We know that sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the sinuses. It can cause symptoms like runny or blocked nose, nasal and sinus congestion, sinus headache (pain and pressure in the sinuses), post-nasal drip, and a lot more. Many foods can help reduce these symptoms of sinusitis, especially sinus congestion. So, in this blog, we will see some of the best fruits for sinusitis that may help with symptoms.
Watermelon
We all know that watermelon is a rich source of water. 92% of watermelon contains water. It helps reduce sinus congestion by thinning the mucus in the sinus cavity. Also, being a rich source of magnesium, it helps reduce the inflammation in the sinuses, thereby improving the condition.
Watermelon is also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent tissue damage and help reduce the inflammation and infection of the sinuses. This makes watermelon one of the best fruits for sinusitis.
The cherry red colour of watermelon is due to the presence of lycopene. So, the brighter the watermelon is, the more antioxidants it will contain. Another interesting fact is that the seedless melons tend to have more lycopene than the ones with seeds.
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the best fruits for sinusitis. It contains an enzyme called Bromelain which is a natural decongestant. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties. It helps break the thick mucus in the sinuses and also helps reduce sinus headache, swelling and inflammation in the sinuses.
Pineapple is also a rich source of vitamin C. To combat the symptoms of sinusitis, eating fresh or frozen pineapple can be the best choice. The canned pineapples may not have bromelain and hence may not help with sinus congestion and inflammation.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-building properties. The immune-building properties of vitamin C help to fight against various infections and build the immune system to prevent further sinus infections.
Citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, kiwi and grapefruit are best for sinus inflammation and congestion. They can help reduce sinus congestion as they are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help prevent tissue damage (mucous membrane) and hence reduce sinus congestion, swelling and inflammation of the sinuses.
Citrus fruits like kiwi help to reduce the severity and frequency of upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis. Eating kiwi can help reduce and also prevent further sinus infections.
Apple
There is a famous and age-old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Most of us have heard it. Well, that's true. Apple can help you maintain good health. It is a rich source of antioxidants and a natural antihistamine, Quercetin.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which has anti-allergic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, eating an apple can help reduce sinus inflammation and congestion by reducing the histamine level in the body (histamine is a chemical that is released in our body when there is an allergic reaction. It is responsible for various allergic symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose, nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, swelling and inflammation in the sinuses, etc.)
Papaya
Papaya contains natural enzymes called papain and chymopapain, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, eating papaya can help reduce sinus inflammation.
Papaya is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant. It is also another rich source of vitamins C, A and E. In fact, you might be shocked to know that it contains more vitamin C than lemon. So, eating papaya can help you build immunity and fight against viral and bacterial infections responsible for sinusitis.
So, next time you have sinus congestion or sinusitis, eat these fruits, as they may help with your symptoms.
