Foods To Avoid For Mucus Production

Mucus is a thick, slippery substance that glands and cells in your body secrete to protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi. The term phlegm refers to mucus in your respiratory tract. You may experience mucus when faced with the common cold, sinus infections, bronchitis, allergies or cold weather. Severe mucus buildup in the lungs is a primary trait of cystic fibrosis -- a progressive disease characterized by frequent lung infections. In addition to medical treatments, when necessary, avoiding certain foods may help manage mucus.

Meat

Meat, though a rich source of protein and nutrients, may trigger or worsen mucus symptoms. Author of "Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition" Paul Pitchford, says a meat-rich diet is associated with increased mucus production. Meats rich in saturated fat, such as organ meats, fatty steaks, ribs, lamb, dark-meat poultry, bacon and sausage, may increase inflammation in your body and signal your glands and cells to produce additional mucus. For improved mucus symptoms, limit or avoid fried meats and meats prepared in butter or high-fat sauces in particular. When you do consume red meat, trim visible fat away and keep your portion sizes modest.

Dairy Products

Though dairy products, like milk, provide protein and important nutrients, they, too, may exacerbate mucus symptoms. Though milk does not cause mucus production, according to MayoClinic.com internist Dr. James M. Steckelberg, it may thicken the consistency of phlegm, making your symptoms more bothersome. High-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, high-fat cheeses and heavy cream, contain saturated fat and may worsen inflammation. Foods rich in dairy content, such as ice cream, cheesecake, pizza, creamy soups, cheese dip and milkshakes, may also pose problems. Try replacing milk and cream in your coffee, cereal, soups and other foods with soy-based or other non-dairy equivalents.

Enriched Flour

Enriched flour adds calories and substance to foods. Unlike the whole grains it derives from, however, enriched flour contains little fiber, vitamins, minerals or protein. According to Pitchford, people who consume excessive amounts of enriched flour -- a common practice in Western culture -- tend to experience more mucus symptoms and worse overall health compared to those who eat a natural, whole foods diet. So, replacing enriched breads, pasta, rice and snack foods with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds may help reduce your symptoms. For best results, avoid breads, cereals and other prepared foods that list enriched flour as a main ingredient.

Salty Foods

Reducing the amount of sodium, or salt, in your diet may also help manage mucus symptoms. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding excessive salt intake, particularly if you have mucus related to cystic fibrosis. While some salt intake is important for overall health, consuming too much can trigger increased blood pressure, dehydration and mucus production. Natural, whole foods typically provide all the salt your body requires. To reduce your sodium intake, use natural herbs rather than table salt to season your foods and avoid processed snack foods, frozen meals, luncheon meats, frozen entrees and canned goods -- many of which contain rich amounts of sodium.