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Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses.
These are four sets of open spaces within the bones of the skull that
are part of the "plumbing" system of the head. There are
sinuses above the eyes or "frontal sinuses"; to either side
of the nose, inside the cheekbones or "maxillary sinuses";
behind the bridge of the nose also called the "sphenoid
sinuses"; and in the upper nose or "ethmoid sinuses".
Most cases of sinusitis affect the frontal and/or maxillary sinuses,
but any or all of the sinuses may be involved, and each individual
tends to have problems with a particular set of sinuses. If the
sinuses are too small or poorly positioned to handle the volume of
mucus produced, they can become clogged. Pressure in the sinuses
increases, causing pain. Sinuses that are clogged for a long time seem
to invite infection. Sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute
sinusitis is frequently caused by bacterial or viral infections of the
nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold.
Over 50% of all cases of sinusitis are caused by bacteria. Chronic
sinusitis problems may be caused by small growths in the nose, injury
of the nasal bones, smoking, and exposure to
bad fumes and other smells. Allergic sinusitis may be caused
by hay fever or food allergies, especially allergies to milk
and dairy products. People with compromised immune systems are
susceptible to fungal sinusitis, a potentially dangerous
condition that requires aggressive treatment. Symptoms of
sinusitis include fever (usually low-grade, but higher in some
cases), cough, headache, earache,
toothache, facial pain, cranial pressure, difficulty breathing
through the nose, loss of the sense of smell, and tenderness
over the forehead and cheekbones. If tapping the forehead just
over the eyes, the cheekbones, or the area around the bridge
of the nose causes pain, the sinuses may be infected.
Sometimes sinusitis produces facial swelling followed by a
stuffy nose and thick discharge of mucus. The symptoms
suffered by those with sinusitis can have other unpleasant
effects. Postnasal drip can cause a sore throat, nausea, and
bad breath; difficulty breathing can cause snoring problems
and also sleeping problems.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| vitamin
C |
10 |
strengthens the immune
system and increases the number of white blood cells as well
as the quality of the white blood cells. It helps with mucus
problems as well. |
| Bioflavonoids |
10 |
bioflavonoids are
natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer, boosts the immune systems and helps fight infection,
work well with vitamin C. |
| vitamin
E |
9 |
helps the body's healing
process and also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help
rid the body of free radicals and increase oxygen carrying.
Serves to improve circulation as well. |
| Zinc |
8 |
this mineral quickens the immune
system response and helps reduce infection. |
| Multi-vitamin
& mineral supplement |
8 |
contains vitamin E, vitamin
C , vitamin B complex ,
and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of sinus infection and
related disorders. The nutrients found in
a
daily supplement are needed for good general health and well
being. |
| Frankincense
resin |
8 |
helps to calm and sooth the body
and promote general healing |
| Fenugreek |
8 |
herb helps to loosen
phlegm, mucus, and clear congestion |
|
Myrrh resin |
8 |
promotes healing and it works well
with frankincense and aloe vera |
| Echinacea |
8 |
herb helps with viral
infections and to aid the immune system |
| Garlic |
8 |
has both antiviral and
antibacterial properties and it helps to detoxify the body |
| vitamin B
complex |
8 |
they promote healing, strong immune system,
and healthy nervous system. Also helps with stress related
problems. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
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eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
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nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
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juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
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do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
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carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
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a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
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do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
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do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
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use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
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brown rice is good to eat
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avoid red meat and animal fats
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reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
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fast a few days a month
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get at least 8 hours of sleep
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exercise light to moderate amounts
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avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
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do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
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do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
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do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
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do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
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