This weekend I did not make it for my long, weekly run. I have an excuse though, but that does not make me feel good about missing my run. I love running and if you are a runner you know how it feels when you are not able to go out there and run. So, what is my excuse?
I am a wimp because sinus infection did start to kick my butt and I have not been sleeping very well because of it, too. Attacking my next long run with hopefully another new long distance setting for me, requires that I am fit. Yes, I can easily run 6-7 miles with a sinus infection, but then I do not know. And I do not like to run just to push the limits. Running is fun and I decided some extra rest would be more fun this weekend. In addition to the Sinus infection I also woke up on Sunday morning with an infection in my big toe. It does not look like an ingrown nail or so and I really have no clue where it comes from, but it does not feel good. So, in one way I am glad that this is happening the same weekend as the Sinus infection. Rest once, but treat 2 items at the same time.
Sinus infections have been bothering me a lot over the years. I usually get 5-6 sinus infections per year. I think some of those are actually food-allergy based, but in the end it is a Sinus infection and it is just bad for me. My primary care physician used to prescribe Antibiotics and the infections went away, but I am aware of taking too many Antibiotics over time and what the negative impact this can have. I already had some brands or versions that do not work anymore and I needed stronger ones to get rid of the Sinus infections. So, I have been looking for alternative methods to get rid of a Sinus infection. Right now I have a 70% – 80% success rate in defeating a Sinus infection without the need to go to my doctor.
So, how have I been able to fight off sinus infections?
I did a lot of research on Sinus infections and I found a lot of commercial “recommendations” that are not worth a single penny. I am scared and amazed how many people and companies are trying to take advantage of you when you are sick. For them it does not matter what you have or how miserable you are – they want to make a profit off you and your medical condition. My research helped me to get past those “offerings”. I looked at organic and natural remedies for Sinus infections. I read hundreds, maybe even thousands of forum postings and blog comments and analyzed my findings. When you read that many comments and postings, you can find patterns and recommendations that seem to work. You also find mistakes that people make even though they eventually have the key to fighting a medical condition in their hand.
Here is my “secret” to successfully fighting off a Sinus infection:
- Buy a Neti Pod
- Buy Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered)
- Buy Lemon Juice
- Buy Green Tea (any flavor will do, however I prefer Honey Lemon Ginseng)
- Buy Honey (Cheap Wal-Mart brand will do)
Step #1: Buy a Neti Pod and use it. It does not feel pleasant and it might be a little gross if you think about using it, BUT IT WORKS. Make sure to use it appropriately. I boil some water in the Microwave and let it cool down to a temperature my nose and sinuses can tolerate. Add the saline pack into the empty Neti Pod, then add the warm/hot water, but leave room for some lemon juice. I leave about 20% room for lemon juice. Add the lemon juice, then stir well. Get some paper towels and soft tissues close by and then have at it. It might require a little training, but with some practice you will be able to have the content of the Neti Pod run through your nose and sinuses and are done in under one minute. Now blow your nose and then clean the Neti Pod. Do this at the first sign of having a Sinus infection. Repeat this procedure 5-6 times per day. IMPORTANT: Use clean water!!!!!!
Step #2: Drink tea. Drinking tea helps to fight sinus infections. Drinking a special mixed tea helps even more. I prepare a normal cup of tea, but leave some room to add some Apple Cider Vinegar and some honey. The key is to find the mix where you really taste the Apple Cider Vinegar … a lot. It is not only a taste question, but also how much your stomach can tolerate and so this step might require some experimenting, but it is worth it. The vinegar will help with keeping your throat clear of that stuff that otherwise cause the sore throat. If you have frequent Sinus infections you know how “good” a sore throat feels. The honey calms down the sore throat and if you know a little bit about honey you also know that honey has some special powers to fight viruses and bacteria. How much tea do you need to drink? It depends on how bad the situation is in my opinion. If you are at the very early stages of getting a Sinus infection, then 2 cups per day might work just fine. If things are really bad already, double or triple as needed. I personally like to brush my teeth after each cup and rinse with a lot of water.
Step #3: Review the foods that you are eating and eventually cut back on some that you suspect for eventually causing the infection. In my case it seems to be bread – whole wheat breads or dark wheat breads, but also pine apple and Oranges. Get enough rest. Sleep helps, too.
Disclaimer: The steps described above are my own way of dealing with Sinus infections and this works for me. This might not work for you. Your doctor might say it will not work or to just don’t do it. Then don’t do it – it is up to you. Again, no guarantees and no promises. Your overall mileage might vary, but for me this seems to take care of around 80% of my sinus infections. I have experimented a lot over the years and this solution is extremely affordable, you get everything at your local grocery store (except for maybe the Neti Pod), and you do the treatment almost anywhere where you get water to boil. Please use very clean water and always thoroughly rinse the Neti Pod. I do have the Waterpik Sinusense Neti Pot that comes 60 Soothing Saline Packs when you buy it. Additional Saline packs can be purchased separately. This article is not meant to be medical advice!!!!
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