Phlegm, also known as sputum or mucus, is a substance that can come up during a cough. Phlegm comes from what is known as a productive cough, unlike a dry cough, which does not produce phlegm. Coughing is a normal function, with the purpose of clearing out your airways; however, coughing can also be a symptom of various conditions from allergies to lung disease. Diet can also be a cause or aggravator of coughing and phlegm. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause and treatment options for your phlegm.
Processed Foods
A February 2006 study in the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine" found that Singapore Chinese participants who consumed a lot of meat, refined carbohydrates and sodium had a higher risk of phlegm than those who didn't. These foods did not seem to have as much of an effect on incident asthma or chronic coughs. Food additives, like preservatives, might also cause phlegm buildup.
Allergens
Allergies are one cause of coughing, and allergies to certain foods can create phlegm production. You might experience an increase if you are allergic to wheat, soy or dairy foods. Check with your regular doctor or an allergy specialist to determine any allergies you may have.
Dairy
Although dairy is commonly thought to increase phlegm production, Mayo Clinic internist James M. Steckelberg, M.D., explains that this is not the case. Instead, dairy can make the phlegm thicker, which will cause more irritation to your throat. Nonetheless, Dr. Steckelberg notes that frozen dairy, like ice cream, might soothe your throat when you are sick.
Additional Dietary Considerations
Some fruits and vegetables also increase phlegm production. These include bananas, cabbage, potatoes and corn. To reduce your phlegm production through diet, try including more foods and spices like celery, pickles, unsaturated oils, lemon, parsley, onion, garlic, watercress, horseradish, mustard and rose hips tea.
References
- MedlinePlus: Cough
- "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine"; Prospective Study of Dietary Patterns and Persistenct Cough...; L.M. Butler, et al.; February 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cystic Fibrosis
- MayoClinic.com; Cold Symptoms -- Does Drinking Milk Increase Phlegm?; James M. Steckelberg, M.D.; Oct. 14, 2010
