Mucus is a slippery substance produced by cells and glands in your body. Although it benefits your health by protecting body tissues, excessive mucus production can cause congestion, discomfort and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties. Conditions associated with mucus complications include sinus infections, the common cold, asthma and cystic fibrosis. In addition to rest and medical care, a healthy diet, limited in foods known to stimulate mucus production, might help manage your symptoms.
Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are vital components of most healthy diets. They provide rich amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections -- including those associated with mucus. Certain varieties, including bananas, cabbage, corn and potatoes, might increase mucus production, however. Nutritious alternatives include berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers and carrots.
Dairy Products
In most cases, dairy products do not cause mucus formation. Milk might, however, increase the thickness of mucus, according to MayoClinic.com internist Dr. James Steckelberg, making your symptoms more bothersome. Food allergies can also trigger mucus production. Dairy products are among the most common food allergy culprits. To avoid milk-related mucus symptoms, consume nondairy equivalents, such as fortified soy, rice or almond milk. Broth-based soups, which might help loosen mucus and ease sore-throat pain, provide useful alternatives to creamy soups. Other dairy products that might cause problems include cheese, ice cream, sour cream and heavy cream.
Wheat
Wheat is also one of the most prevalent food allergens. If your symptoms come from a wheat allergy, choose wheat-free whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, oats, barley and popcorn. Otherwise, whole wheat products are valuable sources of antioxidants, fiber and glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. If you suspect a wheat sensitivity, try avoiding wheat products. If your symptoms ease as a result, a correlation is possible. To best determine whether you have a food allergy or sensitivity, seek guidance from your doctor.
Red Meat
Red meat, such as lamb, beef, pork and ham, contain saturated fat -- a fat form that might increase inflammation, leading to mucus production, according to "Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD" by Robert Green. Fatty and spicy meats, such as sausage, bacon and bratwurst, might worsen your symptoms further by increasing irritation. To avoid these risks, replace red meat with lean protein sources, such as beans, lentils, tofu, egg whites and fish. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout and flounder, provide the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that might help reduce inflammation.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cystic Fibrosis
- MayoClinic.com: Cold Symptoms: Does Drinking Milk Increase Phlegm?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
- "Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD"; Robert J. Green; 2007
