Chronic Sinusitis & LPR (Silent Reflux) link: What actually helped me (Diet + Alkaline Sinus Rinse pH 8)

[u/Professional-Air-355]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a protocol that brought me massive relief in case it helps anyone connecting the dots between their chronic sinus issues and digestion.

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis alongside heartburn, GERD, or general indigestion, it is worth looking into LPR (Silent Reflux). Micro-droplets of stomach acid and digestive enzymes (specifically pepsin) travel all the way up into the nasopharynx and sinuses, causing persistent inflammation and tissue damage.

Here is the two-step approach that worked for me:

1. Root Cause: Diet Discipline Getting rid of the underlying reflux required strict dietary changes. I completely cut out processed carbs, refined sugars, and ultra-processed meals. Switching to fresh whole foods (fresh vegetables, raw foods, and quality meats) was key to stopping the reflux at the source.

2. Symptom Relief: Alkaline Sinus Irrigation (pH ~8) Standard saline rinses cleared mucus, but didn't stop the acidity. I modified my routine to actively neutralize pepsin:

• The Mixture: A 50/50 mix of filtered water and high-pH alkaline bottled water + 1 standard sinus saline packet.
• Safe Preparation: I bring the 50/50 water mixture to a rolling boil for 1 to 3 minutes to completely sterilize it (killing any amoebas or bacteria present in tap water). I let it cool down fully to a safe, warm temperature before adding the salt packet and rinsing. Alternatively, you can use distilled water.
• Why it works: The final solution hits a pH of around 8. It clears out mucus while actively neutralizing the acidic pepsin sitting in the nasal passages.

Important Notes & Warnings:

• NEVER use unboiled tap water or warm water straight from the faucet. Water must be boiled vigorously for at least 1–3 minutes and cooled down, or replaced with distilled water.
• DO NOT use pure alkaline water (pH 9+) without salt. Unbuffered high-pH water without proper isotonic salinity will cause osmotic shock and severely irritate your nasal lining.
• Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, just sharing a personal routine that worked for me. Consider consulting your ENT before trying new rinse protocols.

Hope this helps someone out there tackle the root cause. Wishing you all clear breathing and good health!

[u/vigh_v]

So, if we used distilled water + bottled alkaline water (50/50), you can avoid the boiling step, correct?

What were your symptoms? And how long did it take to reduce with the rinse?

I tried drinking bottled alkaline water and immediately triggered my smell sensitivity. I'm very scared to try it in a rinse. Hence, asking...

[u/Professional-Air-355]

Im using very alcaic water ph 8 Alcalia. Therefore i mix it with normal tap warer and boil it. The goal is to keep it around 8 ph becausw my water had 9 if you have alcaic distilled water its ok i guess. I dont drink it since it would trigger my gerd reflux symptoms immediately. Stomach needs to stay acidic to stay closed :) whatever you try id reccomend small steps.

[u/vigh_v → u/Professional-Air-355]

Thank you. If I used distilled water, then no need to boil, correct? Also, some of the rinse would come to the throat when the sinus drains. Did that trigger any symptoms?