Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Sinuses Clear -- and Colds and Flu in Check

There's nothing worse than chronic sinus congestion. You know, the kind that keeps you up at night and sniffling during the day. Sure, you can take Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or other over-counter remedies like Vicks, Dimetapp (Phenylephrine) and more. But, often, these popular decongestants which work wonders in the short term can actually irritate your condition over time if you suffer from chronic sinus congestion.

So, what can you do about chronic sinus congestion that will help ease sinus congestion and pressure over time? Check out these Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Sinuses Clear...and Colds and Flu in Check. Sure to make a big difference to you and your family.

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Good hydration can thin secretions allowing better sinus drainage. Experts suggest 8 glasses a day for positive health outcomes.

2. Get a good night's sleep. Good sleep habits support the immune system by allowing the body to rest, relax and regenerate during the night. Good sleep helps advance overall health and well being.

3. Flush your sinuses. Sinus flushing. A great practice to do several times daily, sinus flushing will help promote sinus drainage, and often lead to some temporary relief. Use a saline solution (available at your local Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreen's or pharmacy) or Neti Pot (shop online for deals and discounts).

4. Put the heat on. Heat. The application of heat, either with a heating pad or hot pack, can help relieve discomfort. Apply to the forehead and cheekbones for fifteen to twenty minutes several times daily.

5. Quit smoking. Do not smoke. The damage done by cigarette smoke to the cells lining the sinuses is devastating over the long run. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke.

6. Exercise on a regular basis. Regular exercise will help boost the immune system and promote sinus drainage over time. Regular exercise advances overall health and well being over the long term.

7. Cut back on refined sugar. Refined sugar includes white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Experts suggest that these and other refined sugars may upset the balance of hormones in your body and promote the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Reduce your refined sugar intake, or eliminate it all together to advance sinus health.

8. Adopt a gluten-free diet and reduce dairy. Studies suggest that an elimination diet may ease sinus congestion over the long haul. Try to adopt a gluten- and dairy- free diet for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference with your sinus health.

9. Add turmeric to foods. Turmeric is a wonderful spice and dietary supplement that reportedly has strong anti-inflammatory properties. To combat chronic sinus inflammation, try adding a healthy dose of turmeric to your daily diet. Sure to make a big difference.

10. Take Vitamin C and B Complex vitamins. Experts suggest that these vitamins may help promote sinus health and rid congestion. Add about 2-3,000 mg of Vitamin C, and B Complex and B5 vitamins to your daily routine and see if it works for you.

Of course, any new health routine or dietary regimen, including supplements, should be discussed with your doctor and health care professionals.

RESOURCES

Nasal Congestion
Mayo Clinic

Sinusitis
Medline Plus
National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

5 Things You Need to Know About Chronic Nasal Congestion
Livestrong

Natural Suggestions for Sinus Congestions
Doctor Yourself

Curing Fungal Sinusitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Controlling Fungal Sinusitis Begins with Understanding
Donald P. Dennis, MD, FACS., Atlanta, Georgia