Nasal congestion causes a stuffy nose and makes breathing difficult. Often triggered by allergies, common cold, flu, and sinus infections, nasal congestion can be quite an annoyance and cause a lot of discomfort. It can bring about headaches, body ache, fatigue, and even fever in some cases. Often caused by the inflammation of sinuses, nasal congestion is mostly triggered by a compound known as histamines. Foods rich in histamine can cause the sinuses to get irritated and block the nasal passages. On the other hand, foods rich in antihistamines and anti-inflammation properties help in giving relief from nasal congestion.

Read on to know more about foods to avoid and foods to eat when one has nasal congestion.

What should you eat to get relief from nasal congestion?

• Ginger : Ginger is rich in medicinal properties. It is one of the essential home remedies for a number of ailments. It can be added to foods as a spice while cooking or can be boiled in water to make tea. Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also gives a boost to the immune system. Drinking ginger tea can help soothe the sinuses, decongest the nasal passages, and give relief from body aches.
• Radishes : Irrespective of the color, radishes are quite helpful when it comes to nasal congestion. Add them to salsa, salads, sandwiches, tacos, or soups to get the benefit of their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Moreover, radishes are natural decongestants and rich in vitamin C.
• Raw garlic : Garlic has allyl thiosulfonate, which gives temporary relief from nasal congestion. Eating raw garlic can break the mucus and decongest the nasal passageways. Minced raw garlic can be added to salads or dressing for a piquant flavor and added health benefits.
• Raw onions : Onions have a pungent smell and spicy flavor. They can instantly open up nasal congestion and drain stuffed sinuses. Onions are rich in antihistamines and help in giving relief from congestion and inflammation. Add raw onions to salads and dressings to get the maximum benefit.

What food should be avoided for nasal congestion?

• Red meat : Red meat is one of the richest sources of protein for the body. A high amount of protein can lead to an excess build-up of mucus in the body. Eating bacon, sausages, beef, pork, and lamb can trigger sinuses and cause nasal congestion.
• Fish : A number of fishes such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon are rich in histamines. These compounds cause inflammation in the body. This causes the nasal passages to swell. Some people may feel uncomfortable with mucus building up in the nose and throat. There can be difficulty in breathing and headaches as well. All these are symptoms of nasal congestion.
• Dairy products : Most dairy products cause a temporary thickening of the mucus. As the mucus gets thicker, it takes more time to leave the body. This causes allergens to stay on the body for a longer time. Whole milk stimulates the production of mucus and makes it thicker as well. Moreover, dairy products are rich in casein, which is another trigger for nasal congestion. Therefore, it is best to avoid cheese, butter, ice cream, and so on.
• Histamine-rich fruits : Histamine is one of the major triggers of nasal congestion, and fruits are one of the richest sources of histamine. Eating these fruits can irritate the sinuses and inflame the nasal passages. It can cause discomfort and congestion. Histamine-rich fruits include oranges, papayas, strawberries, and bananas.
• Refined-sugar : Sugar causes inflammation. The consumption of refined sugar increases the production of mucus and causes inflammation in the body, including the nasal passageways. Eating a cookie made of refined sugar will not cause nasal congestion. Eating too much of refined sugar, however, will trigger the symptoms of nasal congestion. Moreover, people who are sensitive to sugar are more prone to nasal congestion if they eat too much of anything with refined sugar. These include chocolates, baked goods, candy, pastries, and carbonated beverages.