The common cold and flu are among the most common viral infections in the world. Although most viral infections go away within 10 to 14 days, those mucus-filled two weeks can feel much longer and leave you craving your favourite comfort foods. For many, the first comfort we look for is food. But did you know there are some foods that cause mucus?
To help you get through your cold without accidentally making the mucus worse, we have put together the ultimate guide to mucus producing foods. Below are the dos and don’ts of sickly snacking.
Mucus is a naturally occurring substance that forms an integral part of your immune system. Under normal circumstances, mucus is clear, gel-like, and slippery, helping to trap and remove germs and harmful particles, stopping them from being absorbed into your body’s tissue.
When you become sick, the amount of mucus in your body changes, increasing to try and trap all the harmful substances. The colour and texture of the mucus may also change, becoming thick and sticky and changing to an array of colours from white to black, depending on what is causing your immune system to react.
Although producing excess mucus is your body’s way of defending itself, it can cause significant discomfort, especially when your body is unable to remove the sticky mucus. When this happens, eating foods that cause phlegm, and mucus only worsens the problem. Below are our top four foods to stay away from when you have a cold, flu, or sinusitis.
Alcohol is a bad idea when you are sick for many reasons. One of these many reasons is that alcohol contains histamine, the same compound that causes allergic reactions. This means that alcohol can cause an inflammatory response in your body, leading to a build-up of mucus in the airways and phlegm in the lungs.
Although a sweet treat may make you feel better in the short term, chocolate is a top food that causes phlegm in the throat. This is because chocolate can weaken components in your throat responsible for ensuring food and liquids flow in the right direction, including stomach acid. If stomach acid is allowed to come up the throat, it can cause a sore throat and mucus in the back of the throat.
Carbonated drinks are full of gas, and, while this may bring feelings of delight to your taste buds, that is far from the case for your airways. This excess gas can irritate your throat, causing your body to produce more mucus.
Fried food may be convenient when you are feeling under the weather, but it can also contribute to mucus, particularly in the nose. That is because fried foods are linked to nasal inflammation, which in turn can lead to excess mucus production.
Dairy can cause excess mucus in some people, but research has shown that dairy rarely triggers nasal symptoms. If there is an allergic reaction, it will usually occur alongside other allergy symptoms. For some people, the texture may cause some excess mucus production, but, this would then occur with any liquid of a similar texture.
Citrus like lemons and oranges act as a natural decongestant, helping to loosen phlegm and mucus, making it easier for your body to remove.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin. Allicin is thought to have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat mucus production.
Fluids are extremely important when you are feeling congested. Not only do they help to keep you hydrated, but warm liquids, like herbal teas, can also help soothe the throat and assist in clearing excess mucus.
Managing mucus buildup when you're sick is crucial for a quicker and more comfortable recovery. While certain foods, like alcohol, chocolate, and fried foods, can worsen mucus production, others—such as citrus, garlic, and warm teas—can help ease congestion and support your immune system. By making mindful dietary choices and incorporating mucus-reducing foods, you can ease discomfort and help your body clear out excess phlegm more effectively.
However, when mucus becomes thick and stubborn, diet alone may not be enough. Amuco 600 offers a convenient and effective way to break down mucus, assisting your body's natural removal process. Whether through diet, hydration, or extra support like Amuco 600, taking proactive steps can help you recover faster and get back to enjoying life.
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