Fungus May be Causing Your Sinus Infections

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Fungus May be Causing Your Sinus Infections

Mercola.com

 

 

By Dr. Joseph Mercola

with Rachael Droege

 

About 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, an inflammation of

the nasal sinuses commonly known as a sinus infection, each year and

for many this is a chronic problem that can seriously affect the

quality of your life. Most cases of sinusitis are treated with

antibiotics, which may help to cover up symptoms in the short-term

but are a disaster when used in the long-term.

 

Sinusitis can be acute or chronic, and can last for months or years

if not addressed. Symptoms vary for each type but can include:

 

Runny nose

Nasal Congestion

Thick, colored nasal drainage

Cough

Head congestion

Headache

Post-nasal drip

Facial pain or swelling

Toothache

Fatigue

Diminished sense of smell and taste

Fever

 

 

And despite constant treatment with antibiotics, many people's

sinusitis continues to return. According to the American Academy of

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, not only is sinusitis one of the most

expensive disorders in the United States, but also its prevalence is

on the rise, indicating that the common treatment methods are not

getting to the root of the problem.

 

So what is the root of the problem? Researchers have found that most

cases of chronic sinusitis are not caused by infection but are

actually an immune disorder caused by fungus. In a 1999 study, the

researchers discovered that fungal organisms were present in the

mucus of 96 percent of patients who had surgery for chronic

sinusitis, and inflammatory cells were clumped around the fungi,

which meant the condition was an immune disorder caused by fungus.

 

Fungus and mold spores are in the air all the time and are commonly

inhaled so most people have fungi lodged in the mucus lining of the

sinuses. However, only people who are prone to chronic sinusitis will

experience an immune response to the fungi that results in the

symptoms of sinusitis.

 

They took the research a bit further and in the next study found that

a fungicide was effective in decreasing inflammation and nasal

swelling among participants suffering from chronic sinusitis. The

researchers are hoping the study will lead to the development of new

antifungal medications to treat the condition.

 

Although antifungals may be more effective than antibiotics--

antibiotics make fungal infections worse--there are other steps you

can take to lessen your risk of sinus infections by getting at the

underlying cause.

 

Make Your Body Less Hospitable to Fungus

 

As the body attempts to destroy the fungus, the immune system damages

the sinus membranes, which causes the symptoms of sinusitis, the

researchers say. To combat the fungus and prevent the immune system

reaction, you'll need to create an environment that makes it more

difficult for fungus to thrive. Here are the top ways to do this:

 

Avoid Eating Sugar or Grains

Fungus feeds on sugar and grains (which break down to sugar in your

body), so reducing or eliminating these foods is necessary to keep

fungus under control.

 

Consume Fish or Cod Liver Oil

Consume a high quality cod liver oil or fish oil every day. The high

order omega-3 fats, DHA and EPA are essential to maintaining and

improving your immune system. Don't get fooled by taking any general

omega-3 supplement. The ALA in flax seed oil won't give you the same

benefits. Not only will cod liver oil or fish oil improve your sinus

infection, but they will also improve your health and brain and

reduce your risk of cancer and Alzheimer's.

 

Eat Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being

antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. However, be careful with

which oil you choose, as many coconut oils contain fungal toxins.

This is because they are commonly made with copras, or dried

coconuts, which are often contaminated with mycotoxins. So in order

to fully enjoy the benefits of this coconut oil, you will want to be

sure that you find a company that uses only fresh coconuts to make

their oil, like the Tropical Traditions virgin coconut oil on this

site.

 

Avoid Eating the Top 10 Mycotoxic Foods

Here's a list of the top 10 foods that are contaminated with

mycotoxins (fungal toxins) that need to be avoided.

 

Exercise

 

Physical activity causes the sinuses to expand and stimulates air

circulation and cleansing mucus to move through the sinuses. This

will help to clear out any particles that are contributing to the

irritation.

 

Similarly, a past study found that humming increases the amount of

air exhaled from the nose and facilitated the exchange of air from

sinuses into nasal passages, which could lower the risk of sinus

infections if done routinely.

 

Clear Your Sinuses Without Medication

 

To help clear sinuses that are congested, you can consider washing

the nasal cavities with a solution of salt and room temperature

purified water. Breathing in certain essential oils can also be

beneficial. The Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System can help irrigate

and clean your sinues without the use of potentially harmful

antibiotics.

 

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