Your body needs some mucus in the throat to protect your respiratory system; however, excess mucus, associated with nasal congestion, colds and bronchitis, may result in throat irritation, pain and discomfort. In severe cases, you may experience trouble swallowing or breathing. Dietary changes, in combination with medical treatment and rest, may help minimize throat mucus and relieve throat discomfort.
Dairy Products
Dairy products do not increase mucus production, but milk may thicken the mucus in your throat and increase the irritation it causes, warns Dr. James M. Steckelberg, an internist for the Mayo Clinic. On the other hand, eating frozen yogurt or ice cream may help sooth your sore throat, while providing your body with the essential nutrients, such as calcium and protein, found in milk.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of antioxidants, which help your body fight off colds and sinus infections that may increase your throat mucus. Vary the color of your fruits and vegetables to provide your body with a diversity of antioxidants. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends increasing your consumption of parsley, onions, garlic, horseradish, celery, watercress, pickles and lemons because they reduce mucus production.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains a substance known as oleocanthal, which helps reduce inflammation that may increase mucus production in both the respiratory system and the digestive tract, according to a report published in the June 2010 issue of "Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry." Reduce your throat mucus by replacing sources of unhealthy fats, such as butter and margarine, with olive oil. The consumption of olive oil, in combination with salads or whole grains, also helps aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins essential to preventing respiratory infections and disease.
Protein
The high saturated fat content of many animal-based protein sources may increase the amount of inflammation in your body, which may increase the amount of mucus you experience in your throat. Replace the saturated fats found in beef, pork and poultry with the healthier fats found in fish and vegetarian-based proteins, such as legumes and soy.
Fluid Intake
Adequate fluid intake helps keep your throat mucus from getting too thick. Consume at least six to eight glasses of liquid each day. Hot liquids, such as tea, broth and soup help sooth the throat and loosen the mucus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Avoid caffeinated liquids, which do not hydrate as well and may decrease your ability to sleep.
Food Allergies
Food allergies increase the inflammatory response in your body and may increase the amount of mucus in your throat. Common food allergies include shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs, milk and wheat. If you notice an increase in throat mucus after eating certain foods or know you have an allergy to certain foods, simply avoid them to help control your throat mucus.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Cold Symptoms: Does Drinking Milk Increase Phlegm; James M. Steckelberg, M.D.; October 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cystic Fibrosis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2010
- "Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry"; Oleocanthal, a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound in Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Sara Cicerale, et al.; June 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Nutrition and Inflammation; Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D.; August 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Bronchitis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Food Allergy: Causes; Mayo Clinic staff; February 2011
