Sinusitis DietDiet for Sinusitis :Correcting the faulty diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of sinusitis.
Patients should take a balanced diet. Most persons with sinus trouble also suffer from acidity. Their diet should, therefore; veer to the alkaline side. The intake of salt should be reduced to the minimum as salt leads to accumulation of water in the tissues and expels calcium from the body. In the acute stage of the disease, when fever is pre¬sent, the patient should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water in the proportion of 50:50. After the fever subsides, he may adopt a low-calorie raw fruit and vegetable diet with plenty of raw juices. After the acute symptoms are over, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of three basic food groups, namely seeds, nuts and grains; vegetables and fruits. In persistent chronic conditions, repeated short juice fasts may be undertaken for a week or so at intervals of two months.
Those suffering from sinusitis should completely avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white flour, rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes and candies. They should also avoid strong spices, meat and meat products'. Butter and clarified butter should be used sparingly. Honey should be used for sweetening. All cooked foods should be freshly prepared for each meal. Vegetables should be taken in liberal quantities. All kinds of fruits can be taken with the exception of those belonging to citrus group such as lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. Milk should be taken in liberal quantities as it contains calcium, which has a marked effect in overcoming inflammation of the tissues.
A diet rich in vitamin A is the best insurance against cold and sinus trouble. Vitamin A is the "membrane con¬ditioner" and it helps build healthy mucus membranes in the head and throat. Some of the valuable sources of this vitamin are whole milk, yoghurt, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrot, leafy vegetables, tomato, mango and papaya. The carrot juice used separately or in combination with juices of beet and cucumber or with spinach juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of sinus trouble. Three ounces each of beet and cucumber juice or six ounces of spinach juice should be mixed with 10 ounces of carrot juices in these combinations. At times; cold application over the sinus will give great relief; at other times alternate hot and cold application will prove beneficial. Plenty of sleep, adequate rest and fresh air are essential in the treatment of sinusitis.
TREATMENT CHART FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS
A - DIET I. Fast on fruit or vegetable juices for three days. Cleanse the bowels daily by warm water enema during this period. II. An all-fruit diet, should be taken for further three days.
During this period, take three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as oranges, papaya, pineapples, mangoes, pears and grapes at five-hourly intervals. III. Thereafter, the following diet should be adopted:- 1. Upon arising: A glass of lukewarm water with half a freshly squeezed lime and a teaspoon of honey. 2. Breakfast: Fresh fruits and a cup of fresh milk, sweetened with Honey, 3. Lunch: A bowl of steamed vegetables. Whole wheat dry wheat tortilla and a glass of buttermilk. 4. Mid-afternoon: A glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice. 5. Dinner: A bowl of fresh green vegetable salad, sprouted seeds and fresh homemade cottage cheese or a glass of buttermilk.
Note: Repeat short fast on juices for three days, followed by an all-fruit diet for three days further, at an interval of one month till condition improves. AVOID: Meats, sugar, tea, coffee, condiments, pickles, refined foods, fried, heavy or greasy foods, and products made from sugar and white flour. Specially Beneficial: Garlic, onion, large doses of vitamin A, and C, carrot juice in combination with beet juice and pineapple juice. B - OTHER MEASURES 1. A hot epsom-salt bath twice a week in the night.
2. Steam bath once a week.
3. Fresh air, brisk walks.
4. Practise yogasanas daily.
5. Massage once a week.
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