text: what is the absolute best way to prevent a sinus infection? i live in ny with very good radiator steam heating but i'm not able to turn it on and off at will. but for the last 6 years i've gotten a sinus infection even though i use a humidifier, saline solution mist, saline gel, i drink a lot of water and i take vitamins, nothing works. my dr. said i have a slight deviated septum, but not enough to merit an operation. any suggestions? hi rufus  here is some techniques to heal your condition.  causes of sinusitis  over the course of the last few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of sinusitis in the u.s. and other industrialized nations that is directly related to a corresponding increase in air pollution and unhealthy indoor air, making unhealthy air and air pollution the two main factors of sinusitis. other environmental causes of sinusitis include cold and flu viruses, bacterial and fungal infections, excessively cold or dry air, cigarette smoking, and regular exposure to secondhand smoke.  sinusitis can also be caused or exacerbated by food allergies and sensitivities, dental and gum disease, stress, lowered immunity, structural problems within the nasal cavities (such as a deviated septum), nasal cysts and/or polyps, and unresolved emotions, especially anger. candiasis (systemic yeast overgrowth) and the overuse of pharmaceutical drugs, especially antibiotics, are two other common causes of sinusitis.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  natural cures aromatherapy: inhaling the steamed vapors of the essential oils camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, pine, or tea tree can help improve breathing and aid in fighting infection.   diet:if you suffer from sinusitis, you need to be screened for food allergies and sensitivities, and then avoid eating those foods that you are allergic or sensitive to. in addition, avoid all sugar and sugar products, wheat and wheat byproducts, soy products, soft drinks, commercially processed foods, and all foods containing artificial ingredients, such as additives, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives (such as bha, bht, sodium nitrite, sulfites, saccharin, aspartame, and cyclamates). also minimize your intake of milk and dairy products, and coffee and other caffeine products, as well as red meat, salt, refined carbohydrates (white breads, pastries, commercial pastas), corn, chocolate, and unhealthy fats (hydrogenated or trans fats).  drink plenty of pure, filtered water (at least eight ounces every two hours; or for best results, add fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper) and fresh squeezed, organic vegetable juices throughout the day, as well as hot broths and soups. diluted organic pear juice can also be helpful, in order to loosen up lung congestion. also emphasize organic, whole foods, especially plenty of fresh, raw organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, organic, free-range meats and poultry, and wild-caught fish. garlic, cayenne pepper, chili peppers, horseradish, and onions should be eaten regularly, due to their powerful health benefits for the lungs and respiratory system. organic, extra virgin olive oil should also be used liberally.  according to leading naturopathic physician and researcher joseph e. pizzorno, n.d., president emeritus of bastyr university, a vegan diet can significantly improve symptoms of most respiratory conditions, including pneumonia. such a diet involves eliminating all animal products, as well as fish, eggs, milk, and all other dairy products. grains should also be avoided, or eaten in minimal amounts. dr. pizzorno advises limiting your fluid intake to pure, filtered water (avoid chlorinated, fluoridated tap water), and emphasize plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, especially romaine lettuce, carrots, beets, onions, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, radishes, jerusalem artichokes, beans (except soy and green peas), blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cloudberries, black currants, gooseberries, plums, and pears. apples and citrus fruits (except lemon) are not recommended, however.  herbs: useful herbs for treating and preventing sinusitis include echinacea, elder flowers, ephedra, eyebright, garlic, goldenrod, goldenseal, horseradish, oregon grape, pokeroots, purple cornflower, stinging nettle, wild indigo, and yarrow.  homeopathy:  arsenic