When you develop a sinus cold, it can seem like you will never stop blowing your nose. Just when you think that you’ve blown out all the mucus in your body, more mucus is ready to be expelled. Pressure builds up in your head from constantly blowing your nose and all you ever wonder is when will it all be over.
Mucus is a naturally occurring fluid in the body, and a stuffy nose happens when the tissues that line your nostrils are irritated or swollen. The body begins to produce more mucus in the respiratory system to help the body fight infections or viruses. Coughing or expelling mucus, while it can be annoying, is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection and on the road to wellness.
The Colors Of Mucus
Green or yellow mucus that is expelled commonly indicates an infection, but mucus that contains a lot of blood, denoting a more serious condition like tuberculosis or pneumonia, should not be ignored. Grey or brown mucus is commonly attributed to the body attempting to rid itself of the toxins from cigarettes. If you are at all concerned about the color of your mucus, contact your medical care professional.
Making Congestion Worse
As you may know, certain foods or habits can worsen congestion or allergy symptoms. For instance, dairy products like cheese, yogurt, cream, or milk can create more mucus, making it difficult to accelerate the healing process. Dairy products contain a protein known as casein, which promotes the formation of mucus. Casein can also thicken existing mucus, which completely blocks nasal passageways. In addition to giving up dairy while you’re sick, it is beneficial to give up refined sugars and cigarettes, both of which can aggravate respiratory infections.
Sinus Cleansing Green Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 2 green apples, cored and cubed
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled
- 6 celery stalks
- ½ lemon, peeled
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and consume within 15 minutes of juicing.
Soothing Sinus Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled
- ½ pineapple, skin removed
- 4 small beets, peeled and cubed
- ½ lemon, peeled
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients through a juicer and consume within 15 minutes of juicing.
Mucus Be Gone Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 green apple, cored and cubed
- 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled
- 1 large carrot, peeled
- 2 oranges, peeled
- ½ lemon, peeled
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Process all of the ingredients, except for the cayenne, through a juicer and then stir in the dash of cayenne. Consume within 15 minutes of juicing.
