Do you have mucus problems?
There is always mucus in the vocal tract, but in excess, or if mucus is too thick, it can interfere with singing.
We suggest waking at least two hours before singing to allow time for the sinuses to drain (a source of excess mucus) and mucus on the vocal folds to thin. Good hydration helps to thin mucus. Be sure to drink extra water after waking. Singers experiencing problems with mucus due to respiratory illness may find that guaifenesin, an over-the-counter product (found, for example, in Mucinex), is helpful.
Do dairy products contribute to mucus problems?
Many people believe that dairy products increase mucus. This belief may be due to how dairy products coat throat surfaces, creating a sensation similar to that of thicker mucus.
We suggest waking at least two hours before singing to allow time for the sinuses to drain (a source of excess mucus) and mucus on the vocal folds to thin. Good hydration helps to thin mucus. Be sure to drink extra water after waking. Singers experiencing problems with mucus due to respiratory illness may find that guaifenesin, an over-the-counter product (found, for example, in Mucinex), is helpful.
Do dairy products contribute to mucus problems?
Many people believe that dairy products increase mucus. This belief may be due to how dairy products coat throat surfaces, creating a sensation similar to that of thicker mucus.
- Formal studies have discovered that objective measurements of mucus production show no evidence of increased mucus production after consumption of dairy products (Wuthrich, Schmid, Walther, & Sieber, 2005). Thus most singers do not need to worry about dairy consumption and mucus.
- If, however, you have persistent mucus problems, a recent study shows that you may benefit from a dairy-free diet (Frosh, Cruz, Wellsted, & Stephens, 2019). This does not apply to most singers.