Foods To Avoid Due To Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are growths in the nose. Although they are usually benign, they can result in serious issues. Patients can experience symptoms such as sinus pain, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, snoring, and a runny nose. Some may even deal with sleep apnea. Nasal polyps occur when the nasal passages are inflamed for long periods. Unfortunately, there are many potential causes for this, which can make it hard to pinpoint. Potential causes include allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic sinus infections, and sensitivities to medication.
If nasal polyps become bothersome, individuals will need to put effort into treating them. This may mean using a neti pot for nasal polyps and keeping the nasal passages clean. Some patients may need corticosteroid nasal sprays for nasal polyps. Saline nasal sprays may also be a possibility. Some medications can help treat polyps in the nose. Severe cases, however, may require surgery for nasal polyps. An individual's diet can also matter.
Soy Products
Many foods seem to be considered soy products. Tofu, edamame, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, miso, and tamari use soy to some degree. Some vegetable broths may contain soy as well. Asian dishes can also often contain soy. Unfortunately, some individuals can react to soy products. It is considered a known allergen. As an allergen, soy products may cause inflammation throughout the body. This can include the nasal passages. If the nasal passages are inflamed, they may also produce more mucus. Inflammation and mucus from soy can also mean worsening symptoms of nasal polyps.
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Dairy Products
Some individuals consume a high amount of dairy products most days, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. However, these products can cause issues related to nasal polyps. It is because dairy products may increase the mucus that the body produces, which can increase congestion and discomfort in the nose. Also, the fat found in some dairy products can make the mucus thicker than what would be considered normal. If this happens, the symptoms of nasal polyps may worsen.
Research indicates that individuals who consume significant amounts of dairy products regularly may be at an increased risk of chronic nasal congestion. Their nose may feel clogged most of the time. Thus, individuals should consider giving up dairy products to hopefully reduce the severity of their symptoms.
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Food With Gluten
Gluten is found in many foods, including bread, pasta, cereal, bagels, and baked goods. It is because gluten is a protein found in grains. It appears to be why flour can form a glue-like substance if water is added to it. However, individuals can be intolerant to gluten. They may even be allergic to it. If this is the case, their immune system may believe that gluten is a foreign invader. It will attack, causing some symptoms like inflammation, bloating, and other forms of swelling.
Individuals who react to gluten in this way may also see increases in their nasal polyps. Reactions to food with gluten can occur in the nasal passages thanks to the mucous membranes there. In the nose, this can mean irritation and swelling. Both can make symptoms of nasal polyps worse. In particular, nasal congestion and sinus pain can stick around longer. Thus, avoiding gluten may be a vital part of dealing with nasal polyps.
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Eggs
Some individuals seem to consume eggs for breakfast a few times each week. Although eggs can give individuals key nutrients, they may also cause issues if individuals happen to be sensitive to them. This effect can be magnified if individuals also have nasal polyps. Eggs, similar to gluten and dairy, appear to be a common allergen. This means that they can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals. Typically, this includes the release of histamine.
Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to eggs can deal with inflammation, redness, swelling, and even hives. If they also have nasal polyps, the inflammation and swelling due to the eggs have the potential to worsen their polyps. The swelling in the nose can increase, for one. In addition, individuals may also see increased mucus production, which can make it fairly hard to breathe through the polyps. Thus, individuals may wish to consider avoiding eggs for breakfast.
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MSG And Sulfites
Sometimes foods need some help with flavor or to keep them fresh. This can be why foods will contain MSG and sulfites in them. MSG boosts the flavor of the food. It can be found in processed meat, packaged noodles and spice, canned soup, and canned vegetables. Sulfites can keep food looking fresh for longer. It is a preservative to stop mold. Some even claim that it can help keep shrimp looking pink. Individuals may find sulfites in apple cider, trail mix, soup mix, condiments, wine, guacamole, and vegetable juice, among others.
However, MSG and sulfites can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Sources say they are reasons behind many food sensitivities. MSG and sulfites may trigger a similar allergic reaction to what soy products produce. Individuals can deal with increased inflammation and more mucus. Remember, both of these can increase the severity of nasal polyp symptoms. Most individuals do not want that, so they should consider avoiding anything with MSG or sulfites.
