Nasal polyps are small, sac- like growths on the nasal lining. They are characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, reduced ability to smell, running nose, chronic infections, nasal obstruction and congestion among others.
Foods That Can Get Rid of Nasal Polyps Naturally
Most people with nasal polyps suffer from asthma and other common allergies. The following are foods that can get rid of nasal polyps naturally either by inhibiting growth of new ones or by shrinking the existing ones.
Turmeric
The Chinese have used this herb in ayurvedic and culinary dishes for centuries. This is because it has anti- inflammatory properties that work to control polyps and other growths in the body. It may be added in food as a spice to add flavour to stew dishes, pasta, rice, seafood and vegetables. Regularly used, it can permanently inhibit the growth of nasal polyps.
Sweet potatoes
This vegetable has loads of beta- carotene, which is a nutrient associated with immune- boosting property. One should go for the vegetables with a deeper colour as they contain the highest amounts of beta- carotene. This may be considered as a breakfast accompaniment, or it may act as a main dish at lunch or dinner.
It may be taken boiled or baked. Beta- carotene also controls the body’s reaction to allergy causing agents. It is converted to the essential Vitamin A, which enhances the health of the mucosal membranes thus controlling the growth of nasal polyps. Regular intake may reduce allergic reactions completely.
Garlic
This herb can inhibit the work of enzymes that produce inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes. It may be used as flavouring in stew, rice and pasta dishes.
It can also be used as a marinade for fish and chicken. Garlic is a natural anti- oxidant, which means that it eliminates disease-causing organisms from the body thus enhancing general health. This may result in control of nasal polyps.
Pineapples
This fruit contains high levels of vitamin C and Bromelain, which treats inflammation of the nose and sinuses. It has also been shown to ease nasal congestion. To enjoy the real benefit of Bromelain, it is advisable always to eat the stem of the pineapple.
It may not be as tasty as the fleshy part, but it contains the highest levels of the mineral. The vitamin C enhances the body’s immune system that in turn prevents the growth of nasal polyps.
Cayenne peppers
This vegetable has capsaicin, which naturally reduces the size of nasal polyps and also deals with migraines associated with nasal polyps.
Apples
Apples contain quercetin which is a bioflavonoid that controls allergic reactions. This allergy controlling power is as a consequence of stabilizing mast cells and basophils such that they do not release histamine.
Histamine is what causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, eyes watering and running nose. Apples may be taken in a fruit salad as a whole or may be used as an oatmeal accompaniment. An apple a day will surely keep nasal polyps at bay.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms have high selenium content with one cup providing a third of the daily-recommended intake for an adult. Selenium is an anti-oxidant and protects the nasal cell membranes from damage from oxidation. It is a primary component of most enzymes that instigate anti- oxidant power in the body.
Ideally, the control of nasal polyps is determined by three major components namely: anti-oxidants, immune boosters and anti- inflammatory foods. Foods that are rich in anti- oxidants include but are not limited to berries, black and red beans, seafood, flax-seed and olives. Immune boosters include foods rich in vitamin C such as pineapples, lemons, oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, strawberry and grapefruit.
Foods rich in Beta-carotene also increase the body’s immunity. They include carrots, pumpkin, dandelion leaves, turnip greens and sweet potatoes. Green leafy vegetables serve these two properties as they boost the immune system and act as anti- oxidants.
Anti-inflammatory properties may be found in foods such as garlic, turmeric, ginger, omega 3 fatty acids in anchovies and pineapples. Use of cod liver oil, flax seed oil, and hemp oil in foods and salads may eventually get rid of nasal polyps. Selenium is a mineral to consider when dealing with nasal polyps and it can be found in abundance in foods such as anchovies, garlic and mushrooms.