8 Foods That Help Relieve Nasal Congestion

8 Foods That Help Relieve Nasal Congestion

As the season changes and allergies arise, most people get caught up with nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is when your nasal sinus is filled with fluid and causes coughing, sneezing, and heaviness. In some cases, patients may also have a fever due to the fluid infection. It may turn contagious where the causative agent is a virus or a bacteria. However, most people also get nasal congestion or polyps due to sinusitis, allergies, etc.

How to fight nasal congestion?
Patients who experience nasal congestion often complain of having it quite frequently. Unfortunately, treatment protocols such as the consumption of anti-allergens and antibiotics can only help with temporary relief. A way to get rid of nasal congestion for a longer span is by identifying the cause. For instance, getting treated for deviated nasal septum or identifying the items you are allergic to and avoid them. Eating the right kind of food can also help manage nasal congestion better.

Food that can help you in coping with nasal congestion
Add pumpkin seeds to your yogurt
Eating seeds in their natural form helps you get great sources of nutrients and fibers that not only help you in the long run but also help you in treating nasal congestion. In most cases of nasal congestion, the walls of the nasal sinus tend to get infected or fill up with fluid, thereby causing inflammation.
Pumpkin seeds have Omega 3 fatty acids that help in reducing the level of inflammation. It is also rich in magnesium, which is also anti-inflammatory in nature. As the information decreases, the blood vessels are less compressed, and thus the blood flow increases. This helps in a better drainage system to get off the nasal fluid faster.

Enjoy your pineapples
Pineapples are almost the favorite of every person, whether eaten as it is in the form of juices. The sweet and tangy taste of pineapple is what makes it a must-have. A common myth among people is that pineapple is cold in nature and causes nasal congestion. However, this is not true. Pineapple is loaded with Vitamin C and Bromelain. Bromelain is a complex enzyme that helps in reducing the fluid content of the mucus by breaking it down into simpler molecules. This makes the passage of sinus fluid much easier, thereby reducing the effects of nasal congestion.

Grapefruits
Grapes are highly acidic food, rich in citric acid. They also have high levels of salicylic acid. During allergies, mucus production is increased, along with inflammation. Grapefruits have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation of the sinus walls. Furthermore, the high pH levels of grapefruits help in dealing with mucus. It compels the complex molecules of the mucus to break down.

Onions
Onions are well known to make people who chop them cry. They are highly pungent as they are rich in quercetin. This is a flavonoid that has several uses other than making people cry. It is well known to help with nasal congestion by reducing the inflammation levels of the nasal walls. Furthermore, it also has naturally occurring antihistamine properties, which means it helps reduce the number of allergies.

Ginger
Since ancient times, ginger root has been popularly used by Indian medics and mothers at home to treat major respiratory problems, such as sneezing, allergies as well as nasal congestion. Having a cup of warm ginger water, or adding it to a cup of tea, can help eliminate all the accumulated mucus. Inhaling ginger, along with steam, may also prove beneficial. Ginger has high anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce nasal congestion by eliminating the effects of inflammation. It helps in decreasing swelling, redness, and uneasiness as well.

Honey
Honey has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties in it. It helps in reducing the swelling of the nasal walls and reducing inflammation levels. This helps in enhancing blood flow and improving the drainage system during nasal congestion. Remember to use raw and local honey instead of artificial honey, as it might have artificial colors and items irritating your allergies even more.

Add in bell peppers
It is not only popular but true that eating hot and spicy food can cause nasal discharge, along with the watering of the eyes. This can also be used as a popular home remedy for nasal congestion. Bell peppers are a rich source of capsaicin. This adds spice and heat to the food. Spicy food has an immediate effect on the sinus walls, causing them to release any inflammation and releasing mucus. It helps in rapid discharge and curing nasal congestion.

Increase your probiotic intake
Probiotics are healthy and good bacteria that not only help with your nasal congestion but also help in improving gut health. Allergies reduce the body’s immunity, which gives a chance for other bacteria and viruses to thrive. However, probiotics help fight foreign microorganisms, thereby maintaining a healthy environment in the nasal sinus. This helps in fighting off the infection and reducing nasal congestion overall. Fermented food such as Kimchi is high in probiotics. You can also find probiotic curd yogurt easily. Add in some pumpkin seeds or a finely chopped salad with ginger paste and onions in it for maximum effect.

Conclusion
Eating the right kind of food can help you fight nasal congestion right at home. However, in severe cases, it is also advisable to visit a physician who can help you diagnose the problem better. Medication might not be the best solution if you have frequent nasal congestion episodes, as prolonged medicines may also have severe side effects. On the other hand, eating right cannot do you any harm. Make sure to check out and stock these food items before season change or allergy season to be well prepared.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Hyperglycemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, a complication observed in people with diabetes. It develops when the body has significantly less insulin than required or when the body is unable to process insulin. A person with hyperglycemia usually has a blood glucose level of more than 125 mg/dL when fasting and over 180 mg/dL after eating. When hyperglycemia is left untreated for a long time, it can damage the nerves, organs, and blood vessels. Causes and risk factors Many factors can increase the risk of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. Some of them are: Insufficient or inaccurate dosage of insulin that one takes to manage diabetes  Body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin treatment Excessive carbohydrate intake Leading a sedentary lifestyle Physical or emotional stress Dawn phenomenon, which is a hormonal surge or rise in blood sugar people with diabetes experience every morning Some of the other possible causes of hyperglycemia: Cushing’s syndrome results in insulin resistance Being affected by pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer Using certain treatment options Experiencing trauma or surgery Some of the risk factors of high blood sugar are: A family history of diabetes Unhealthy lifestyle High cholesterol Polycystic ovarian syndrome History of gestational diabetes Symptoms Hyperglycemia may not exhibit symptoms unless one experiences extremely high blood sugar levels, for instance, blood glucose over 180 mg/dL. The symptoms start developing over several days or weeks. The longer one has high blood sugar levels, the more severe the symptoms. If it remains undetected for a long time, a possible complication is a diabetic coma or ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome develop as a complication of high blood sugar levels. As this is a serious complication, one should contact a doctor when they notice any such issues. When affected by DKA, ketone levels increase in the blood and urine, mainly in people with type 1 diabetes. So, it is essential to understand the early symptoms of hyperglycemia, especially when one is affected by diabetes. Here are some common symptoms one might experience: High blood sugar Headache Blurry vision Feeling excessively hungry or thirsty Frequent urination Changes in appearance Weakness Vaginal and skin infections Management options If one notices one or more symptoms of high blood sugar, they should consult their healthcare provider regarding proper management techniques. Doctors can also offer guidance regarding how various treatment options can help keep blood glucose in check. If affected by diabetes, one should avoid missing a dose and follow the doctor’s instructions. The treatment for hyperglycemia is determined by factors like the frequency and severity of one’s blood sugar. Other factors include one’s age and health, and mental health. Here are a few management options for the condition: Lifestyle changes One’s lifestyle is one of the crucial factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for hyperglycemia. This includes understanding one’s overall physical and mental health and introducing healthy eating habits. Healthcare experts may also recommend staying active. Additionally, keeping an eye on one’s blood sugar levels is crucial. Further, treatment for diabetes is influenced by one’s lifestyle and will not be entirely effective if one does not make better choices. Healthy eating habits: A carbohydrate-rich meal plan can have a huge impact on one’s blood sugar. So, choosing sugary foods and beverages on a regular basis can increase the risk of developing hyperglycemia. So, it is essential to make changes to one’s meal plan to limit carbohydrates and added sugar and instead opt for fiber-rich food. Regular exercise: Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle or long periods of sitting or sleeping can help prevent diabetes. Regular physical activity can help in achieving glycemic control when one is dealing with diabetes, as exercising lowers blood sugar levels. So, one can go for a walk after having a big meal to help them burn calories and excessive sugar in the blood. Regular workout also helps improve one’s overall health. But before one introduces drastic changes in their daily routine, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.  Monitoring blood sugar: Regularly monitoring one’s blood sugar is a crucial step in diabetes management. Keeping track of one’s blood glucose also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment options and lifestyle changes. Understanding the pattern of spikes in one’s glucose levels helps one manage and even prevent hyperglycemia. Treatment options While eating habits and lifestyle can help one avoid high blood sugar, certain prescriptions are required to keep blood glucose in check. The common options would include: Insulin therapy: This is a hormone that controls the level of blood sugar in the body. When affected by type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin. So, one would have to take regular insulin doses to deal with the disease.  Other prescription options: Along with insulin, adjunctive treatments can help control the blood sugar level when dealing with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Other oral options can also help with controlling blood glucose.  Emergency treatment If one experiences severe symptoms like diabetic ketoacidosis, they will have to be rushed to the hospital and get immediate treatment. Emergency treatment focuses on lowering blood sugar and bringing it back to the normal range. Here are the methods doctors usually use:  Fluid replacement: Here, one receives fluids intravenously until the body gets back all the fluid they might have lost due to frequent urination. Fluid replacement also assists in diluting the extra amount of sugar in the blood. Electrolyte replacement: Electrolytes are minerals in blood that are essential for the tissues to function correctly. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, one might also experience a decrease in the blood’s electrolyte levels. So, here one will receive electrolytes through veins. High blood sugar is a common concern in people with diabetes, however, healthy eating habits, an active lifestyle, and regular check-ups can help one avoid serious complications. Further, recognizing the early signs and risk factors of developing hyperglycemia is also a crucial step in managing diabetes.

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