Take Care of Your Throat All Year Round

Even though we think it’s just a winter problem, our throats can also suffer from the dryness caused by air conditioners or from drinking very cold drinks. Today, we’d like to give you some recommendations to take care of your throat all year round.

Recommendations for daily throat care

In winter, it’s normal to worry about our throats more because of the viruses and sicknesses in our surroundings.

But, what happens when it gets hot? Do you forget about something so important, like the instrument that allows us to communicate?

We should protect our throats in every season by adopting the following habits:

1. Following a healthy diet

You might not believe it, but everything that you eat influences your throat. If your diet isn’t healthy, it’ll be easier for you to get sick.

Opt for fresh foods – even in the winter – and don’t forget that orange juice is loaded with vitamin C (which will reinforce your immune system). Choose seasonal fruits for dessert.

2. Hydrate and re-hydrate

We recommend the famous “6-8 glasses of water a day” rule to hydrate your vocal cords. Doing so will prevent the area from overheating and drying out, which causes soreness, pain and even hoarseness. You should follow that rule all year long, not just in the summer.

At the same time, we recommend that you avoid drinks that are too cold. In addition, when it’s very hot, reduce your coffee and alcohol consumption.

Finally, try swapping dairy milk (which increases mucus) with vegetal milks.

3. Rest

If you haven’t slept enough, you might very well end up with throat issues the next day. Your voice might sound “raspy” and a little muted.

4. Bundle up

You might think that this recommendation is only for the colder months, but it’s not the case.

In summer, people tend to go a little over board with the air conditioning. Many offices and buildings are so cold, that we need to use another layer. Cold air can dry out your throat, which is why we recommend that you have a scarf on hand, or any other kind of accessory for your neck, in all seasons.

And, of course, don’t leave your house without a scarf during the winter!

5. Eat honey

Honey has plenty of general health benefits for us, especially for our throats. It’s a powerful antibacterial and anti fungal that can stop any virus, bacteria or microorganism that tries to enter your body.

Propolis in useful for fighting infections, reducing the inflammation in vocal cords and reducing dryness. You can have a teaspoon every day on an empty stomach.

If you opt for honey, use it to sweeten your tea.

6. Prevent dryness

Some places are extremely dry as a result of air conditioning.

To give an example, if you go on a plane, we recommend placing a towel or wet tissue over our mouth and nose to prevent dryness and to hydrate your vocal cords. Similarly, this can happen in an office where they use too much air.

Also, watch out! This can happen during the winter when the heater is cranked up, as well.

Furthermore, you should avoid areas with poor ventilation, heavy smoke or noise because they’re the perfect hot spot for trouble: they’re full of mold, fungus and dust that can affect your throat.

7. Don’t talk

It might sound impossible, but in many cases, it helps to keep your lips zips and let your throat rest.

People who have jobs that demand a lot from their vocal cords (receptionists, singers, broadcasters, etc.) might especially feel throat dryness at the end of the day.

In light of this, you shouldn’t talk when it isn’t necessary. By avoiding it, your throat can find some relief.

8. Don’t smoke

If you don’t smoke, avoid being near those who do because you could still suffer the consequences.

9. Coughing

When your your throat feels uncomfortable, resist the habit and don’t clear your throat by coughing.

Instead, you should cough to eliminate whatever is blocking your airway. By coughing , you can preventing vocal cord damage. If the problem continues, drink a little water or your choice of tea.

10. Express what’s going on

Lastly, you shouldn’t look brush over a sore throat. Although you might not believe it, your throat is linked to emotions.

So, when something bothers you, you may feel a sort of “knot” that doesn’t let you breathe nor talk well. Express what’s happening in your case and ask for the things that you need.

Talk about your fears, frustrations, sadness and worries with trusted people (or in therapy). You’ll see that everything, even your throat, will change for the better.