Science Backs Up the Neti Pot


Updated 10/14/11 11:49 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 26 comments

Science Backs Up the Neti Pot

I am firm believer in fighting my seasonal allergies with a neti pot. Rinsing with it the daily, which once seemed super hippie to me, flushes the irritating pollen away. Formally known as "nasal irrigation," neti pots have become an increasingly popular alternative for coping with seasonal allergies. That is because the neti pot works. Unlike decongestants, which can lead to "rebound" Read more

Neti Pot Possible Cause of Two Deaths: How to Use One Safely


Updated 12/20/11 10:30 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Use a Neti Pot Safely

Flushing your nasal passages with warm salt water can do wonders for congestion and sinus pain caused by colds and allergies, but use a neti pot improperly, and it could result in death. Louisiana's state health department has issued a warning for neti pots in response to two deaths thought to be linked to improper neti pot use. Both victims filled their neti pots with regular tap water instead Read more

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection


Updated 11/03/11 7:11 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 34 comments

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and your symptoms involve nasal and sinus congestion 24-7, you may want to take a look at the dairy in your diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may be making your allergy symptoms worse. Casein, the naturally occurring protein in dairy products, can promote the formation of mucus. It can also make existing mucus thicker in your Read more

Must-Know Tips For Neti Pot Newbies


Updated 12/07/11 9:13 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Use a Neti Pot

Whether it's a nasty cold or allergies causing your congestion, it may be time to give a neti pot a whirl. This teapot-looking device may seem a little odd at first glance, but it's recommended by ear, nose, and throat doctors to relieve nasal congestion and pain. To a newbie, using a neti pot may seem torturous, but with a few helpful hints, you'll be a neti-pot know-it-all in no time. Watch Read more

Neti Pot Use Could Cause Sinus Problems?


Updated 10/14/11 11:49 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 21 comments

Long-Term Neti Pot Use Linked to Sinus Problems

Pollen and cat fur are not my friends, and when I become so stuffed up I can't smell a thing, I turn to my neti pot. It looks like a little teapot. You fill it with warm salt water, place the spout in one nostril and as the water passes through your nasal passages and comes out the other nostril; it helps get rid of irritants and mucus so you can breathe easier. I know it sounds medieval, but it Read more

How to Beat the Worst Pollen Season Ever


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 11 comments

Natural Ways to Deal With Allergies

My allergies are horrible this year, probably the worse they've ever been. I am not alone either. According to the Associated Press, experts are saying pollen is at an all-time high, and the words "allergy" and "pollen" are constantly trending on Twitter: "It's wicked bad this year," said Dr. Mona Mangat, an allergy specialist in St. Petersburg, FL., who can't recall a worse year in the six she's Read more

Antibiotics Worthless Against Most Sinus Infections, Study Says


Updated 02/17/12 10:02 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Infections

When suffering from the pain and pressure of a sinus infection, getting a prescription for antibiotics becomes priority number one. New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association put this practice into question. Hold onto your tissues folks — scientists found antibiotics don't ease patients' symptoms any faster than placebo pills. The small study included 166 adults Read more

How to Kick a Nighttime Cough Naturally


Updated 02/03/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Natural Remedies For Nighttime Coughing

Whether it's because of a cold or allergies, coughing at night is not only annoying, it prevents you from getting the sleep you need to stay healthy. Before you down cough medicine (which often just masks the cough), you might want to relieve your nighttime cough with one of these natural remedies. Steam up: Before hitting the hay, create a steam room in the bathroom. Shut the door, don't turn Read more

Skip the Benadryl! Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion


Updated 12/20/11 9:55 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion

Whether it's allergies or a nasty cold, being congested sucks. It's hard to breathe, the sinus pressure is painful, and it can even affect your hearing. Blowing your nose offers some relief, but in cases where you're really stuffed up, it can be pretty futile. OTC medicines help dry out mucus but leave users feeling loopy, sleepy, and spaced out. What's left to do? The next time you're feeling Read more