Foods that Produce Mucus and How to Combat Mucus-Buildup

With the coronavirus making its way around the world, people are sharing tips and tricks to help break up the mucus and the phlegm that builds up in your respiratory system.

 Some mucus is good, it helps keep bacteria and dust from entering the body, but too much of it is hazardous. To avoid mucus buildup, here are some foods and beverages to stay away from and clear those airways.

 

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It’s the accumulation of mucus in the body, specifically the lungs and sinuses related to respiratory infections that decides whether you will either have very mild symptoms or end up with acute respiratory syndrome in the ER. Mucus along with inflammation causes patients to go into respiratory distress, become oxygen deprived, and require a ventilator. Eating mucus producing foods like the ones mentioned above only contribute to the amount mucus in our bodies. Instead eat cleansing, hydrated, nourishing foods high in antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and anti-inflammatory omega-3’s. What foods are those? Berries, melons, avocados, and green leafy vegetables.

A post shared by Dr. Bobby Price, Plantbased 🥑 (@doctorholistic) on Apr 6, 2020 at 7:22am PDT

Dairy Products (Cheese, Milk, Butter, etc.)

These products have a distinct protein called casein. This protein is particularly hard to digest and increase the secretion of mucus in the system. Lactose is also a mucus-producing molecule.

Red Meat

Same with dairy products, red meat is high in protein. Proteins cause uncomfortable mucus buildup in the throat. Stick to buying organic meats or sticking to different sources of proteins like fish or poultry.

 

Alcohol or Soda

Drinks with high amounts of caffeine activate that allergy-attacking response. Black tea, coffee, soda, and beer are not the best if trying to stay away from mucus-producing foods.

If you feel like there is too much mucus in your body, here are some foods that are good to break down that mucus.

Foods that are high in fiber are proven to reduce coughs with phlegm, according to this Singaporean study. Also try foods like cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, apples, berries, ginger, greens to settle that cough.