Clean Your Sinuses!

Those that live in an arid climate like Boulder, Colorado are especially prone to developing sinus infections. The functioning of the mucus membranes of the sinuses are severely compromised in a dry climate. Meaning they are less efficient at clearing out irritants and maintaing a barrier of mucous to protect the body from getting an infection.

Most sinus infections or “colds/allergies” can be avoided if proper integrity of the nasal passage is maintained.

To avoid a trip to your doctor and using harmful antibiotics and other medications that have a host of negative effects on the body, use nasal irrigation. Many more up-to-date doctors are recommending cleaning the nasal passages as a number one way to defend against colds, allergies, and sinus infections.

There are several types of nasal cleaning devices available. I would recommend a syringe type system because it can get into the higher nasal passages and it is easier to use. I bought mine at Pharmaca in Boulder but most grocery pharmacies carry a nasal cleaning product.

Hydration with water and electrolytes/salts and a low sugar and low inflammatory diet can also help you to avoid sinus problems.

Types of Tired

There could be many reasons for fatigue and the feeling of being tired but the top are as follows.

Top Five Reasons for Being Tired:
1. Lack of oxygen due to restricted or shallow breathing patterns- Hyperventilation breathing cycles are common with low grade stress and chronic anxiety. This means that every time you inhale you don't get enough oxygen and this creates a signal that the body interprets as stressful, creating a cycle of restricted inhalations.

2. Dehydration- We need approx. 1/2 your body weight,in ounces, in water a day. Example if you are 150 lbs. you would need 75 oz. of water daily. If you drink diuretics like coffee and tea or sweat while exercising you will need to drink more. Most of the time when we are looking for something or have some confusion of what to do next, we are actually looking for water.

3. Over work or lack of rest- Are you tired from over-stimulation, doing to much and you need to rest because your adrenals are overworked. Adrenal fatigue is common and a simple test from your Doctor can help you get a diagnosis.


4. Under worked or lack of movement-Are you tired because you have stagnate blood and poor circulation of nutrients, lack of oxygen and stimulation.A good way to know is if your energy levels increase or decrease after moderate exercise.


5. Nutrient Deficiency, Allergies, Blood Sugar Fluctuations- These are common and often less obvious causes of fatigue. A Doctor of Naturopathy or nutritionist are the best for diagnosing and treating these issues. Secondarily, I would not recommend your general practitioner because they only get nutrition as an elective in college and often an average nutritionist will know more.