Vocal health for singers is very important when it comes to singing your best. Many things can affect the quality of your singing voice. Therefore, it is wise to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can keep them at bay when it is time for a big performance. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:
How alcohol affects your vocal health
Alcohol dilates blood vessels in your body, which is not a good thing for your vocal cords if you plan to sing. When your vessels dilate, the blood moves closer to the surface and this increases the risk of a hemorrhage on your vocal cords when you are singing. Limit your intake of alcohol to those days that you don’t have to practice or perform and drink plenty of water on those days that you choose to drink, because alcohol dehydrates you.
How cigarette smoke affects your vocal health
Smoke causes your throat to get irritated and this leads to inflammation that makes it difficult for you to sing your best. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. You should at least avoid smoke for several days prior to a singing lesson or performance.
Throat clearing
If you frequently clear your throat, you should find out the cause so you can break the habit. Excessive throat clearing can be caused by mucus buildup from postnasal drip or acid reflux. See if you can get in the habit of swallowing instead of clearing your throat and go see your doctor to determine the reason behind the mucus build up. Many times, singers develop a habit of throat clearing because of frequently clearing the cords for singing. Singing with a little mucus won’t hurt.
The effect food has on your vocal health
You’ll discover that certain foods cause vocal irritation. For instance, dairy foods are noted to cause increased mucus production and this leads you to clear your throat more frequently. Some people claim that spicy foods don’t enhance their singing. You’ll have to discover which foods bother you so you can avoid them for a few days prior to a big performance.
Pollen, allergens and your voice
Being allergic to dust or pollen can cause your vocal folds and throat to become irritated and swollen. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you overcome your allergy problems. There are a few things you can do at home to limit your exposure to allergens. Clean your house often so dust does not have a chance to settle and collect and buy non-allergenic bedding to sleep on. Be sure to listen to your local weather reports for current pollen counts. Pollen counts are usually much higher in the early morning hours or the early evening. If you limit outdoor activities to the middle of the day, you’re less likely to encounter the highest levels of pollen.
How medicines can affect your voice
The problem with most over-the-counter drugs is that just about anything you can find to help you with the symptoms of a runny nose or watery eyes dries out your throat. If you can’t avoid taking the medications, be sure to drink a lot of water so your throat won’t get dry when you sing. If possible, you may want to forego the medicine on the days when you have to sing.
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