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Everyone has had a moment or two of regretting spicy food. From immediate sweating to teary eyes, your body is signaling that you need to switch to another meal.
But how exactly does what you eat—especially spicy food —make sinus infections worse?
To understand this phenomenon, it’s important to consider how the mouth and nose are connected during everyday activities like eating. Your nose warms air & filters germs and debris as you breathe. Your nasal passages flow into the back of your throat, or pharynx, which serves as a common connection between your nose and mouth.
Your soft palate closes this connection when swallowing to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity. This connection also allows your olfactory (smell) nerves to detect the food you eat—most of your sense of taste comes from smell, not just your taste buds.
As mentioned, your nasal passages act as a filter for your respiratory system. This makes them susceptible to viral and bacterial infections that can lead to sinusitis due to their proximity to the sinus cavities.
According to Sriram Navuluri, MD, CEENTA’s new rhinologist who practices at our SouthPark office, “The most common causes of acute sinus infections are common colds and other viruses.”
The food you eat can influence how these sinus infections develop. Some examples include:
Peppers like habaneros or jalapeños get their heat from capsaicin, which can stimulate nasal nerves to increase mucus production and give the sensation of opening up your nasal passages. This may provide temporary relief, and capsaicin can provide some anti-inflammatory properties and relief for some nasal irritation.
Dairy
If you enjoy foods made with milk, cheese, or yogurt, you might notice increased congestion. This is because dairy products feature the protein casein, which makes mucus thicker and harder to drain.
Many sinus infection symptoms are linked to inflammation in the sinus and nasal cavities. You may want to avoid sugary foods like candy or soda, which can worsen inflammation in those areas.
Alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and spirits can dehydrate the body and promote nasal inflammation. When this happens, congestion can worsen, prolonging your sinus symptoms.
Fortunately, some types of food can help manage your symptoms. If you find yourself with a sinus infection, consider adding the following to your diet:
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can help with hydration and are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
Whether enjoyed by itself or in a cup of tea, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease sinus pain.
A warm bowl of soup is soothing when you're sick and is an excellent way to hydrate while adding ingredients filled with antioxidants and vitamins for whole-body support.
As Dr. Navuluri explains, ““Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet are helpful to recovering from your sinus infection.”
Even if you adjust your diet, persistent sinus infections may need medical attention. CEENTA’s award-winning ENT physicians are available at nearly twenty offices to treat chronic sinusitis with both surgical and non-surgical remedies suitable for you.
To get started, schedule your sinus appointment with Dr. Navuluri at our SouthPark office through our online scheduling tool.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
Please welcome Young Jae Byun, MD, Sriram Navuluri, MD, and Jeanne Hatcher, MD, FACS, to CEENTA!
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