According to "The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary," mucus is a viscous substance that is mainly mucin, water, cells and inorganic salts -- secreted by the glands and cells of the mucous membranes. It works as a protective coating. An example of this is nasal discharge and the excess mucus that might drain down the throat, known as postnasal drip, which can cause symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, ear infection or plugged nasal passages. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that causes the body to create excess mucus in the lungs. Several foods can contribute to the production or excess mucus, while others can help reduce mucus production.
Food Allergies
Because the production of mucus is commonly connected to allergies, food allergies will need to be addressed. Foods such as dairy, wheat, soy, sugars, preservatives and additives are common causes of food allergies that can contribute to mucus production. Patients with cystic fibrosis are advised to avoid these foods.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided if you have increased mucus production, as they can help thicken mucus. The common allergen foods, such as dairy, wheat and soy, should be avoided if you notice they contribute to an increase in your mucus. Try eliminating them from your diet for a few days and see if you notice a difference. Saturated fats, such as red meat, have pro-inflammatory substances that can aggravate allergy symptoms in conditions such as hay fever and contribute to increased mucus production.
Foods to Decrease Mucus
A 2007 study published in "Respiratory Research" looked at the connection between dietary omega-3 fatty acids and mucus production. The researchers found that a diet rich in omega-3 was one way to prevent and treat mucus production in patients with cystic fibrosis. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, as well as in supplement form. A 2004 study published in "Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine" shows that increased antioxidant intake can help suppress mucus production in patients with cystic fibrosis. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus, and zinc are beneficial, as are other antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene. Eating foods rich in these nutrients can reduce mucus production.
Considerations
If you are experiencing an increase in mucus production, it is important to consult your physician and determine what the cause might be, such as an infection, which can be treated. If mucus is a regular problem, your physician will be able to advise you on a diet that can help reduce your mucus production and test you for possibly ID food allergens that could be contributing to excess mucus. It is important to drink plenty of water if you are experiencing mucus production, as this will help keep the mucus thin.
References
- "American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary"; "Mucus"; Accessed July 24, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Cystic Fibrosis"; June 17, 2010
- MedlinePlus; "Nasal Discharge"; August 2, 2009
- "Respiratory Research"; "Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids Have Suppressive Effects on Mucin Upregulation in Mice Infected With Pseudomonas Aeruginosa"; D. Tetaert et al.; June 2007
- The Food Doctor: Summertime Allergies
- "Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine"; "Potential for Antioxidant Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis"; A.M. Cantin; November 2004
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