SAEDNEWS: In this article, we’ll introduce the foods that can help—or hurt—your vocal health. If you’re a singer aiming for a golden voice, make sure to read this article all the way through.
Having a pleasant voice is one of the reasons people are attracted to others. People with appealing voices can more easily gain the trust of those around them. Achieving a good voice is a dream for many young people aspiring to become singers. Even individuals aiming to be successful speakers or instructors often have a strong interest in developing a pleasant voice.
Becoming Pleasant-Voiced and the Right Nutrition
Achieving a good voice requires proper nutrition, and the best food for vocal health is water. Surprisingly, water acts like oil for our vocal cords. Just as a car requires constant lubrication to function smoothly, the vocal cords need adequate hydration to operate properly.
How Does Food Affect Vocal Cords?
A good voice is closely linked to the proper function of the vocal cords. When eating, the vocal cords close off the airway to ensure food goes only into the stomach. This means that the vocal cords come into direct contact with all foods and liquids consumed. In other words, everything you eat impacts your vocal cords before reaching the stomach.
Nutrition Tips for Singers and Speakers
Nutrition plays a vital role for voice actors, singers, and speakers. Maintaining overall health through proper diet is essential for optimal vocal performance. Sixteen organs in the body contribute to voice production, all of which require energy and nutrients.
For demanding performances, you need nutritious food at least three hours before an event so your stomach is partially full. Singing or public speaking is energy-intensive, requiring adequate calories for sustained performance. Healthy, nutrient-rich food is essential, not strict dietary restrictions. Vocal performance also demands intense mental focus and full-body engagement, so all organs involved must be well-nourished. Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the best choices, but this doesn’t mean avoiding proteins or carbohydrates. Here are some recommended foods:
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Always prefer whole fruits over juices.
Chicken: High in protein, necessary for vocal health.
Fish: Prefer grilled or boiled fish over fried varieties.
Vitamin A-rich foods: Potato, pumpkin, mango, melon, and peach.
Nuts: Raw nuts are excellent snacks for singers.
Hydration: Drinking water is crucial; avoid cold water.
Peanut butter: Natural peanut butter with minimal sugar is beneficial.
Honey: A spoonful dissolved in warm water in the morning and before bedtime soothes the vocal cords.
Water intake: Essential for opening the voice and achieving smooth vocal execution. Using a straw can help maintain optimal hydration for vocal cords.
Water-rich fruits: Watermelon, melon, pear, and berries keep the throat moist, supporting a clear and bright voice.
Oils: Applying edible oils to the throat and neck, followed by covering with a scarf, warms and relaxes vocal muscles.
Foods That Harm the Voice
Not all foods are beneficial for vocal health. Managing what you eat, especially close to performances, is key. Certain foods directly affect the quality of your voice and should be avoided at least three hours before singing or public speaking.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and cream can create phlegm and cause reflux, harming the vocal cords.
Caffeine and alcohol: Both are diuretics that dehydrate the body and tighten throat muscles, negatively affecting vocal performance.
Chocolate: Can tense neck muscles and increase mucus production.
Fast food and Asian-style dishes: Oily and spicy foods can coat the throat and increase phlegm.
Extremes in temperature: Very hot or very cold foods and drinks can damage the vocal cords. Room-temperature foods (~24°C / 75°F) are ideal.
Spices and acidic foods: Excessive spices, pickles, citrus, soft drinks, and similar items can irritate or harm the vocal cords.
Diuretic foods: Black seed, parsley, dandelion, ginger, hibiscus, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, tea, and caffeine increase urination and reduce hydration.
Some performers mistakenly believe smoking or hookah can enhance the voice. While smoke may thicken vocal cords, it causes significant damage to the voice-producing apparatus.
Herbal Remedies for Voice Recovery
During colds, shouting, or exposure to irritants, the voice can become hoarse. In such cases, care and certain herbal remedies can help:
RUTARIN (herbal powder): Dissolved in warm water, it helps open the vocal cords, reduce inflammation, and alleviate hoarseness. It does not change voice quality.
Traditional remedies: Apple seed or quince seed syrup can also soothe the throat.
Summary
Maintaining a healthy, clear voice requires a combination of proper hydration, nutritious foods, and careful avoidance of harmful substances. Singers and speakers must manage their diet, especially before performances, to maximize vocal performance. Healthy vocal habits, together with appropriate herbal support, can help sustain and enhance vocal quality.
