Rhinitis, as a common nasal disease, has symptoms that include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and even reduced sense of smell, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life. For a long time, people have often attributed rhinitis to factors such as allergies, genetics, and environmental pollution, while overlooking the potentially important role of dietary habits in the onset of rhinitis. In fact, an increasing number of studies show that “many cases of rhinitis are related to diet,” indicating a close relationship between unhealthy eating habits and rhinitis.
The relationship between dietary habits and rhinitis
1. Excessive intake of irritating foods
Spicy foods, fried foods, and drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol can easily irritate the nasal mucosa, leading to vasodilation and triggering rhinitis or worsening symptoms. Long-term consumption of these foods can keep the nasal mucosa in a congested state, reducing its resistance and making it more susceptible to external allergens.
2. Lack of vitamins and minerals
Vitamins A, C, E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, are crucial for maintaining the health of the nasal mucosa. These nutrients can enhance the barrier function of the nasal mucosa, increasing its resistance to external irritants. However, the fast-paced lifestyle and unreasonable dietary structure of modern people often lead to insufficient intake of these nutrients, thereby increasing the risk of developing rhinitis.
3. Food allergies
Food allergies are one of the important factors that trigger allergic rhinitis. Some individuals have allergic reactions to foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, and seafood; when these allergens enter the body, they can cause abnormal responses that release large amounts of mediators like histamine, leading to congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa, resulting in rhinitis symptoms.
4. Unbalanced diet
Long-term picky eating, selective eating, or dieting can lead to malnutrition, making the body more prone to infections from bacteria and viruses, which can in turn trigger rhinitis or other respiratory diseases.
Conclusion
Dietary habits have a significant impact on the onset of rhinitis. By improving dietary habits, reducing the intake of irritating foods, paying attention to food allergies, and maintaining a balanced diet to supplement necessary nutrients, we can effectively reduce the risk of developing rhinitis. Therefore, for patients with rhinitis, adjusting dietary habits is an important aspect of preventing and treating rhinitis.
