Nasal polyps are growths that appear in the nose or sinuses caused by things like infections, allergies, reactions to drugs, or other immune disorders. Patients with existing chronic rhinitis are especially susceptible to nasal polyps. The symptoms of nasal polyps include persistent stuffiness, lack of sense of taste, and post nasal drip. Polyps are often treated with corticosteroid nasal spray, or oral and injectable corticosteroids.

During treatment, many doctors will often recommend avoiding certain foods for patients with nasal polyps:

1. Foods rich in omega 6 fatty acids
For a person who has nasal polyps too much omega 6 in the diet can be very bad for them. Omega 6 can cause massive inflammation in the body, which is what aggravates polyps and already irritated airways. Common sources of omega 6 include vegetable oils, safflower oil, and deep fried foods. It is best to replace those with other omega sources like flaxseed, walnuts, and fatty cold water fish (i.e., salmon, sardines, tuna, etc.).

2. Gluten
Foods with high levels of gluten, such as breads, pasta, and baked goods can cause your nose to continuously run, thus irritating nasal polyps and worsening sinus congestion. Luckily, you are a pizza or pasta lover, there are several gluten free options available.

3. Processed meats
Processed meats contain sulfites as a preservative, which can cause allergic reactions and worsen nasal polyps. Sulfates can also dry out the polyps in your nose and cause frequent nosebleeds. Deli meats, like processed sausage, bacon, and beef jerky contain preservatives called nitrites, which are common allergy triggers. When shopping for lunch meats, be sure to opt for those free of these preservatives.

4. Alcohol
Alcohol is a drink to definitely avoid with nasal polyps, as it can cause swelling in the mucous membranes. If the mucous membranes swell, breathing blockages and pain can occur.

5. Spicy foods
Spicy foods can also be detrimental to the healing of nasal polyps as spice may cause congestion, inflammation, and pain sensations. A lot of times people will tell you to eat something spicy to clear up congestion, but when congestion is chronic, as with nasal polyps, spicy foods can end up further aggravating the inflammation,