Mucus can be our friend or our foe. According to any dictionary, mucus is defined as a:
“Viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, and leukocytes that is secreted by glands lining the nasal, esophageal, and other body cavities.” (1)
Mucus, also known as phlegm, is produced by your body from areas like your nose and intestines. While it is a defense mechanism, too much can make colds and allergies far worse, causing miserable and painful coughs – your body’s attempt to rid itself of the excess mucus. (2)
See Infographic: How to reduce mucus in the throat
Thankfully, there are ways to ease the irritation, by avoiding certain foods that can increase mucus buildup. When mucus goes from helpful to annoying, like when fighting off a cold or allergies, these are the four top foods you will want to avoid:
1. Dairy products
These foods top the list of offenders in the unwanted excess mucus category. While there are a lot of myths about this, what is known is that consumption of dairy products can make mucus thicker, which makes it more difficult to get rid of.
According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, dairy products, such as ice cream and yogurt, can thicken mucus for a person suffering from a head cold. (3)
A 2007 study published in the European Respiratory Journal demonstrated that participants who were regularly exposed to milk powder were significantly more likely to experience “nasal congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and reduced lung function, than participants who worked in an office environment.” (4)
2. Certain varieties of fruits and vegetables
We all know how healthy fruits and veggies are. They are a critical part of a healthy lifestyle and diet plan.
However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain varieties may increase mucus production. The main triggers: (5)
- bananas
- potatoes
- corn
- cabbage
So if you are battling with seasonal allergies, a sinus infection or a cold, you’ll want to avoid these for a while.
3. Wheat
Wheat is a very common cause of respiratory symptoms, according to many nutritional experts. According to cardiologist William Davis, M.D., “mucus flows where wheat goes.” (6)
There are so many components in wheat it is difficult to determine exactly what part causes the increased mucus production, but it should be avoided when you wish to decrease the flow of mucous and congestion. According to Dr. Davis, “The reduction in mucous production in sinuses and airways is among the more common observations among the wheat-free.”
4. Beverages that lead to dehydration
Certain beverages including coffee, tea, and soda, when consumed in large quantities, can increase the risk of dehydration.
According to The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, becoming dehydrated can lead to thicker mucus. They recommend drinking water instead, to help your body keep mucus secretions thin and lubricated. (7)
If you can avoid the above foods and beverages, you can give yourself an excellent head start in avoiding the excess buildup of mucus.
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(1) dictionary.reference.com
(2) allergies.knoji.com
(3) healthyeating.sfgate.com
(4) getfit.jillianmichaels.com
(5) tunein2day.wordpress.com
(6) www.wheatbellyblog.com
(7) uthscsa.edu
