Respiratory System: 
Help for Sinusitis, 
Seasonal Allergies and More

There is nothing better than a big breath of fresh air, but what does our respiratory system need in order to stay healthy?

The respiratory system provides oxygen to the cells. Without oxygen your cells couldn't move, reproduce or turn food into energy, and of course we would die.

Respiratory System

The upper part of the system - mouth, nose, sinus, larynx and trachea - help filter, humidify and warm the air as it enters the body. The cilia in the lining of the air passages, and the mucus, protect the lungs from dirt and dust. The air goes through the lungs' bronchi and bronchioles into the alveoli. They allow air to pass into the blood and on to the heart to oxygenate the cells. 

When you exhale, the blood carries the carbon dioxide and other wastes into the alveoli, to go back out through the lungs, trachea and out the mouth or nose.

If you are suffering from a respiratory ailment, help is on the way! Learn what to do for chronic sinusitis. Here are some very useful suggestions to help you with seasonal allergies. 


And be sure to check out Five Top Alternative Allergy Treatments

An estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma and asthma has increased 75% since 1980. There is so much you can do to go about treating asthma naturally. Also this diet for asthma will help you learn which foods are beneficial and which foods to avoid.

To Maintain a Healthy Respiratory System:

1. Practice deep abdominal breathing. 

2. Exercise, especially outside in fresh air. Physical exercise strengthens the muscles as well as the muscles of the diaphragm. It relaxes the body, increasing blood circulation. The body is better able to eliminate waste and toxic materials more quickly, allowing the body to benefit from better quality oxygen.

3. Breathe fresh air as much as possible. Make sure your house is well ventilated, not too dry or too humid, and that your heating/cooling system is clean.

4. Drink plenty of pure water.

5. Eat a healthy diet. 

6. Eliminate regularly. We need to have 2 or more bowel movements per day and maintain a healthy intestinal flora.

7. Reduce acidity in the body.

Foods that Nourish the Respiratory System:

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Turnip
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Fresh vegetable juices
  • Carrots
  • Watercress
  • Apples


Avoid Foods That Generate Excess Mucus. 

Foods that increase mucus in the body are unhealthy for the body and especially the respiratory system.

Foods that Increase Mucus:

  • Sugar
  • Dairy
  • White foods, such as sugar, flour, white rice
  • All refined, processed foods
  • Additives and food coloring
  • Concentrated fruit juices
  • Too many fruits

The body produces mucus to protect itself. When there are too many toxins invading the body, excess mucus is produced, first in the digestive system and then in the other organs in the body, especially the respiratory system. Excess mucus accumulates in the sinuses, bronchioles, throat, and lungs. The tonsils and ears are also frequently affected as well.

What was a defense system for the body, now becomes a barrier, disallowing the passage of nutrients and oxygen into the body. This results in a myriad of diseases. Of course cigarette smoke and pollution play an important role in respiratory illnesses, but a healthy diet is of utmost importance.

Signs of Excess Mucus in the Body:

  • Recurring sinus infections
  • Nasal drip
  • Hay fever and allergies
  • Persistent cough and hoarse throat
  • Digestive problems
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Burping, gas
  • Bad breath
  • Body is overly acidic
  • Asthma and respiratory problems
  • Excess wax build up in ears, itchy eyes
  • Polyps, tumors
  • Feeling discouraged, tired, unhappy


There is much you can do to alleviate or completely clear up your respiratory ailments. The first step is in making changes in your diet to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients your body needs. Eliminate all dairy products and foods mentioned above that could be aggravating your condition.

By following the suggestions here you should notice a difference after just a few days. A naturopath can also help you further with the aid of supplements, vitamins, herbs and a gentle cleansing if needed.

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