5 Ways to Help Sinus Problems

Chronic sinus problems don't necessarily require drugs or surgery - diet and lifestyle play important roles. Besides avoiding polluted, dusty and smoky environments (and secondhand smoke), try the following to help reduce the symptoms of chronic sinus problems:

1. Eliminate milk and all milk products from your diet (including prepared foods that list dairy and its byproducts as ingredients). This can lead to dramatic improvement after about two months.
2. Take astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), the root of a native Chinese plant that boosts immune system function. The usual dose is two capsules twice a day unless otherwise directed on the package label.
3. If you take an antibiotic for sinus infections, be sure to take a probiotic to restore the friendly bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract and that may be wiped out by antibiotics.
4. Don't smoke.
5. If you suffer from allergies, consider equipping your house - or at least your bedroom - with a good air filter. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is a good choice - it removes particles in the air by forcing it through screens containing microscopic pores.

Don’t miss tomorrow's post for four ways to treat sinus congestion symptoms.