A sinus infection is a common enough and exasperating condition. It's one of those diseases which recurs with increasing frequency and if left ignored long enough, can become quite painful. The numbers are quite telling too: 31 million Americans suffer from sinus infection and over a billion dollars are spent on medication for treatment.

Why go through all that trouble when you can carve out a few measures that will reduce the chances of an occurrence of the episode? A certain diet can certainly help the individual fend off a sinus attack. These food remedies offer a lot of resistance against the condition and have other benefits for extra persuasion. Being commonly available and affordable, it's worth checking out these foods for protection.

Of course, if things get too difficult, you must see a doctor. No one but a medical expert can tell you the exact seriousness of your condition. A heavily affected sinus might even need more serious medical treatment, something which a diet won't cure. However, as an effective precautionary measure, this diet does very well.

Here are some foods you should eat, and some you shouldn't, if you want to fortify your sinus:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a wonderful spice that brings a whole different dimension to your food. However, it also brings many health benefits. All spices have some benefits to it and cinnamon is no exception. While easing up your nasal passages, it also regulates blood sugar levels, keeping diabetes in check. Like some of the other ingredients in this list, cinnamon is rich in anti-oxidants - even besting garlic.

If you'd like to know more about cinnamon, click here.

Garlic

India knows its garlic well. Garlic has been a core component of so many of our natural treatments that, were we to list all of its benefits, we'd be sitting here all day. Garlic is a known anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent. The miraculous substance is also full of anti-oxidants which offer benefits that strengthen the body all over.

You can soak the garlic in warm water and gargle with it, or you can inhale the vapours after crushing them into a paste. Whatever the case, include it in your treatments.

Would you like to know more about garlic? Click here to find out. 

Ginger

Anti-histamines! A substance without which allergy sufferers would be at a complete loss. Ginger is full of anti-histamines...and anti-oxidants, anti-fungals and anti-bacterials. It has been to know decrease the pain felt from sinus infections, alleviate nausea and even help with headaches.

You can learn more about ginger here.

Oatmeal

You'll be wondering what oatmeal is doing here on this list, next to spices like cinnamon and turmeric. Oatmeal is present on this list because it covers a large part of your daily nutritional requirements, is easily available and can be digested easily. You'll have an easy time eating if and when your sinus infection gets really out of hand. One cup of oatmeal will give you the energy to get through most of the day.

Here's where you can learn more about oatmeal.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another of those ingredients that every household stocks. It's brimming with goodness and its ease of access makes it a very convenient choice for something to use against a sinus infection. Like ginger and garlic, turmeric contains antimicrobial properties.

Add a little spice to your dish by sprinkling half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and you're all done.

If you want to know more about the many benefits of turmeric, click here.

Sinus infection starts innocently, lulling you into letting your guard down by making you think you can get away with a glass of warm water and a tissue. This is how it all begins. In time, it can develop into something far more difficult to manage. Don't let that happen. You can bring these ingredients into your diet and mitigate the damage done to your sinus and the damage it wreaks on you.

Frequently asked questions

What causes sinuses?

One of the most common causes for sinuses is the common cold.

Can a sinus infection be triggered by a virus?

Yes, in some cases viruses have caused sinus infections. 

What are the tell-tell sign of a sinus infection?

Blocked nasal cavity, headache, throat ache, runny nose are all symptoms of a sinus infection.

How to cure sinuses?

There are several things that you can try out to relieve your sinuses. These include things like ginger, turmeric and more. Drinking lukewarm water can also help relieve sinus symtoms.