Maintaining Vocal Health

To sing at your best, it's important to look after your vocal health. There are several things that can have an effect upon the quality of your vocal performance. What's important is that you recognize problems and keep them at bay before a big performance. These are some everyday factors that can have an effect upon your vocal health:

How alcohol affects your vocal health

Alcohol causes the blood vessels in your body to dilate and that is not good for your vocal cords when you will be singing. 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.

Cigarette smoke affects your voice

The smoke often causes inflammation of the tissues in the throat and that makes it more difficult to sing. Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as best you can. You especially want to avoid smoke several days before a lesson or performance.

Clearing your throat

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. Try to develop the habit of swallowing rather than throat clearing and discuss the problem with your doctor to find out 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

Certain foods can irritate your voice. Dairy products often cause mucus to build up, which causes you to clear your throat frequently. Some people claim that spicy foods don't enhance their singing. Since everyone is different, you will have to listen to your own body and discover the foods you should avoid for a few days before you are scheduled to sing.

Pollen, allergens and your voice

Allergies to pollen and dust will cause your throat and vocal folds to become irritated and inflamed. Ask your doctor for suggestions to help with allergy problems. There are some basic precautions you can take at home for allergy relief. Maintain a clean home so dust doesn't have the chance to settle and cause your problems and select allergy-free bedding to sleep on at night. Be sure to listen to your local weather reports for current pollen counts. Most areas have higher pollen counts in the early morning or early evening. Restrict your outdoor activities to the middle of the day when you are less likely to run into problems with pollen.

How medicines can affect your voice

Many of the medications that you take to treat a runny nose or watery eyes will dry out your throat too. If you need to take the medications, compensate by drinking more water so you don't get dry when you sing. If it is possible, you might want to avoid taking any medications before your singing engagement.

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