Vocal health - eating, drinking, and smoking
by Sarah Sloan
A common question I get from beginning singers is “What should I avoid?” “What will help laryngitis?” or “How much water should I drink?”
The common advice you get from singing books and web sites is to avoid dairy products, orange juice or any acidic types of foods prior to singing as they can cause build up of mucous in the pharynx. This is a normal response to high acid levels in the food. I am of the opinion that everyone is different and most people know their own body well enough to judge whether these foods will interrupt their singing process and whether they should avoid them. As someone who suffers from intense dry mouth when I get pre-show jitters, I generally like to sip water with lemon juice to get my saliva flowing again. I have even been known to have a few bites of my favorite chocolate right before I go on. That will definitely keep me drooling!
Keeping “hydrated” and drinking gallons of water every day is not necessary to maintain vocal health. We have all been told at some point that proper hydration requires us to consume eight glasses of water a day. That works out to about two liters, which is an awful lot of fluid, considering the average human stomach (when unexpanded) is about the size of a balled fist.
But health researchers have refuted the eight-glasses-a-day claim as a silly myth riding a wave of flimsy scientific literature. In fact, many of the groups behind the public push for over-hydration have been exposed as having — surprise! — monetary interests in the fluid industry.
Herbal teas, lemon juice and/or honey are another perpetuated myth that may feel soothing from the warmth but in actuality does nothing to ameliorate vocal fatigue or laryngitis. Any fluids that are swallowed do not touch the vocal cords.
The only thing that has been proven to help laryngitis or fatigue is good old fashioned resting. In some urgent situations, such as the day before a performance, a willing doctor may give a shot of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation but in most instances we are admonished to stop singing and even talking until the voice feels normal.
Lastly, and this may seem like common sense but it still needs to be said, smoking anything of any kind is the best and fastest way to destroy your voice. Smoking, whether filtered or not, is inhaling tiny, minute particles of burning embers into your lungs. It bakes your cords and causes instant inflammation- not to mention lung and esophageal cancer. Stay away from it.
The best thing anyone can do to maintain vocal stamina and longevity is to practice good vocal technique as much as you can. Singing too long, too loud and doing things like glottal attacks, groans and vocal fry (ala Britney Spears) all cause vocal nodules, a common and sometimes permanent injury to the vocal cords. Any scratching or abrasive feeling in the throat is to be avoided.
Only you can determine what truly helps or harms your voice. Pay attention to the signals you get from your body and have the courage to say no when something really feels wrong. You only have one unique larynx that can never be replaced.