nodes in my head were swollen to the point of serious concern and put me in the emergency room 3 times in one month!
When the Head of Emergency Services at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto said that he had no idea what was wrong with me, I took matters into my own hands and became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. No more sinus problems. So if you have problems with your sinuses then steer clear of the doctor. They’ll only give you prescription drugs that you don’t need and will end up doing more harm than good. I know because I’ve been down that route more times over the years than I care to remember.
Not only will you breathe better, but you’ll have so much energy that you’ll pop out of bed in the morning just by following these recommendations and get rid of sinus trouble once and for all!
- Remove dairy and any other foods that trigger your sinusitis.
- Eat foods that soothe the body such as leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables.
- Add apple cider vinegar to your water – 2 tbsp, three times a day. If you only do ONE thing to help alleviate your sinus infection, do this.
- Practice good nasal hygiene. Get yourself a Neti Pot and learn how to use it! Intrigued? Read on.
- Clear the air you breathe of dust mites, mold, dampness, and other allergens – get an air purifier.
- Learn about prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, and the not-so-great effects they have on your body. We want to treat the root cause of sinusitis, not just mask the symptoms
- Exercise to increase the flow of your lymphatic system. Get yourself moving and notice now much easier it is to breathe
- Practice yoga.
I could write a book on how to improve sinus problems, but for now I would like to elaborate on my two favourite recommendations: the removal of dairy and the neti pot.
The thing that improved my problem the most was getting dairy products out of my diet for a few weeks. I eliminated it completely for 6 weeks and my sinusitis was loads better. It wasn’t completely gone but it was well on its way out of my body. Yay! And then I did an experiment. I went to a party and there just happened to be a massive cheese platter…so I ate a large chunk of brie, some cheddar, and some blue cheese for good measure. On the way home I felt sick. And then I threw up…tons. The next day I woke up with acute bronchitis and with it a full blown sinus infection! I am not kidding. This experience is why I encourage you to experiment with the removal of dairy from your diet.
Now it’s time for the explanation of Neti, my close personal friend. The Neti Pot cleanses and protects the nasal passages, which are in fact one of the body’s first lines of defense against allergens and illness. Practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga in India have been using it for thousands of years to alleviate sinus and allergy problems. There are a variety of solutions you can use to clear the sinus cavities that include herbal oils and herbs, but I use one of the most basic –a salt water solution in a concentration similar to the saltiness of your tears.
When you first get your Neti Pot, it may take you a few tries to get the angles right – but trust me, you’ll be glad you gave it a try. Fill your pot with warm, slightly salted water (¼ tsp of sea salt to 1 cup of warm water) and insert the spout of the pot into one nostril. Then position the head so that the water flows out of the other nostril. It’s not nearly as uncomfortable as it sounds, and once you’ve done it a few times you will look forward to the benefits each and every day. The benefits were quite noticeable the first time I used it, and it only takes a few minutes –just like brushing your teeth!
So, if you’re going to try even just a few things: eliminate dairy for a week to see if it helps, get yourself a Neti Pot, and drink your apple cider vinegar. And even though I didn’t elaborate on it, try out a yoga class if you’ve never done it…yesterday I saw a man with mucus hanging out of his nose while in Downward Dog, so there’s some hearsay “proof” that it helps!
Amy Coates 