Nasal Polyps And Foods To Avoid
Nasal polyps are growths found in the nasal passages. The good news, however, is that they are usually benign! They are the result of inflammation in the nose. Usually, this inflammation must be prolonged for polyps to occur! Common causes include allergies, asthma, and chronic sinus infections. Individuals who are sensitive to anti-inflammatories may be at an increased risk as well! Nasal polyps cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus pain, and a chronic runny nose. Postnasal drip is also common!
Thankfully, nasal polyps are treatable! Many individuals experience relief using a neti pot for nasal polyps. Corticosteroid nasal spray and saline spray for nasal polyps are also quite common! Of course, patients can also benefit from medication to shrink nasal polyps. Surgery can also remove polyps in the nose in severe cases! Smart dietary choices also have a major positive impact on symptoms!
Dairy Products
Many individuals love to consume dairy products. Milk is a popular beverage! Other common dairy products that individuals love are butter, yogurt, cheese, cream, ice cream, and custard. Typically, dairy products come from cows, but there are other sources as well, such as goats! However, dairy products are not great for individuals dealing with nasal polyps. As everyone knows, nasal polyps can obstruct the nasal passages. This typically results in a buildup of mucus, which is what causes nasal congestion.
Some individuals will find that dairy products also increases the mucus in their body! Dairy products often contain fat as well, which can make mucus thicker. The combination of these factors alongside nasal polyps can increase symptom severity! Thus, individuals should consider minimizing their intake of dairy. Although symptoms may not disappear completely, they will be much easier to manage!
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Soy Products
Soy products are quite a bit more popular than many individuals believe. In fact, some individuals consume soy products without knowing it! Popular soy products include edamame, tamari, teriyaki sauce, miso, tofu, and soy sauce. Beyond these, individuals also turn to soy milk, soy cheese, and even soy yogurt instead of traditional dairy products! Soy can even be found in vegetable broths and most Asian dishes. Although soy is delicious, it also does not help nasal polyps.
Soy products can trigger allergies and similar reactions in many individuals. Typically, the reaction includes more mucus being produced. The increased mucus can worsen the symptoms related to nasal polyps, which already cause more mucus and obstruct the nose! Thus, individuals who experience issues with soy products should avoid eating them! Instead, they can turn to other dairy alternatives, such as almond milk. Looking at nutrition labels carefully is vital too!
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Food With Gluten
Bread and pasta are delicious! They contain gluten, a protein found in grains. Besides bread and pasta, individuals can also find gluten in barley, cereal, baked goods, and crackers. Flour is a big source of gluten! Many individuals can eat gluten without issue. However, gluten intolerance is a significant condition! Individuals who are intolerant to gluten can experience an abnormal immune response. Their immune system will believe that gluten is a foreign invader!
As a result, it will go into overdrive, causing the release of histamine and other chemicals. These will trigger inflammation and make the nasal passages swell. The nose is going to be irritated! Swelling and irritation, of course, are already symptoms of nasal polyps. Adding more because of gluten makes them worse! Individuals may also see increases in sinus pain and nasal congestion if they have polyps.
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Eggs
Eggs are a popular addition to breakfast for many individuals around the world! Individuals will eat them scrambled, fried, poached, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled. They are even a vital part of french toast. Eggs are nutritious, which makes them a great way to start the day! However, they are also a common allergen, which is not good for individuals with nasal polyps. Their immune system can mistake eggs and the types of proteins they contain as foreign invaders. This, as many individuals know, causes a reaction! The reaction includes the release of histamine. Individuals will face nasal tissue swelling and increased mucus as a result. These symptoms will also cause a flareup in nasal polyps! Thus, individuals with polyps in their nose should consider alternatives to eggs! In baked goods, there are many, including flaxseed and water.
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MSG And Sulfites
MSG and sulfites are in many more foods than anyone actually realizes. Sulfites are a common preservative, and they help keep foods looking fresh. They also prevent the growth of mold! They are why many fresh and frozen shrimp stay pink for a long time. Sulfites are also commonly found in wine, soup mix, apple cider, dried fruit, maraschino cherries, guacamole, and even vegetable juice! MSG is an incredibly popular flavor enhancer. It is in processed meat, canned soup, canned vegetables, and many other packaged foods. Packets of noodles with spices often have MSG!
However, many individuals are sensitive to MSG and sulfites, even if they do not realize it. A similar reaction occurs due to MSG and sulfites as with other allergies, including soy products. Once again, this means that individuals will experience increase mucus and severe nasal polyp symptoms. Avoiding foods that contain sulfites or MSG is critical here. Individuals will have to read labels very closely to make sure they are safe!