Experts Reveal The Foods And Drinks That Cause Congestion, And Now I Think It's About Time I Changed My Diet

Certain foods can actually produce more mucus.

Here’s what to avoid when you’re feeling under the weather.

So why does this happen?

Two fried eggs and bacon strips on a plate, suggesting a classic breakfast meal

You may be surprised to learn that food and drink can play a part in this.

When mucus gets trapped, it gets thicker and stickier.

… That mucus is then going to just sit there and become like a spa for bacteria, explainedDr.

Assorted cheeses, nuts, and figs on a wooden board with cheese knives

Sam Huh, assistant professor of the department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai.

Jyothi Tirumalasetty, a clinical assistant professor specializing in allergy and immunology at Stanford Medicine.

Foods High In Histamines

So what is histamine?

A bowl of lentil stew with chunks of sausage and carrot, served on a white plate with a spoon on the side

Its a chemical produced by our immune system when it experiences a threat, like a potential allergen.

Histamine intolerancecan lead to many symptoms, including digestive issues, headaches, skin irritation and nasal congestion.

There are some foods and drinks that naturally contain a high amount of histamines.

Chili flakes being poured from a wooden spoon into a bowl with whole chilies in the background

Onestudylooked at how a salicylate-free diet showed a positive improvement in sinusitis symptoms.

When youre dealing with nasal congestion, the tissues lining your sinuses are already inflamed.

Onestudyfound that a diet high in refined sugars could worsen sinusitis by increasing inflammation.

Anderson-Haynes suggests consuming anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce congestion.

Capsaicin, an active compound in cayenne and other hot peppers, can cause blood vessels to open up.

Compounds found in garlic and ginger also reduce inflammation.