Mucus Flow and Sinus Health

 

The nasal passages are lined with cilia, tiny hairs that trap irritants entering through the nose. Mucus then flows over these cilia, which move in steady waves, to flush out irritants before they can move further into the body, or into the sinuses. Mucus flow is crucial to this defense mechanism.

 

Drying out the nasal passages is not the answer because it impedes the flow of healthy mucus. A drying effect can leave behind pockets of dried mucus, which can encourage an increase in irritants in the nasal sinuses because mucus is not flowing properly.

 

It is important to maintain a flow of healthy mucus to keep the sinuses clear and healthy, no matter the season. Certain nutrients found in supplements, such as select antioxidant N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), help support the healthy flow of mucus in the sinuses, which in turn works to flush irritants out and keep the nasal passages well hydrated.

 

Probiotic and Antioxidant Supplements for Sinus Relief *

• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a powerful, natural antioxidant that works in the sinus and nasal passages to help break up mucus. Thick and sticky mucus is not effective for flushing out irritants; NAC has shown to help thin mucus so it can flow properly out of the sinuses and nose.*
• Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, work from the body's "immune center" - the gut - to support immune health. The immune system is an interconnected process throughout the body, including the sinuses, and mucus is a key player in a normal, healthy immune system.

 

 

 

Flora Sinus® Seasonal Support to strengthen your sinus & immune health.

Study found that probiotic strains helped balance the beneficial bacteria in the nose...

Not only does nasal mucus work to flush irritants from the body, mucus also contains a robust population of "friendly" bacteria. The body's bacterial balance is an important part of our daily health - the ratio should always be in favor of friendly or beneficial bacteria over non-beneficial bacteria. Healthy mucus is part of this healthy bacterial balance and supports daily clear sinus health.

 

A Swiss clinical study examined the effects of ingesting specific probiotic strains on the bacterial "flora" of the nose. The study found that the probiotic strains Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus helped balance the beneficial bacteria in the nose for healthy mucus support.