Want to make less snot? Here are a few natural ways to breathe free.
Mucus, phlegm, and snot are three substances your body naturally produces. Mucus is a vital liquid produced in the nose, the mouth, the throat, the lungs, the sinuses, and the intestines. It’s a protective blanket that prevents these places from drying out. When the tissues in these areas dry, they tend to crack, bleed, and become more susceptible to infection. Mucus also stops pathogens from entering your body, and it contains natural antibodies to fight invaders. For these reasons, mucus is ALWAYS a good thing.
But when you produce too much mucus, that’s when things start to be a problem. The consistency may change, thickening to form phlegm and snot–two signs that something is wrong. Dealing with the buildup of snot in your nostrils will help you to have a more comfortable life and use far less tissue paper on a regular basis.
Here are a few foods that can help you to make less snot:
- Ginger — Ginger is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory remedies around, and you’ll find that it’s particularly useful to help you STOP producing so much mucus, phlegm, and snot when you’re sick. Ginger helps to get rid of the buildup of phlegm in the throat, lungs, and nose, fighting off whatever infection or germ is causing the snot problem. It is one of the best remedies to help you fight the coughs and colds that are responsible for your excess snot.
- Pumpkin –– Loaded with calcium, potassium, and many more vitamins and minerals, pumpkin is a sort of wonder food. The Omega-3s in pumpkin help to reduce the inflammation in your sinuses and throat, making it a powerful mucus reducer. Pumpkin can deal with the infection causing the increased snot/mucus production.
- Onion –– Sniff and onion and weep that snot away! If you’ve ever been cutting onions while dealing with a runny nose, you’ll notice how the onions make your snot run much thinner and faster. This is because onion contains quercetin, a compound that can fight infections and thin your snot. If you’ve got an allergy causing your sinuses to produce too much snot, it’s a good idea to eat some raw onion.
READ MORE: Health Benefits of Oregon Grape
- Honey –– Honey is definitely a superfood, as it is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. You’ll find that it’s loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants, and it can help to reduce your body’s reactions to allergies. Honey can help to reduce mucus, snot, and phlegm production, but it will also help to soothe the mucosal linings in your nose, throat, mouth, and lungs.
- Pineapple –– Pineapple is a tropical fruit rich in Vitamin C, which is a potent immune-booster that can do wonders to get rid of whatever infection is causing your excess snot production. The bromelain in pineapples not only helps to improve digestive health, but you’ll find that it can reduce the production of snot and phlegm as well.
- Grapefruit –– High in Vitamin C and minerals, grapefruit is a powerful immune-boosting food that you should definitely eat if you notice your body is producing a lot of snot. Grapefruit can make your immune system more effective at fighting off whatever infection is causing the production of snot, and can speed up your recovery time.
- Chamomile Tea — A cup of chamomile will help to reduce inflammation in your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs and can soothe the infected areas. You’ll find that drinking this tea is one of the best ways to deal with excess snot, and it will reduce the production of phlegm if you have a cough.
