An interview with Mehmet Oz, by Melissa Lynn Block

Your going along in your busy life, feeling pretty good...and then, one day, you feel it. The pain in your face. Pain at the roots of your teeth. And then, inexorably, the pain in the forehead...the heaviness, runny nose, and cough from congestion and inflammation...and you know you're in for: yet another trip to the doctor for a long course of antibiotics. You hate to do it; you know how bad antibiotics are for your body and that they contribute to the whole antibiotic-resistant bacteria problem. But you can't stand feeling this way. You feel like your heads about to explode.

       Many of us have this problem every year-some of us, more than once a year. Sinusitis-inflammation of the sinuses that causes symptoms like the ones described above-is a serious problem that afflicts some 37 million Americans each year, according to government surveys. The cause might be allergies, infection, fungus, or other irritants. Sufferers often end up taking multiple medications, including antibiotics, nasal steroids, decongestants, and antihistamines in their attempts to stay sinusitis-free. All of these medications have side effects and dangers.

       Fortunately, there's another way, and it's as simple as some warm water and salt. We spoke with Mehmet Oz, M.D. about nasal irrigation using a neti pot-a proceudre that ha been used in india and other Southeast Asian countries for thousands of years to prevent and treat nasal and sinus inflammation. He recently spoke on this topic on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and he was kind enough to give us the scoop.

Melissa: What is a neti pot? Why sould our readers use one?

Dr. Oz: it looks something like a very small teapot with a long, straight spout, or the kind of bottle you'd expect a genie to come out of. You can buy them online, or in health food store. When you use it properly it reduces dust and other contaminants in the nose, and it's a very effective way to clean the sinuses. Modern studies are showing that it's as effective as drugs for preventing sinus infections. Regular use of a neti pot is alsohugely beneficial for people with nasal allergies and headaches. It just takes all the gelatinous goo out of there. 

       What alot of people don't know is that the sinusesare linked closely to lung health. The sinuses are a major source of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide opens thingsup: the blood vessels, the airways. When we intubate a patient through the nose we always worry about how it will effect their breathing-because it can reduce the lungs' content of nitric oxide. So, it follows that keeping the sinuses healthy also keeps the lungs full of fresh, clean air. We don't yet know whether nasal irrigation is as helpful for asthma as it is for sinus problems, but it certainly will do more good than harm for asthmatics.

       It's interesting to note that cleansing with the neti pot has been done for centuries. Even today, it's an important part of Eastern meditation processes. Many Muslims do it before going to prayer. Although it might seem a little strange to Westerners, it really does give you a wonderful clean feeling.  

Melissa: How is the neti pot used?

Dr. Oz: First you make your saline mixture: Fill your pot with warm water-not just luke warm, but blood warm, as warm as your body-and mix in a quarter-teaspoon of salt. Let it dissolve. Then, lean over the sink face-down and insert the spout into one nostril. The water will seep out into your nose and drain through the other nostril. Empty half the solution into one nostril, then switch and pour the rest into the second nostril.

       You can do this once a day, first thing in the morning, just for maintenance cleansing. If you feel an infection coming on, if the flu or common cold is going around, or your nasal allergies are flaring up, you can do it up to four times a day.

Melissa: Any mistakes commonly made in using the neti pot?

Dr. Oz: Not bending the head at the right angle or not using warm water are the most common. If you use water that's less than the temperature of your body, you'll get a head rush, and the whole experience will not be very pleasant.

Melissa: Can you recommend any other remedies or lifestyle changes/choices-diet, exercise, or supplements- that can improve sinus health and allergie?

Dr. Oz: Prbiotics  seem to be pretty effectivce at maintaing intestinal flora health, which in turn has a good influence on general immunity to infection. For sinusitis or allergic symptoms, try a steam room, which lubricates the mucous membranes.

       Sinus roblems can also relate to the diet. Gluten and casein (dairy protein) allergies can worsen nasal allergies. An elimination diet, espcially eliminating casein and wheat, is one of the best things you can do to get your immune system in top working order. Minimizing saturated fats and eliminating simple sugars will also help.