Our nose and sinuses serve a very important function within our body. First and foremost, they are responsible for a large part of our breathing. They also clean and humidify the air that we breathe, as well as control the temperature. Our sinuses are also the place where bacteria, germs, and viruses most commonly enter the body and our immune system has the chance to stop them. Keeping the nasal cavity healthy is of utmost importance. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of nasal and sinus care that can keep us healthy throughout the year.

The Importance of Staying Hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mucus in the nasal passages thin and flowing. This will help prevent congestion and blockages. If mucus does not have the chance to cycle and becomes stagnant, this can lead to cold, flu, sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia. Healthy hydration is of tantamount importance in preventing buildups of mucus within the body. 

Protect the Air That You Breathe 

Poor air days in large cities can create situations that promote thick mucus buildup, leading to infections. Also, poor air quality means that dirt, allergens, and pollutants may build up in the nasal cavity causing inflammation. We can take guard against this by protecting the air that we breathe. On poor air quality days, one might want to consider exercising inside or taking the car to work instead of walking. Additionally, making sure that the air filters in your house are replaced will protect the air quality in your home. Clean air will protect the nasal cavity, leading to better overall health.

Make It a Point To Shower Each Evening

Showering in the evening doesn’t just ensure that we are clean; it also has ramifications for our respiratory health. Allergens, bacteria, and germs can build up on the body during the day and showering in the evening keeps these particles from reaching the bed at night and ultimately the nasal cavity. Showering in the evening will also loosen the mucus in the nose and moisturize it. 

Make Sure To Sleep 8 to 10 Hours Each Night 

Lack of sleep is detrimental for a wide variety of reasons. However, it also plays a role in getting sick and staying sick. Studies have shown that people who don’t get quality sleep are likely to get sick after being exposed to germs and staying sick longer. 

Consider A Holistic Approach To Sinus Care 

Essential oils and neti pots are a way to help take care of your sinuses. Sinus Support provides the Baraka® neti pot, an excellent way to irrigate your nasal passages. The neti pot works effectively with a mineral salt solution to help clear mucus blockages and other particles from the nose. There are also three essential oil combinations that play a role in helping stimulate nasal health:

  • Baraka® Sinus Rejuvenation Oil: This essential oil blend can help support overall nasal health within 6 to 8 weeks. 
  • Baraka® Dry Nose Oil: This blend of essential oils helps moisten the nasal cavity, stimulate your cilia, and get your sinuses to the level of mucus production that they need.
  • Baraka® Steam Oil: This blend helps alleviate congestion if you are ill or sick. 

Essential oils should never be used in a neti pot. 

Watch Your Diet 

Gravitating towards a plant-based diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, will help with vitamin C levels in your body. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to upper respiratory tract infections in the sinus and nose. Limiting dairy intake can also help reduce the possibility of congestion and even ear infections. 

Make Sure That Your Work & Home Environment Are Clean

A clean living and work environment can help stop the spread of the germs that make us ill. Regularly wipe surfaces down with a disinfectant wipe to kill germs. The various different cold and flu viruses can survive on a surface for as long as 7 to 9 days. Regular hand washing can also help stop the transmission of diseases. It is also important to wash clothes regularly. Viruses that cause the common cold and flu can survive on dirty laundry for a period of a few days

Exercise Regularly 

The British Journal of Sports Medicine was curious about exercising and the common cold, so they commissioned a study involving 1,000 people. They found that regular exercise nearly halved the risk of catching cold viruses. Additionally, those who did get sick didn’t get as sick. Exercise helps bolster the immune system to fight off illnesses. No particular type of exercise is recommended, but it is suggested that you find a routine that you like. Simply walking each day, jogging, or riding your bike might be enough to keep you from getting sick. 

Eliminate Stress In Your Life 

Prolonged stress is a big driver of long-term illness as it weakens our immune systems. This means that diseases like the common cold and flu are more likely to happen and that the intensity of the infection becomes more severe. Here are some ways that you can reduce stress while supporting your overall nasal health:

  • Keep your stress levels low by getting plenty of sleep.
  • Make sure that you take breaks between work activities. 
  • Do something that you enjoy to help lighten the stress between work and home.
  • Keep mindful and practice things like meditation and yoga to help reduce stress levels. 

Keep Your Sinuses Healthy 

These sinus health basics won’t guarantee that you won’t get sick throughout the year, but they might decrease the likelihood and severity of any illness. Practicing good sinus health will help make sure that you can breathe easy and stay healthy throughout the year.