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Natural Ways to Avoid Recurring Sinus Infections
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The joys of dealing with sinus infections. Your face hurts, you have a headache that feels as if your head will explode, the non-stop pressure – even your teeth are aching! Sinus infections are not fun and they can actually be more dangerous than most people believe. Without treatment, sinus infections can spread to the bones of the face and even move up into the brain.
More than 37 million people every year are treated for sinusitis or sinus infections, and those are just the ones we know about! Many people take care of their sinus infection themselves and never see their doctor.
Our sinuses become infected when they become irritated and then cannot drain properly. This buildup of mucus and swelling of sinus tissues is what causes us so much pain and allows bacteria to breed.
Sinus infections are tricky as they can be fungal, bacterial, or viral in nature, and are sometimes combinations of the three. They can be acute or chronic, and some people seem to get them every time they get the sniffles. Sound like you? If you suffer from recurring sinus infections, more than likely Candida is part of the problem. Your immune system is another issue that will need to be addressed.
Keep reading to find out how you can kill off the bacteria that are the most likely culprit of your sinus infection and how to avoid new infections in the future.
1. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
This can be used as both a nutritional supplement and a nasal rinse. Consuming apple cider vinegar before or right at the first signs of a sinus infection can deliver nutrients to the body to support your immune system and prevent the infection. Used as a nasal spray after an infection, it will thin mucus immediately and kill the infection quickly. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with equal parts water to create your own natural spray. Read more about apple cider vinegar benefits.
2. Perform a Detox
After your sinus infection has healed, and in order to avoid another infection, you will want to improve your immune system response. Begin by doing a detox program. This will kill any Candida yeast, pathogens, or parasites that are making your body their home. Then you will need to rebuild the healthy balance in your gut by consuming more probiotics and/or fermented foods so that your body will be able to stop any infection before it begins.
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3. Saline Rinse
This is another old home remedy that is extremely effective. Using a neti pot will make this easy and you will be surprised just how quickly it works. Mix two teaspoons of non-iodized salt in one liter of warm water. Mix thoroughly, and then pour into the neti pot. If you have never used one before, watch a few videos online so you have an idea about how it works; it really is super simple. It might feel strange at first, but you will quickly get the hang of it. Rinse your sinuses at least twice per day and 3 times per day if you can. Continue until all symptoms are gone.
SEE ALSO: All Natural Cold and Flu Remedies for Kids
4. Diet
To avoid infections, you will need to start improving your overall diet by eating real food, not fast food or processed foods. Ideally, your diet should be 80 percent raw, organic, fresh fruits and vegetables, with the emphasis on vegetables. Include some healthy fats such as coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation. Less inflammation means less swelling and less swelling leads to sinuses that are free to drain. Avoid foods with artificial anything, MSG, GMOs, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup.
5. Avoid Things that Irritate
Things such as cigarette smoke, as well as fumes from things like cleaning products, hairspray, or other chemical scents can irritate your sinuses and make them swell, trapping mucus inside. Avoid all of these irritants if you tend to get sinus infections or sinus headaches.
6. Cayenne
Besides spicing up your food, cayenne is also an effective treatment for sinus infections. Cayenne naturally encourages blood circulation and improves the function of nasal passages. You can simply mix a bit of cayenne with water, then dab this solution inside the nostrils with a cotton swab. Be forewarned however, this treatment will burn for minute or two!
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7. Strive for a Moderate Indoor Air Environment
If you live in a very dry part of the country, consider using a humidifier in your home to increase the humidity and improve your sinuses. On the other hand, if you live in an area that has high humidity, you might want to use a dehumidifier in order to keep your sinuses from drying out. Neither too dry nor too moist is what will make your sinuses happy and just might keep you from further infections.
8. Swimming Pools
If you spend a great deal of time in swimming pools that are treated with chlorine, it can irritate the lining of your nose and your sinuses. Keep your head above water, or buy a nose clamp, which prevents water from entering through your nose.
9. Moist Heat Pack
If you get one of those terrible sinus headaches, you can encourage your sinuses to drain by placing a moist, hot towel or gel pack on your face for 5 or 10 minutes, several times per day. Be careful not to make it too hot so that you don’t burn your face. This will make you feel better very quickly, and the heat will encourage your sinuses to drain by themselves.
10. Steam
You can also clear up clogged sinuses by breathing in hot steam. You can do this by sitting in a hot bathtub full of water, or using the shower, or by boiling some water over the stove and, using a towel, make a tent over your head so that you can breathe in the steam. Even if your nose is completely plugged, begin by breathing through your mouth, and the heat will begin to open up your sinuses fairly quickly.
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