Catarrh

What you need to know

There are many causes of this condition, including polyps, perennial rhinitis (hayfever), acute or chronic Sinusitis or just a simple cold. allergies are also a common cause of catarrh, but equally common are problems caused by central heating, air conditioning and hermetically sealed office buildings.

The most useful Supplements:

A good hi-potency multi-nutrient (a strong multivitamin) formula taken daily is useful to assist in correcting dietary deficiencies caused by a poor or restricted diet.  Other supplements can help break up mucous. These include:

The most useful Herbs:

Most useful herbs (in alphabetical order) which can help break up congestion include:

Other herbs that could help:

• Colt’s foot
• Mullein
• Plantain

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Avoid mucous-forming foods such as:

• Dairy foods
• Chocolate
• Eggs
• Refined carbohydrates (cakes, biscuits, white bread)

If restricting Dairy products it is advisable to supplement the diet with Calcium and Vitamin D. This is also important if you are using a corticosteroid nasal spray as it affects Calcium absorption.

Food allergies and intolerances can cause catarrh, seek professional guidance to discuss being tested or following an elimination diet. Avoid any food, which you might be sensitive to.

• Drink large amounts of fluids such as water, diluted juices, soups and herb teas
• Reduce sugar intake as it impairs immune function
• Eat plenty of Garlic and onions - they’re strong decongestants

Other useful advice:

The most helpful therapies are:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy massage
• Naturopathy

The humidity in many work places can be lower than that in the Sahara Desert and dry air combined with ozone and carbon particulate pollution from computers, printers, fax machines etc, makes mucous membranes hypersensitive, irritated and inflamed. You can overcome this problem by using humidifiers band lots of green, leafy plants like ivies, yuccas and spider plants.

If you have been taking antibiotics for a sinus infection, it is advisable to take a combined pre/probiotic (Acidophilus and FOS) supplement to keep the levels of good bacteria in your body at a healthy level. Alternatively, eat plenty of Dairy-free natural bio-yoghurt (live soya yoghurt).

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.