{"id":36968,"date":"2026-01-23T14:02:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T19:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com\/?p=36968"},"modified":"2026-01-29T10:21:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:21:27","slug":"congested-all-the-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/congested-all-the-time\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Possible Reasons Why You\u2019re Congested All The Time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re always stuffy, clearing your throat, or breathing through your mouth, it\u2019s easy to assume it\u2019s \u201cjust allergies\u201d or part of getting through the winter. But chronic congestion is often one of the body\u2019s first red flags that something in your environment or internal terrain needs attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While clogged up nasal passages might seem like a small issue, they could signal that anything from mold exposure to gut imbalances to environmental allergens is keeping your immune system on high alert.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a closer look at why you might be congested all the time, plus what to do about each potential cause\u2014including how you can pinpoint the underlying trigger and change your diet, environment, and lifestyle to start breathing easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em style=\"font-family: 'Josefin Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;\"><strong>ABOUT OUR EXPERTS<\/strong><\/em>: <em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/draxe.com\/about-dr-josh-axe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Josh Axe<\/a>, D.C., D.N.M., C.N.S., is a doctor of natural medicine, doctor of chiropractic, and clinical nutritionist. Dr. <a href=\"https:\/\/drbrighten.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jolene Brighten<\/a>, N.D., is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist Dr. <a href=\"https:\/\/drbrighten.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jolene Brighten<\/a>, N.D.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>1. Mold Exposure and Mycotoxins<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold issues often go unnoticed, but they can have a significant impact on health and well-being. \u201cMold in your home isn\u2019t just about unsightly spots on your walls; it\u2019s a serious health concern,\u201d says Dr.\u00a0Josh Axe, D.C., D.N.M., C.N.S., a doctor of natural medicine, doctor of chiropractic, and clinical nutritionist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem? Certain molds produce mycotoxins, which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mycotoxins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are toxic compounds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. \u201cMycotoxins are dangerous because they can potentially have effects like suppressing the immune system, triggering inflammation, and damaging cells and organs,\u201d Axe explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because these mycotoxins are often inhaled, signs of exposure often start off as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent sinus congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Postnasal drip<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing or coughing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches, facial pressure, or sinus migraines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You see, mold spores and mycotoxins <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/mold-allergy\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irritate the mucous membranes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your nose and sinuses, triggering local inflammation, swelling of the nasal passages, and increased mucus production\u2014especially if your airways are already sensitive. As your body tries to trap and flush out the irritant, your nose feels all clogged up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But mold\u2019s impact doesn\u2019t stop at your sinuses. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/mold-allergy\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold-related symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and digestive issues. Because they can be so varied and general, these symptoms are often confused with other health issues, Axe says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How To Get A Handle On Mold<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold can be a complex issue to navigate, but generally, there are a few steps you\u2019ll need to take to clean up your environment and your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Look for environmental clues\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musty or \u201cdamp basement\u201d smells, visible spots or stains on walls\/ceilings, and a history of leaks, flooding, or high humidity all <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.ny.gov\/publications\/7287\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">indicate that you might be living with mold<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, says Axe. Your symptoms might also improve when you leave home or work (where the mold is).<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>2. Clean out the mold<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This one is a nonnegotiable: “If you\u2019ve got a mold issue, clearing it out of your home is your first order of business,” says Axe. Continued exposure to mold and mycotoxins can impede the body\u2019s recovery process, he adds, which means it’s important to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fix leaks and moisture sources<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove water-damaged materials<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use proper protective gear when DIY\u2019ing small areas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hire professionals for larger or hidden growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>3. Keep your indoor environment healthy<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If needed, keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent with a dehumidifier, use HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms, increase ventilation with open windows, and let in as much sunlight as possible, Axe suggests. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans as needed to pump air around and reduce moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>4. Support your body\u2019s recovery<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When facing mold, Axe recommends focusing on “anti-inflammatory, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/foods-high-in-antioxidants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">antioxidant-rich foods<\/a>, like leafy greens, berries, garlic, ginger, cruciferous veggies, and herbs.”<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also consider using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/binder-full-spectrum-90-capsules\/cdg-10903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">binders<\/a> (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/activated-charcoal-100-capsules\/vs-3550\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">activated charcoal<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/aztec-secret-indian-healing-clay-1-lb-clay\/sw-1001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bentonite clay<\/a>), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/digestion-gut-health\/probiotics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">probiotics<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/antioxidants\/l-glutathione\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">glutathione<\/a> (an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/antioxidants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">antioxidant<\/a> that supports immune function), and liver-supportive herbs (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/milk-thistle-2\/vs-7306\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">milk thistle<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/plnt-dandelion-450-mg-90-capsules\/vs-7281\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dandelion root<\/a>), he adds. However, it’s best to do this under the guidance of a holistic practitioner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/sluggish-liver\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6 Signs You Have A Sluggish Liver\u2014And What To Do About It<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your symptoms are severe or you suspect deep exposure, “Specialized tests like a mycotoxin panel can help identify specific toxins and guide treatment options,” says Axe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Histamine Intolerance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can be congested all the time without having classic \u201callergies.\u201d One under-recognized reason is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7463562\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">histamine intolerance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which “Occurs when the body has trouble metabolizing histamine,” according to board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist Dr. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jolene Brighten<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, N.D.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Histamine is a normal, necessary chemical that mediates immune responses, helps produce stomach acid, acts as a neurotransmitter, and dilates blood vessels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you don\u2019t clear histamine efficiently (often due to insufficient amounts of an enzyme called DAO, gut inflammation, or hormonal shifts), the chemical can build up\u2014and cause a number of seriously irritating symptoms in the process. “You need DAO because it acts as a histamine scavenger, preventing too much from entering your bloodstream,” says Brighten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She explains that some of the telltale signs of excess histamine can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic nasal congestion or a runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing and sinus pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushing, headaches, or migraines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives, rashes, or itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestive symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, or nausea)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety or irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>What to do about histamine-driven congestion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect histamine is the culprit behind your chronic congestion, there are a few things you can start doing right now to help clear things up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Try a temporary low-histamine diet<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since certain foods are high in histamine, try temporarily eating a low-histamine diet and noting whether congestion, as well as other symptoms, improve,” suggests Brighten. For two to four weeks, she suggests avoiding:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leftovers and slow-cooked meats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tomatoes, spinach, eggplant, citrus (for some people)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate and nuts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Instead, focus on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/johns-hopkins-childrens-center\/documents\/specialties\/adolescent-medicine\/cfs-low-histamine-diet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low-histamine foods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,” says Brighten. These include fresh meat and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables (excluding those listed above), gluten-free grains, olive oil, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/food-drinks\/pantry\/coconut-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coconut oil<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/herbs-natural-remedies\/herbal-teas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">herbal teas<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>2. Support histamine breakdown<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also help your body in its efforts to break down histamine with a few different supplements. “First, consider DAO enzymes, which are necessary for histamine metabolism,” says Brighten. She recommends taking them before higher-histamine meals to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/allergies\/what-to-know-about-diamine-oxidase-histamine-intolerance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help dampen histamine’s effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/letter-vitamins\/vitamin-b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B vitamins<\/a> (especially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/letter-vitamins\/vitamin-b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B6<\/a>) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/minerals\/magnesium\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">magnesium<\/a> are also handy here, as they help support methylation and histamine metabolism, she says. Then, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/letter-vitamins\/vitamin-c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vitamin C<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/quercetin-c-citrus-free-300-capsules\/vs-1268\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quercetin<\/a> are “natural mast-cell stabilizers that help calm down the body’s inflammatory responses,\u201d Brighten shares.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>3. Address hormone and gut imbalances<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because estrogen dominance and gut dysbiosis <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9102523\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">both worsen histamine intolerance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, working on hormonal balance and nourishing a healthier gut can make a huge difference in how you feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your hormonal or gut health journey will be specific to your unique needs, but simply cutting back on alcohol and reducing stress can help you get started with both, Brighten says. (We’ll dig more into gut health in a bit.)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>3. Indoor Allergens And Poor Air Quality<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold isn\u2019t the only thing that can make your house a congestion-causing mess. Indoor allergens and poor air quality can also keep you feeling less than your best, according to Axe. Again, since your nose and sinuses act as frontline filters, constant exposure keeps them inflamed and swollen, leading to congestion that never fully clears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/tools-for-the-public\/conditions-library\/allergies\/indoor-allergens-ttr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common allergen culprits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include dust mites (typically found in bedding, carpets, and upholstery), pet dander, pollen tracked indoors, and VOCs and chemicals from cleaning products, candles, new furniture, and paint, per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What to do about indoor allergy triggers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure indoor allergens aren\u2019t stuffing you up by taking a few steps to clean up the air and surfaces in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Clean up your bedroom first<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since you (hopefully) spend seven to nine hours in your bedroom every night, it\u2019s the best place to start when addressing allergens. The AAAAI recommends putting a HEPA air purifier by your bed, washing bedding weekly in hot water, using dust-mite-proof covers for pillows and mattresses, and either removing carpets or vacuuming them frequently with a HEPA vacuum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>2. Reduce airborne irritants<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, clear up the air in your living spaces by ditching synthetic fragrances and candles, cracking windows when cleaning or cooking, and changing your HVAC filters regularly, Axe suggests. “Indoor air quality is often much more toxic than outdoor air quality,” and can cause symptoms similar to allergies for many people, Axe says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>3. Support your sinuses directly<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you get your home environment in order, use saline nasal rinses or sprays to flush irritants and get some immediate relief, says Axe. He is also a fan of using a neti pot, “which cleanses and refreshes the nasal passages. It can be used for general nasal congestion as well as colds, allergies, and sinus infections.”<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also try steam inhalation with a tiny bit of eucalyptus or peppermint oil and take short warm showers to decrease swelling. “Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can help unclog the sinuses and helps discharge phlegm,” Axe suggests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>4. Gut Imbalances And Food Sensitivities<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might seem odd that your gut could be driving chronic congestion, but the gut and sinuses are deeply <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10521374\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connected through the immune system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and histamine pathways. “So-called good bacteria (also known as probiotics) living in the gut contribute to your immune system by protecting against pathogen colonization of harmful microbes and reactions to environmental pollutants and toxins,” Axe explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, chronic inflammation, which often stems from gut-related issues such as leaky gut and an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/24854-histamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overreactive immune system<\/span><\/a>, can contribute to <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">widespread symptoms that cause congestion, Axe says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/gut-brain-connection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4 Gut Issues That Mess With Your Mental Health<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you eat foods your body cannot tolerate well, it triggers immune responses and makes the immune system hypersensitive, he explains. This inflammatory cascade can potentially lead to increased congestion after meals, postnasal drip, feeling like you need to clear your throat, and increased sinus pressure after eating certain foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What to do for gut-driven congestion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Gut health is a complex issue, but if you think your congestion is tied to trouble with your digestion, there are a few places to start when shoring up your system.<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Track food reactions<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep a simple log of what you eat for one to two weeks, suggests Brighten. Notice any patterns in whether certain foods impact congestion, sinus pressure, headaches, skin, or your mood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common offenders to track can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dairy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gluten<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar and refined carbs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processed foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-histamine foods (see above)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>2. Support a healthier gut lining<\/b><\/h4>\n<p>While supplements alone probably won’t put your gut issues to bed, a number of supplements can support your system in rebuilding integrity and balanced microbes. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Axe recommends supplementing with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/natural-beauty-skin\/beauty-supplements\/collagen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">collagen<\/a> and drinking bone broth (to support gut lining integrity) and taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/women-sbo-probiotic-50-billion-60-capsules\/cdg-10117\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">solid-based probiotics<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/minerals\/zinc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">zinc<\/a> (which supports immune function), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/bodytech-glutamine-powder-bt-4500-mg-24-oz-powder\/vs-2179\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">L-glutamine<\/a> (an amino acid that <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5454963\/\">helps “seal the gut”<\/a>).<\/span><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h4><b>3. Soothe systemic inflammation<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing overall inflammation is also important here\u2014and a number of lifestyle factors can help you do it. Axe and Brighten suggest calming your immune system by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritizing seven to nine hours of sleep each night<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing stress (such as with exercise, breathwork, prayer, journaling, or time outdoors)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting daily sunlight exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, berries, herbs, quality proteins, healthy fats, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/digestion-gut-health\/fiber\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fiber<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Other Possible Causes of Chronic Congestion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the reasons above are some of the most important and commonly missed, other causes (according to both doctors) might possibly include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/chronic-sinusitis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351661\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structural issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and narrow nasal passages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/sinusitis-sinus-infection\/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=415789529&gbraid=0AAAAADV5dk8nxKhXGpT4kf73X8gDnvuPK&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx8PKBhD1ARIsAKsmGbdLNXH3hIRGm8ECA7IVx_tF3veToPALqDBG2kgNx25hBqedxLLzBXoaAjvzEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as recurrent sinus infections or untreated dental issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2714564\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reflux (or GERD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can cause acid to irritate the throat and nasal passages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/17950-nonallergic-rhinitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as those from blood pressure meds, decongestant overuse, antidepressants, NSAIDs, or hormonal medications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>The Takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Chronic congestion can be a frustrating and mysterious symptom to deal with\u2014but with a little curiosity, you can often identify the culprit. From there, a number of lifestyle and environmental changes may be just what your system needs for your airways to finally clear up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re always stuffy, clearing your throat, or breathing through your mouth, it\u2019s easy to assume it\u2019s \u201cjust allergies\u201d or part of getting through the winter. But chronic congestion is often one of the body\u2019s first red flags that something in your environment or internal terrain needs attention. While clogged up nasal passages might seem<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/congested-all-the-time\/\">Read More <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">4 Possible Reasons Why You\u2019re Congested All The Time<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":264,"featured_media":36972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-the-latest"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>4 Possible Reasons Why You\u2019re Congested All The Time | What\u2019s Good blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"No one likes feeling stuffed up. 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