is spicy food good for congestion?
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Eating spicy food is a natural way to open nasal passages and get mucus flowing. Capsaicin, the compound found in chiles that gives them their heat, can help ease sinus pain, reduce inflammation and release blocked mucus.
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Spicy foods may increase people's sensitivity to salt, which may lower the amount of salt they choose to eat. Compared to those people who least enjoyed spicy foods, study participants who preferred spicy food: had 8 point lower systolic (upper) and 5 point lower diastolic (bottom) blood pressure numbers.
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A cold is a good excuse for a hot curry, says Professor Eccles. “Spicy food and drink promotes salivation and airway mucus secretions that soothe coughs and sore throats,” he explains.
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"To keep the mucus produced in your sinuses flowing smoothly, you need to drink enough water," says Kelleher. "For some people, dairy products can cause mucus to thicken up, and that may cause sinus pressure and congestion." Drinking alcohol, especially red wine and beer, can also cause sinus pressure and congestion.
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Hot peppers can be great for your metabolism, but bad for some people's skin. Dr. Waldorf says spicy foods can dilate blood vessels in those who are rosacea-prone or going through menopause. “Those capillaries make the skin look less clear and youthful,” says Dr.
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Spicy food can cause bloating, pain and nausea in some people ( 54 ). Bottom Line: Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can help break up mucus but also stimulate mucus production. It may be effective at relieving coughing caused by irritation.
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Heat Helps Relieve Congestion When you apply heat directly to your face with a hot towel or if you spend time in a warm environment such as a sauna, that can help to reduce swelling and relieve congestion.
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Spices. Toward the end of the flu, you might have increased sinus and chest congestion. Certain spices, such as pepper and horseradish, can help break up congestion so you can breathe better. However, avoid spicy foods when you have a sore throat.
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Other ways you can add spice to your food is to include chili peppers, cayenne pepper, garlic, or wasabi. It can naturally decongest a stuffy nose, and you can have a tasty meal to go right along with it.
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It's just honey, lemon juice, and hot water. But it's so good, especially if you have a cough or congestion. The lemon juice helps cut through congestion and the honey soothes the throat. You can also add fresh ginger to your honey and lemon tea.
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Spicy Foods Help with Cold Symptoms: FACT Spicy foods contain capsaicin, the bioactive ingredient in chili peppers. Capsaicin breaks up mucus, which can help effectively relieve coughing and a sore throat. However, capsaicin can increase the production of mucus, causing a more prevalent runny nose.
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Older studies, such as a 1989 one published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, have shown that spicy foods stimulate mucus production in people with gustatory rhinitis. Gustatory rhinitis is more common among older adults. It often overlaps with senile rhinitis, another type of nonallergic rhinitis.
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A better option: Drink plenty of fluids like water, orange juice, or mint tea. Keeping yourself hydrated will help you feel better. Good hydration helps clear congestion. When you're sick, make sure you get eight cups of water a day.
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Grate a piece of ginger and take out its juice. Have this juice with honey two-four times a day. Ayurvedic kriya like Jal Neti can also help remove the mucus and clean the blockages. Regular practise of this kriya reduces your chances of getting the sinus infection.
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Spicy foods may keep your heart healthy. People who eat red chili peppers have been shown to have lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “bad” cholesterol because it increases the risk of heart disease.
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The takeaway. The best tips for getting over your cold are to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Water, juice, clear broth, and warm water with lemon and honey can really help loosen congestion. Tea is fine, but the decaffeinated kinds are best.
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Peppermint may help improve digestion, freshen your breath and improve concentration. Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches and clogged airways.