Patrick Oconnell
Mucus is a gelatinous substance produced by the mucus membranes that line the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It acts as a protective barrier, trapping dirt, dust, bacteria, and viruses to prevent them from entering the body. While mucus is essential for the body's functioning, excessive mucus or mucus with abnormal colouring may indicate an issue. Various factors, including certain foods, allergies, infections, and chronic conditions, can contribute to increased mucus production or phlegm. One of the commonly discussed foods in this context is cheese, along with other dairy products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cheese bad for phlegm? | There is no evidence that cheese directly causes mucus secretion. However, some people believe that dairy products, including cheese, can stimulate mucus production and make congestion worse, especially during a cold or sore throat. |
| Why do people believe cheese causes phlegm? | The creamy, thick texture of cheese and other dairy products can create the sensation of excess phlegm. Additionally, some people may experience increased mucus production due to an allergy or intolerance to dairy or other foods. |
| What are the common causes of excess phlegm? | Various factors can lead to excess phlegm, including certain foods, environmental conditions (such as pollution and smog), and chronic conditions like asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). |
| How to reduce phlegm? | Consuming mucus-killing foods, such as chicken soup, hot water, tea, garlic, onions, and omega-3 rich foods, can help reduce mucus. Additionally, supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and glutathione may thin out mucus. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dairy products like milk and cheese are known to cause mucus build-up in some people
- Processed foods, additives, and preservatives can also cause mucus issues
- Alcohol and carbonated drinks can irritate the throat and increase phlegm
- Chicken soup, hot water, and tea can help break down and reduce phlegm
- Cinnamon and supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may help reduce mucus
Dairy products like milk and cheese are known to cause mucus build-up in some people
Dairy products such as milk and cheese are often thought to cause mucus build-up, but the evidence supporting this claim is mixed. While some people believe that dairy products can worsen symptoms when dealing with a cold or sore throat, others suggest that milk does not directly cause mucus secretion.
One theory suggests that the creamy, thick texture of dairy creates the illusion of increased phlegm. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) also supports this idea, stating that a dairy allergy is unlikely to cause mucus production. Instead, the most common symptoms of a dairy allergy include hives, throat and/or tongue swelling, and a drop in blood pressure.
However, a 2019 study published in Laryngoscope found that a dairy-free diet lasting four days reduced mucus secretions in some participants. Additionally, milk contains an amino acid called beta-casomorphin-7, which can stimulate mucus production in the intestines of certain individuals, especially those with lactose intolerance. This amino acid may circulate in the bloodstream and trigger similar effects in the upper respiratory tract.
While the relationship between dairy and mucus production requires further research, switching to non-dairy milk alternatives during illnesses may provide relief for those who experience increased mucus secretion. Additionally, certain foods and beverages, such as chicken soup, hot water, and tea, are known to help break down and loosen phlegm, improving "mucus velocity."
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Processed foods, additives, and preservatives can also cause mucus issues
While mucus is important for your body's functioning, excess mucus can be an issue. If you often experience phlegm when eating, it may be because of the food you are consuming. According to a June 2018 study in Microorganisms, common food additives in processed products can interfere with intestinal mucus. These additives can lead to both under- and over-production of mucus.
Food additives such as preservatives and thickeners can cause problems such as dangerous inflammatory reactions or intestinal disease. Both excessive and inadequate mucus production can be triggered by these artificial substances.
Processed meats, mayonnaise, fermented products such as alcohol, yogurt, and sauerkraut, spinach, tomatoes, citrus fruits, grapes, bananas, and strawberries are some examples of foods that contain additives that can cause mucus issues.
If you have a recurrent phlegm issue, carbonated beverages may be worsening the problem. Carbonated drinks are full of gas, and more gas can lead to irritation and associated phlegm.
To reduce mucus, some foods and drinks can be added to your diet. For example, chicken soup is known for its ability to break down and loosen phlegm. Hot water and certain teas can also help move mucus. Garlic, onions, and other alliums, alongside foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce excess mucus production.
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Alcohol and carbonated drinks can irritate the throat and increase phlegm
While cheese is not directly linked to causing phlegm, certain foods and drinks can irritate the throat and increase phlegm production. Alcohol and carbonated drinks are known to have this effect. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urination and fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause throat dryness and inflammation, resulting in a sore throat and increased phlegm. Consuming alcohol in loud environments, like clubs or bars, can further strain the vocal cords through loud talking or singing, exacerbating throat irritation.
Carbonated drinks, including soda, lemonade, and even tea and coffee, can irritate the mucus membranes due to their fizz, acids, or tannins. This irritation stimulates the production of a phlegm coating to reduce discomfort. The temperature of drinks can also play a role, as cold beverages, such as iced tea or ice cream, may trigger similar responses.
In addition to alcohol and carbonated drinks, dairy products have been suspected of increasing phlegm. However, the evidence is mixed, with some studies finding no link between dairy and mucus production. The perceived connection may be attributed to the creamy, thick texture of dairy creating a sensory illusion of increased phlegm. Nonetheless, individual responses can vary, and some people may find that consuming dairy, especially during a cold or sore throat, triggers mucus secretion.
To alleviate throat irritation and reduce phlegm caused by alcohol and carbonated drinks, staying hydrated is crucial. Drinking water throughout the night and aiming for one glass of water per alcoholic beverage can help counter their dehydrating effects. Additionally, consuming warm tea, sucking on lozenges, and breathing in steam can soothe throat irritation and reduce phlegm.
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Chicken soup, hot water, and tea can help break down and reduce phlegm
While there is no such thing as a mucus-free diet or foods that completely eliminate mucus, consuming chicken soup, hot water, and tea can help break down and reduce phlegm.
Chicken soup is one of the best foods to get rid of mucus. It can help increase nasal mucus velocity, making it easier to expel mucus from your body. The aroma or taste of chicken soup may also play a role in increasing nasal mucus velocity.
Hot water and other hot liquids can also help break up mucus congestion in your throat and lungs. Specifically, sipping hot water can increase nasal mucus velocity, making it easier to clear mucus from your system.
Tea, especially herbal tea, can help dilute stubborn phlegm. Mint, thyme, chamomile, and echinacea tea are good options for reducing mucus.
In addition to these specific remedies, staying hydrated is important for managing phlegm. Soups, broths, and clear liquids are hydrating options that can help your body clear phlegm.
While dairy products like cheese have been associated with mucus buildup, there is limited evidence to support this claim. According to a study in the BMJ, the creamy and thick texture of dairy may create the sensation of increased phlegm, but it does not directly cause mucus secretion. However, if you notice increased phlegm after consuming dairy, it may be best to limit or avoid these products.
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Cinnamon and supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may help reduce mucus
While cheese and other dairy products have long been associated with mucus production, recent studies have found no evidence to support this claim. The creamy, thick texture of dairy may simply create the illusion of phlegm. Instead, the cause of increased mucus production may be related to how some people respond to the breakdown of milk during digestion. An amino acid called beta-casomorphin-7, which is created from the breakdown of milk, can stimulate mucus production in the intestines of certain individuals, especially those with lactose intolerance.
If you experience increased mucus production, cinnamon and supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may help reduce it. Cinnamon has been used for years to treat sore throats and coughs. It can be added to non-dairy milk, like almond milk, to help relieve symptoms. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, is an antioxidant that can act as an expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus in your air passageways. This can help improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of coughing and wheezing. NAC is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis, by reducing inflammation and improving lung function.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is a dairy product that contains histamines, which can increase mucus production in people with histamine sensitivity or intolerance. However, according to a 2018 study in the BMJ, there is no evidence that cheese directly causes mucus secretion. The creamy texture of cheese may create the sensation of increased phlegm.
To reduce phlegm, it is recommended to limit histamine-rich foods, such as certain types of fish, processed meats, mayonnaise, dairy products, fermented products, spinach, tomatoes, citrus fruits, grapes, and bananas. Alcohol and carbonated beverages can also irritate the throat and increase phlegm.
Yes, there are several remedies to reduce phlegm. Chicken soup, hot water, and certain teas can help loosen and move mucus. Garlic, onions, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce mucus production. Quercetin-rich foods like apples and berries may also reduce mucus secretion. Additionally, supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and glutathione can help thin out mucus.
