Introduction:
If you experience frequent mucus formation in your nose and throat or often
have a sore throat, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we will share 5
foods commonly considered healthy but that actually contribute to excess mucus
production. Towards the end, we will discuss some effective Ayurvedic remedies
to help clear your respiratory tract and stop the overproduction of phlegm.
Understanding the Role of Mucus :
Our respiratory tract, from the nose to the lungs, is lined with mucosal
membranes whose function is to produce mucus. Mucus plays an essential role in
trapping pollutants, germs, dust, viruses, and bacteria, preventing them from
reaching the sensitive tissues of the lungs. However, excess mucus can become
a problem, leading to constant cold symptoms, difficulty breathing, and
disrupted sleep.
Why Do We Need to Reduce Excess Mucus?
Excess mucus can cause discomfort during meetings, sleep disturbances, and
even difficulty breathing. Many people try to manage this by taking
anti-allergic tablets like cetirizine, but this only provides temporary
relief. The key to addressing the root cause is twofold: eliminating
mucus-forming foods and using simple Ayurvedic remedies to clear it from your
system.
Foods That Cause Excess Mucus:
#5 Curd
Dairy products, particularly curd, are notorious for increasing mucus
production. In Ayurveda, curd is referred to as “Kaphkari” (produces phlegm)
and “Abhishyandi” (blocks subtle channels). If you suffer from excess phlegm,
avoid curd and other heavy dairy products like butter, cheese, and mayonnaise.
You can consume milk with turmeric and black pepper, and if you must eat curd,
do so in the afternoon, preferably in small quantities with black salt and
black pepper.
#4 Banana
Bananas trigger the production of histamine, which leads to mucus formation.
While bananas are generally healthy, they can worsen mucus-related issues,
especially during cold or sinus problems. If you cannot avoid them, eat
bananas with black pepper and black salt to reduce mucus production.
#3 Bread
Studies show that regular bread consumption, particularly more than two slices
a day, increases the risk of nasal polyps and asthma due to its high gluten
content and added preservatives. These create inflammation, leading to excess
mucus as a defense mechanism. If you love bread, try replacing it with Indian
flatbread (roti) for a healthier alternative.
#2 Rice
Rice has a cooling effect and contains a lot of starch, which increases mucus
and blocks respiratory channels. You don’t have to stop eating rice entirely,
but reduce the quantity and add hot spices like bay leaves, black pepper, and
cloves while cooking to help counteract its mucus-forming properties. Consider
eating more besan (gram flour), which helps reduce mucus.
#1 Chocolate
Chocolate and coffee can weaken the sphincters in your food pipe, leading to
acid reflux and increased mucus production. Foods that trigger acidity, like
chocolate, carbonated drinks, and fried items, should be avoided to prevent
excess mucus formation.
Ayurvedic Remedies to Reduce Mucus:
1. Hot Water
Drinking hot water helps melt stubborn phlegm and unclog sinuses. Studies show
that hot water is as effective as hot chicken soup in relieving nasal
congestion. Keep a thermos of hot water with you throughout the day to sip on.
2. Onion Salad
Raw onions contain compounds like allium and quercetin, which reduce nasal
congestion and mucus production. Make a simple salad with thinly sliced
onions, black salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to enjoy with your meals.
3. Licorice (Mulethi)
Licorice is an excellent expectorant that clears excess mucus and reduces
acidity. Chewing on a licorice stick once in the morning and once in the
evening will provide noticeable relief.
4. Ginger and Honey
Ginger and honey are powerful anti-congestion remedies. You can either make a
tea by boiling ginger in water with turmeric, black pepper, and tulsi leaves,
or simply mix ginger juice with honey. Both methods are highly effective in
clearing stuck mucus.
Conclusion:
Avoiding the five mucus-forming foods and incorporating Ayurvedic remedies
into your daily routine will greatly help in reducing excess mucus
production.
Choose the remedy that fits your lifestyle best and stick to it for 60 days
to see the results.
For more tips on natural remedies and health advice, stay tuned!
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