Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths along the lining of the interior of the nose and sinuses. Doctors are unsure of what causes them, but there is a correlation between chronic inflammation and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps symptoms include pain or discomfort in the face, congestion, post nasal drip, abnormalities in smell and taste and, in extreme cases, there can be trouble breathing through the nose.
Nasal polyps can be seen with chronic rhinosinusitis, allergies, or infections. They are often treated with nasal steroids, surgery and diet restrictions. Some diets include avoiding the following items, in an effort to reduce the stimulation of congestion and inflammation:
1. Food allergens
Common food allergens like peanuts, dairy or anything that will cause an inflammation of sinuses or congestion on an individual basis. This can also be the additives that are inside of processed foods, such as MSG, Benzoates, Tatrozine, which can be hard to identify on an individual basis. To help find these foods that can cause issues it may be necessary for an elimination diet to systematically find any food items that can cause a reaction.
2. Refined sugars
While other food additives can possibly cause an allergic reaction, these processed sugars will increase the mucus production in everyone. This increased production can cause inflammation and agitation that will help produce congestion. They can be found in soft drinks, cookies, and breads.
3. Spicy foods
The spices that cause your nose and eyes to water stimulate histamine production which causes swelling in the nasal tissues. This swelling can trigger Nasal Polyps in someone who is predisposed to them.
4. Dairy products
Milk and other dairy products help cause mucus to naturally thicken, which in turn makes it harder for the body to process it. In most situations this will be ok, but coupled with a history of congestion then it can help cause Nasal Polyps. Whole milk, in particular, not only thickens the mucus, but it also speeds up the production of the mucus and amplifies a congestion issue.
5. Tomatoes
While these are added in many different recipes and food items, they help stimulate histamine production. This is another item that is safe while on their own, but can help exasperate an underlying issue.
6. Alcohol
All alcohol can cause inflammation. Wine in particular contains a histamine compound which can cause swelling of the nasal tissues. Meanwhile, beer and other gluten containing alcohol can cause similar issues.
7. Red meat
In beef and pork, the high protein can help cause an accumulation of mucus and can exasperate problems with sinuses. These are prevalent meat choices, but easily identified and avoided.
8. Omega 6 fatty acids
These acids are found in vegetable oils, like sunflower, soybean and corn oil. It is possible for foods that are high in these items to help increase inflammation. These foods are fairly common as vegetable oils are often a cheaper substitute to olive oil and are used in many processed foods.
