Don't eat these 5 foods if you want to stop nasal polyps from getting worse

Time of India

12 hours ago

If you're living with nasal polyps, you know how frustrating they can be, with constant congestion, facial pressure, and that annoying loss of smell. While treatment from your doctor is important, what you eat could be making things better or worse.
Certain foods can fuel inflammation and histamine release, causing those polyps to swell and your symptoms to flare. The good news? Avoiding a few key culprits and swapping them for anti-inflammatory options can make a real difference in how you feel. Let's take a closer look at five foods you may want to limit or skip to help keep symptoms under control.
What not to eat if you have nasal polyps: 5 worst trigger foods
Cookies and other sugary treats
Refined sugar is one of the biggest dietary drivers of inflammation.
It can trigger an immune response that promotes chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body. This doesn't just affect your sinuses; excessive sugar consumption is also linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Sugary foods include cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, pastries, candy, and many packaged snacks. According to a
study
published in NIH, eating these regularly can make nasal polyps swell and increase congestion.
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A better option for satisfying a sweet craving is fresh fruit, particularly berries. Berries are rich in quercetin and anthocyanins, natural plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin helps block histamine release, which can reduce allergy-like symptoms, while anthocyanins help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Aged Cheeses
Aged cheeses such as blue cheese, Parmesan, brie, and cheddar often contain high amounts of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that can cause inflammation, congestion, and allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals. According to a
study
published in the National Institutes of Health, in people with nasal polyps, excess histamine may worsen swelling in the nasal tissues.
The histamine in cheese develops during the aging process, as proteins break down over time. Fortunately, not all cheeses are problematic. Fresh, non-aged varieties such as goat cheese, mozzarella, and provolone are typically lower in histamine and can be enjoyed in moderation if dairy is tolerated.
Yogurt with added sugars
Yogurt can be a healthy choice because it contains probiotics, which support gut and immune health. A balanced gut microbiome may help reduce inflammation, including in the nasal passages.
However, many store-bought yogurts, especially flavored varieties, contain large amounts of added sugar, which can cancel out these benefits.
If you choose yogurt, read labels carefully and opt for plain, unsweetened varieties. You can sweeten them naturally by adding fresh fruit or a small drizzle of honey. Honey not only adds flavor but also has mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may further support sinus health.
French fries and other fried foods
French fries, onion rings, fried chicken, doughnuts, and other deep-fried foods can trigger inflammation for several reasons. Frying often involves unhealthy oils that produce harmful compounds when heated to high temperatures. These foods can prompt the release of cytokines, proteins involved in inflammation, which can worsen nasal swelling and congestion.
Fried foods are also typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sometimes trans fats, all of which are linked to poor cardiovascular health and weight gain.
Excess body weight can further increase inflammation in the body.
For a healthier alternative, try oven-baked vegetables like sweet potato wedges, roasted carrots, or zucchini sticks. Pair them with leafy greens such as spinach or kale, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help regulate the immune system.
Bacon and other processed meats
Processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, salami, pepperoni, and sausage are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives like nitrates.
These compounds can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially worsening nasal polyps.
A more supportive protein choice is fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce certain inflammatory compounds in the body. Omega-3s can help lower levels of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, substances often elevated in conditions involving chronic sinus inflammation.
While diet alone cannot cure nasal polyps, reducing inflammation through smart food choices can play a key role in managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Limiting foods high in refined sugar, histamine, unhealthy fats, and preservatives can help reduce nasal swelling and congestion.
By focusing on anti-inflammatory options like berries, leafy greens, fresh cheeses, plain yogurt, and fatty fish, you can support your overall health and make it easier to manage nasal polyps alongside medical treatment. Small, consistent dietary changes can add up over time, helping you breathe more easily and reduce discomfort from this chronic condition.
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