How to Cure a Sinus Infection at Home

Every winter, I seem to be plagued with a sinus infection. Around November or early December, I start feeling the tell-tale signs of the ominous doom coming upon me. I hate the sinus infection itself, but I hate going to the doctor possibly even more.

Last year, I had a trip to California right at the same time I got a sinus infection, so, I went in to the doctor. I was prescribed antibiotics but it didn't help. So, I was prescribed another round and again, it didn't help. So, I not only spent a lot of money but the sinus infection wasn't cured either. Now, I am not a medical professional and I will not tell you when and when not to see a doctor but I will tell you that I tend to simply avoid doctors for sinus infections because it seems to be a waste of time and money. If you are prone to sinus infections and know when you have one and have experimented with doctors, you too may know when to go and when not to go. From the layman's view, in my opinion, it is trial and error. It is known that bacteria have been becoming more resistant in recent years and what was once easily cured is not so much anymore.

So, I have my own personal arsenal. I actually have more in my arsenal than the above products but I will just cover these items for today.

Essence C is a generic Emergen-C. This is a high potency vitamin C powder that can be poured into a drink. I take this and I also take zinc and some other supplements.

Flonase is a nasal spray that used to be prescription.  You can get it over the counter now. It shouldn't be used for long periods of time but in certain situations, it can really help keep the nasal inflammation down. Be sure to follow instructions.

Raw honey. This is great in tea or with some squeezed lemon and cinnamon. Raw honey has enzymes in it that regular honey doesn't.

GSE is grapeseed extract. This is a natural antibiotic that I sometimes use.

And then, the wonderful NeilMed sinus rinse. If you've never used this, it can seem odd at first but it works really nicely. I buy the pre-mixed packets of salt and baking soda. You can make these yourself for next to nothing but I find it stings my nose if I don't use the pre-mixed ones. You can find a recipe here: http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/diy-neti-pot-sinus-rinse-refills/  (I see she uses epsom salts. I may have to try that. I hate paying for the packets.)

Beyond that, I get lots of rest, avoid sugar and drink plenty of fluids! I eat oranges and grapefruit. I also take steamy hot showers and baths to try and work it out of my system. You would think with all that, I'd be up in a couple days but nope, it takes me quite some time. Regardless, I know that the times I have not done these things, I have been much worse off.

Last year, with two rounds of antibiotics from the doctor, it took me a month to get over a sinus infection, the longest time it ever took me. So, I'll have to be pretty bad off to try that again. Until then, I will use these things and take a hot water bottle to bed.

Happy Savings!

A Very Inexpensive and Tasty Snack: Popcorn!

 Popcorn is a very inexpensive and tasty snack! Not only that, it is better for you than chips. According to this article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/441733-chips-vs-popcorn-which-is-worse/ here are the calories and macronutrient content and fiber content of each:

Chips tend to be higher in fat and calories than popcorn. A 1-ounce serving of regular potato chips has 152 calories, 10.2 grams of fat, 14.2 grams of carbohydrates and 1.8 grams of protein. The same quantity of tortilla chips has 132 calories, 5.8 grams of fat, 18.9 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein. Air-popped popcorn is the best choice. Each ounce has 128 calories, 1.3 grams of fat, 21.8 grams of carbohydrate and 3.6 grams of protein. Popping your popcorn at home in oil lowers the benefits a bit, as each ounce has 140 calories, 7.9 grams of fat, 16.3 grams of carbohydrate and 2.8 grams of protein. If you choose regular microwave popcorn, however, you won't be much better off than if you choose chips. Each ounce has 163 calories, 12.2 grams of fat, 12.6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein.

Both potato chips and tortilla chips provide a small amount of fiber, with 5 percent to 6 percent of the daily value. Popcorn is a better source. Air-popped popcorn has 16 percent of the DV per ounce, oil-popped popcorn has 11 percent of the DV per ounce and regular microwave popcorn has about 9 percent of the DV for fiber per ounce. Dietary fiber helps you control your weight and blood sugar while lowering your risk for high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and digestive issues such as constipation.

According to the USDA, chips cost about $3.86/lb. I buy popcorn in bulk, shown below, for $7.99 on sale for 12.5 lbs. That's .64 lb un-popped. One lb of un-popped popcorn is a LOT of popcorn when popped. I use an air popper and use either coconut oil or real butter on it. It does take a little work but is worth it for the $$ savings and better health! Better health also means savings! Popcorn can also be used to make tasty popcorn balls.

Happy Savings!

How to Keep from Funding your Dentist's Children's College Educations and Trips to the Bahamas~

I have had bad teeth my whole life. I remember as a child, my brother (who never brushed his teeth) and I would be taken to the dentist, he with a clean bill of health and I (who brushed regularly) was always handed a slip of paper with a return date on it to get some drilling done. After my daughter was born, I had to get a couple of root canals and crowns. Year after year, the same thing. I always had to come back.

I brushed and flossed regularly. One year, I was having some problems with a tooth, and they said I had to get a filling because I had brushed too much and wore away the enamel. Sigh. I felt resigned to teeth drilling forevermore.

Some of my teeth are too far gone with old root canals etc. and I have been told I will need to have one pulled. However, aside from damage that is too far gone, I finally read about a way to prevent cavities for teeth that aren't practically falling out of my mouth from old fixes. Yes! I have used this regimen for 4 years now and aside from old problems becoming new, I have had NO cavities, 4 years in the running! A world record!!

I was working at the library a few years ago and I checked out this life-changing book called Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye by Ellie Phillips DDS. This books gives all the science to the regimen. (I like all the details but you may not.) http://store.drellie.com/books-literature/kiss-your-dentist-goodbye-book.html 

Follow this link to a chart that shows you how to use the above products and do the regimen:

http://www.drellie.com/Zellie-Mouth-Care-System.php

Here is how I do it:

1. Soak toothbrush in Listerine for 30 seconds.
2. Rinse with Closys for 1 minute.
3. Brush with Crest. (Use ONLY Crest regular with NO whiteners or any other kind. There are scientific reasons for this!)
4. Rinse with Listerine for 30-60 seconds.
5. Rinse with Act Fluoride rinse for one minute.
6. Don't eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
7. Do morning and night.
8. Use xylitol throughout the day by eating mints, chewing gum or rinsing with xylitol water.


That is  IT!!

Dr. Ellie sells xylitol products but you can also buy a large bag for rinsing at:

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/xlear-xylosweet-natural-xylitol-3-lbs-granules

Or gum, mints etc at:

www.epicdental.com

When I first started this regimen, my hygienist was really excited. The tartar was down and my gum depth improved. It was my first dental visit after using the products for about 6 months. However, I was very disheartened at first, I had three cavities and I told my dentist about the regimen and she said "Sadly, I don't think it will make any difference for you". But, I had read the book, I knew the science, so I decided to keep trying. I kept on and the next time, no cavities, and the next....and the next.....

I switched dentists.

Dr Ellie also has some great writing online to look over.

So, it does cost something to start using this program. However, if you have problem teeth you will spend a lot less than you would if you just brushed and flossed. I will always have some problems with my teeth. I wish I had known about this regimen long ago and did it. I will also be forever thankful to Dr. Ellie for writing her book.

Hopefully you can save your teeth, some money and keep from funding your dentist's children's college educations and trips to the Bahamas.