Foods to Avoid If I Have Nasal Polyps
Foods to Avoid if I Have Nasal Polyps
If you think you may have symptoms of nasal polyps or the start of a sinus infection there are certain foods that can trigger allergies and must be avoided.
Foods To Avoid
Foods to avoid if you have nasal polyps or sinus symptoms include dairy (lactose) and products made from soy or having soy as an added ingredient.
Foods with gluten (wheat), yeast and eggs should also be avoided or dramatically reduced as well.
Stay away from preservatives and food additives, avoid sulfites in foods and wines, processed meats like ham etc. Sausages and bacon as they contain nitrates and nitrites that have been known to cause allergic reactions.
The flavor enhancer, monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many Chinese restaurants and frozen foods, can cause extreme headaches and allergic conditions. Food allergies are thought to be the fundamental reason for nasal polyps.
Preservatives and Additives Can Cause Nasal Polyps
Certain preservatives and food additives can also be responsible in helping the formation of nasal polyps and sinus symptoms, including benzoates and tartrazine. The preservative benzoate is used to prevent microbes in soft drinks.
Tartrazine is equally as important to be avoided. It is an artificial food colouring used in canned veggies, candy and confectionery, soda, cereal, chips, some rice and pastas, butter, cheese and products that are pickled.
These are some of the foods and food additives to avoid if you have nasal polyps. Reducing their consumption will help to relieve your symptoms and it will be so much better for your overall health as well.
Use organic unprocessed foods to help avoid allergens. Grow your own vegetable garden and plant berries and fruit trees. You will feel better and your body will be happier.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids And Nasal Polyps
Certain amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids are vital for effective body performance.
People with nasal polyps and sinus inflammation should try to avoid foods containing large quantities of Omega 6’s. Studies indicate that our ancestors consumed both fatty acids equally.
Omega 6 Foods
Foods high in Omega 6 fatty acids include but not limited to poultry, eggs, nuts, hulled sesame seeds, cereals, durum wheat, whole-grain breads, most vegetable oils.
Omega 3
Salmon contains some of the highest concentrate of naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids which contain important anti-inflammatory agents.
The effects nasal polyps can be helped with the consumption of more omega-3s and less of the omega-6s.
Try to cut out refined corn and vegetable oils ground flaxseeds, walnuts and wheat products. Increasing salmon and halibut in your diet is a great source of omega-3 that can be invaluable to those with nasal polyps.
Water And Your Sinuses
We all know that we should drink copious amounts of water daily to help prevent dehydration. Water also eliminates toxins from the body, keeps our skin from becoming dry but most importantly dilutes mucous formation.
A significant amount of water is between 2 – 3 litres each day depending on your weight. Water will keep the mucosa moist in the nasal passages preventing dryness and inflammation.
Vitamins to Prevent Nasal Polyps
For help preventing nasal polyps vitamin C and E are . They contain antihistamine and antioxidants which helps to fight inflammation.
Good sources of vitamins C and E can be found in almost all fruits and veggies. Eat them raw or steamed to gain the most beneficial nutrition from sources such as fresh spinach, tomatoes, and the cruciferous or cabbage family (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel’s sprouts, collard greens (cabbage without a head), and kohlrabi. Bok Choy, Chinese cabbage, watercress, and arugula are not consumed as often and are of the cabbage family with great healthful and wholesome benefits.
By including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet and reducing the amount of highly processed foods, the symptoms of nasal polyps and sinus infections should start to reduce.
Image credit: inganielsen / 123RF Stock Photo
