If your nose is stuffy or stuffy, it may not just be a cold or various allergies. There are certain foods and drinks that can make nasal congestion worse.
Allergies can irritate the nasal passages of your nose. This will cause your body to produce more mucus to try to clear it out. However, diet also plays its role. Certain foods can make nasal congestion worse, while others help clear mucus and improve airflow.
Here are some examples:
Dairy products
The otolaryngologist, Dr. Sam Huh, notes that some people feel more “stuffy” following consuming dairy products, as the website “newsmax.com” reports. If you are allergic to casein, a protein in milk and other dairy products, this can increase mucus production.
Foods high in histamine
Histamines are chemicals produced by our immune system when it perceives a threat, such as a potential allergen. Foods that are high in histamines are processed meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, fermented beverages such as alcohol, dried fruit and certain vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.
Foods high in salicylate
These include legumes such as lentils and beans, vegetables and fruits such as cauliflower and strawberries, grains such as buckwheat and corn, and herbs and spices such as rosemary and thyme.
Fried foods
Fried foods are usually rich in omega-6 fatty acids. You need some omega-6, but if you consume too much, you disrupt the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats in your body, leading to inflammation. When you have nasal congestion, there is already an inflammation, so it’s like adding fuel to the fire.
Added sugars
The added sugar found in processed foods causes your body to release cytokines, which can lead to inflammation. These added sugars are found in soft drinks, desserts, juices, sauces, cereals and other foods. Read labels carefully to find out how much added sugar the products you buy contain.
To relieve inflammation and nasal congestion, add capsaicin, an active compound found in hot peppers, to your diet. In addition, compounds found in garlic and ginger reduce inflammation, experts say, but if you overcook them, these beneficial compounds can be reduced.
Add minced garlic to salads and soups and use ginger in tea or smoothies. Eating hot soup can also help, as can nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.
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