Our bodies produce mucus to keep us healthy, but too much mucus can cause health problems that range from annoying sniffles to making it hard to breathe. Excessive mucus is usually caused by allergies and illness, but certain foods can also cause annoying and unhealthy excessive mucus. And there are certain foods that can reduce excessive mucus.
What is Mucus?
Mucus or phlegm is produced by different mucus cells in our body and organs that include the nose, intestines and other places in our body. It is a thick fluid that coats organ membranes to protect the organs from invading pollutants. Mucus is a defense mechanism that can protect us by trapping and filtering viruses, bacteria and pollutants like cigarette smoke, pollen, and dander from entering our body.
Too much mucus though can cause health problems from stuffy noses, runny noses to breathing difficulty. If someone is allergic to pollen, smoke or pet dander, mucus can become excessive.
If there is too much mucus in the lungs and you start to cough, that is the body’s way of getting rid of the pollutants and other invaders that have caused the excessive mucus.
Coughing is important when you are sick. When you have a cold or the flu, coughing is the body’s way of getting rid of the virus or irritant that has caused the excessive mucus.
Foods that Cause Excessive Mucus
Certain beverages and foods can cause excessive mucus in certain people because they have an allergic reaction to the particular food. Too much mucus can worsen certain medical conditions like asthma, colds, the flu, emphysema, COPD and cystic fibrosis. The foods that can cause excessive mucus includes:
- Dairy products can cause excessive mucus causing mucus to be thicker than normal. Dairy foods include milk, yogurt, cheese and the foods that have dairy products in them.
- Red meat and processed meats with a high fat content can also cause excessive mucus to become a problem. This can happen with anyone but is more of a problem with those who have COPD.
- Gluten found in wheat products, rye and barley can also cause excessive mucus. This is especially true for those who have an allergy or intolerance to gluten or if you have cystic fibrosis [1].
- Alcohol can cause excessive mucus and the associated sinus problems in some people.
- Sugar
- Caffeine and especially soda pop that contains both sugar and caffeine. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, cabbage, and potatoes possibly cause excessive mucus, especially bananas.
Foods that Reduce Excessive Mucus
You can eliminate the foods that are known to cause excess mucus and you can also eat foods that eliminate excessive mucus like:
- Certain vegetables and fruits such as garlic, tomatoes, pickles, celery, onions, parsley, winter squash, berries, oranges, greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peppers.
- Chicken soup or broth can also relieve the problem of excessive mucus.
- Fatty fish including tuna, salmon, sardines, lake trout, herring, and flounder.
Natural Remedy to Loosen a Tight Chest and Reduce Mucus
- Put a teaspoon of the real horseradish (white or red) in a bowl and mix in a little lemon juice. This horseradish can be very hot and will loosen the tight chest causing the excess mucus to be expelled more easily. Real horseradish is not the type from a squeeze bottle, it usually comes in a jar.
- Hot water with lemon juice can also relieve a tight chest and loosen the mucus.
Conclusion
About the Author
Copyright © Sam Montana 2012-2022
Resources
[1] Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
