You always want to sing your best and that is why vocal health is so important. There are several things that can have an effect upon the quality of your vocal performance. It is a good idea to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can limit the chance for trouble when it comes time for you to sing. Here are some common everyday factors to bear in mind:
How alcohol affects your vocal health
Alcohol is not good for your vocal cords because it causes the blood vessels in them to dilate. When the vessels in your vocal cords dilate, the blood comes closer to the surface and this makes them more susceptible to hemorrhaging while 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.
Smoking and secondhand smoke affects vocal health
The smoke often causes inflammation of the tissues in the throat and that makes it more difficult to sing. If you want to sing well, don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as well. It is best to avoid cigarette smoke for several days before you have a singing lesson or give a performance.
Throat clearing
If you are a habitual throat clearer, now is the time to break the habit and find the root of the problem. Excessive throat clearing can be caused by mucus buildup from postnasal drip or acid reflux. Swallow instead of clearing your throat and talk with your doctor about the cause. A lot of times, throat clearing is just an established habit that results from trying to keep the vocal cords clear for singing. Singing with a little mucus won’t hurt.
The effect food has on your vocal health
Some types of foods will irritate your voice Dairy foods in particular are noted for causing mucus to buildup and that makes you clear your throat more often. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods, so you know what to avoid the day before or day of a big concert or 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. Listen to the local weather report to find out the pollen count. 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.
Medications and your vocal health
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 have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won’t become too dry. If possible, you may want to forego the medicine on the days when you have to sing.
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