Say Goodbye To Excess Phlegm: What to Eat (and Not Eat) to Keep It Under Control

 

Are you tired of constantly clearing your throat and feeling like you have a never-ending supply of phlegm? You're not alone. Excess phlegm can be an annoying and uncomfortable issue to deal with, but the good news is that there are things you can do to keep it under control. One of the most important factors in managing excess mucus is your diet. In this blog post, we'll explore what foods you should eat (and which ones to avoid) to say goodbye to excess phlegm for good!

Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni LOVE PEACE 💛💙 from Pixabay

The anatomy of phlegm

When you have excess phlegm, it can be difficult to get rid of it. cough. Phlegm is a sticky, gel-like substance that is produced by the mucus membranes in your nose and throat. It helps to protect your respiratory system from infection and to keep your airways moist. When you are healthy, your body produces just enough phlegm to do its job. However, certain conditions can cause your body to produce too much phlegm. This can make it difficult to breathe, and it can also lead to coughing and a sore throat.

There are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of phlegm in your body. First, try to avoid irritants such as smoke and dust. If you must be around these substances, use a face mask or air filter to reduce your exposure. You should also drink plenty of fluids, including water, soup, and tea. This will help thin the mucus so that it is easier to expel. Finally, eat foods that contain natural expectorants such as ginger, garlic, onion, and horseradish. These ingredients can help break up the mucus so that it is easier to cough up.

What causes excess phlegm?

The main culprit behind excess phlegm is dehydration. When your body doesn't have enough fluids, it starts to produce more mucus as a way to protect itself. Other common causes of excess phlegm include:

- Allergies: If you're allergic to something in the environment, your body may produce more mucus as a way to trap the allergens and protect you from them.

- Cold or flu: These respiratory illnesses cause your body to produce more mucus in an attempt to flush out the viruses.

- Sinus infection: A sinus infection occurs when the cavities around your nose and eyes become inflamed. This can cause a buildup of mucus that needs to be cleared out.

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause excess mucus production.

How to eat to reduce phlegm

When it comes to phlegm, what you eat can have a big impact. There are certain foods that can help to thin out mucus and make it easier to expel, while other foods can thicken mucus and make it harder to get rid of.

To help keep phlegm under control, it's important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those with a high water content like watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumbers. These foods will help to keep your body hydrated which will in turn thin out mucus.

It's also important to avoid foods that can contribute to excess mucus production. Dairy products are a common culprit, as they contain histamines that can trigger mucus production. Other common offenders include processed foods, sugar, and caffeine.

Foods to avoid with excess phlegm

When you have excess phlegm, it's important to avoid foods that can contribute to its production. These include dairy products, processed foods, and sugary snacks. Dairy products can cause your body to produce more mucus, while processed foods and sugary snacks can lead to inflammation and congestion. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These healthy foods will help keep your phlegm under control.

Conclusion

Excess phlegm is annoying and can make you feel uncomfortable, so it's important to take steps to reduce the amount of mucus in your body. Eating the right foods, such as those that are high in fiber and antioxidants can help keep mucus under control. Likewise, avoiding certain triggers like dairy products can also be beneficial. Taking time to experiment with different diet plans may help you find the best combination for controlling your excess phlegm issue and feeling better overall.