The Immune System

The best thing you can do for your sinus health is get your whole self healthier. Gravitate toward a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner environment to bolster, or rebalance, your immune system.

Much of sinusitis has to do with the failure of the immune system to deal effectively with stressors that bombard everybody's sinuses every day -- air pollutants, smoke, dust and dust mites, molds and mildew, pet dander, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. One of the functions of the sinuses is to help filter out this stuff before it reaches the lungs.

Sinuses, however, can overreact or underreact. Overreacting creates an excessive immune system response, which leads to allergies. Underreacting, by failing to sweep invaders out, leads to infections. With both allergies and infections, excessive mucus production and inflammation results, which can block the ostia, leading to or prolonging infection.

There are no quick fixes in rebalancing the immune system. Eat a variety of veggies and fruit (high in phytonutrients, which you don't get from typical multivitamin pills) -- strive for five servings of veggies and fruit a day -- ten is even better. Eat less, or no, refined sugar (aside from its immune system effects, sugar can also prolong sinusitis if you have the type that's caused by the fungus candida). Cut down on fat, particularly saturated fat and transfat, and refined carbohydrates such as white bread. Try eliminating dairy to see if it reduces mucus production (some experts feel dairy has no effect on mucus production in the sinuses). Eat less in general -- habitual overeating taxes the immune system, while moderation plus an occasional feast and occasional fast can help you live longer. Drink a lot of water. Exercise intelligently -- moderate exercise bolsters the immune system, while killer workouts can depress it, bringing on allergy attacks or sinus infections (it's best to rest, avoiding strenuous exercise, during an acute sinusitis attack). Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke (which like smoking can paralyze the cilia). Manage stress with meditation or relaxation exercises. Get enough sleep. Strive to be happy.

Some people take megavitamins such as vitamin C, herbs such as echinacea and astragalus, and foods such as shiitake mushrooms and raw garlic to try to strengthen their immune system. Most doctors and nutritionists say a balanced diet and other measures are more effective, though some people report positive experiences with supplements, herbs, and specific foods.