“Viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, and leukocytes that is secreted by glands lining the nasal, esophageal, and other body cavities.”
Mucus, also referred to as phlegm, forms in your nasal or intestinal areas. Besides being a defense mechanism, excessive secretion of mucus aggravates colds and allergies, developing nasty sore coughs – your body’s attempt to free itself from the excess mucus.
Studies reveal 4 foods to avoid to reduce mucus
See Infographic: How to reduce mucus in your throat
Luckily, there are many ways to improve this condition, especially by cutting down on certain foods that stimulate mucus secretion. In the event of fighting colds or allergies when mucus goes from beneficent to irritating, avoid these four top foods:
1. Dairy products
The following foods are the main culprits for annoying excess mucus. Despite the numerous myths about this, it’s a known fact that consumption of dairy products causes denser mucus, making it even more difficult to dispose of.
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy claims that dairy products, such as ice cream and yogurt, can condense mucus in people suffering from a cold.
The European Respiratory Journal issued a study in 2007 stating that participants who were exposed to milk powder on a regular basis were considerably more prone to “nasal congestion, breathlessness, wheezing and reduced lung function, than participants who worked in an office environment.”
2. Certain varieties of fruits and vegetables
We are all familiar with the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, which are an essential part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Nevertheless, the University of Maryland Medical Center proved that some fruits and vegetables may stimulate mucus secretion. The main triggers are:
- bananas
- potatoes
- corn
- cabbage
So when you are coping with seasonal allergies, a sinus infection or a cold, you’d better avoid these for a while.
3. Wheat
Many nutritional experts claim that wheat is a common reason for respiratory issues. As cardiologist William Davis, M.D. would put it, “mucus flows where wheat goes.”
Wheat is full of so many components that it’s hard to decide precisely which part of it stimulates the increased mucus secretion; however you should definitely avoid it when attempting to lessen the mucous flow.Dr. Davis claims that, “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
Some beverages like coffee, tea, and soda, incur a greater risk of dehydration when consumed in large amounts.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio claims that body dehydration leads to heavier mucus. Drinking water instead of these beverages is highly recommended in order to help your body maintain thin and lubricated mucus.
Avoiding the above mentioned foods and beverages will be highly beneficial for fighting excess mucus secretion.
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