Speech & Voice Care

Some drying goods, such as coffee or some teas, can still be used as long as you drink enough water to counteract the dryness they produce. It’s better to stay away from these drying goods completely before any significant occasion, like as a performance or lengthy speaking engagement.

However, smoking damages your lungs, throat, mouth, and even your heart, making it extremely detrimental to your voice and general health. Voice specialists highly advise quitting smoking, despite the fact that it might be difficult. Consult a physician if you’re having trouble quitting. You may get gum, patches, and other aids from them.

Regarding caffeine-containing beverages, a lot of voice coaches advise staying away from “brown drinks,” which include coffee, tea, cola, and hot chocolate. However, keep in mind that certain “clear” drinks may still contain caffeine, so if you want to stay away from it, always read the label. Recall that there may still be traces of caffeine in Decaffeinated coffee.

Mucus is another factor to take into account. Mucus can get thick from certain meals and beverages, which can be unpleasant. Maintaining proper hydration thins mucus, which your body can process more easily.

Things to watch out for:

• Nuts
• Dairy products
• Hormones
• Allergens & pollutants
• Dust

The next group of things to watch out for that can create upset stomach, which can cause gastric reflux. In this situation, the acids in the stomach rise up to the esophagus to irritate the tissues of the vocal folds.

Watch out for:

• Spicy foods
• Fad diets

Environments:

Many people injure their voices by working too hard – by trying to compete against the sounds of loud machinery, loud music or crowd noise. If that is the case, try to use amplification equipment if it is appropriate. As stated before, you want to avoid drying environments.

Some industrial spaces, frequently rented for rehearsal space at low cost, are actually toxic not just to your voice but to your whole body. They may also have been used for industries that carry lots of allergens. I once worked in an abandoned fur trade building, and half the cast was allergic to the giant dust bunnies roaming the halls.

Avoid or use caution in spaces which are:

• Noisy
• Smokey
• Outdoors
• Cold
• Dry
• Dusty
• Industrial

Voice Care: Remedies

Taking care of your voice is important for everyone, whether you talk a lot, sing, or just want to keep your voice healthy. Here are some easy remedies to help you care for your voice:

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Keep your throat hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. It helps keep your vocal cords smooth and healthy.

2. Rest Your Voice

If you’ve been talking or singing a lot, give your voice some rest. Don’t talk too loudly or for too long, and take breaks when you can.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Drinks like coffee and alcohol can dry out your throat. Try to limit them and drink warm, soothing drinks like herbal tea instead.

4. Use a Humidifier

If the air around you is dry, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This helps keep your throat from getting dry and irritated.

5. Warm Up Before Speaking or Singing

Just like you warm up your body before exercise, warming up your voice can help prevent strain. Try humming or doing gentle lip trills.

6. Don’t Clear Your Throat Often

Clearing your throat too much can irritate your vocal cords. Instead, try swallowing or sipping water to relieve the feeling.

7. Maintain Good Posture

Stand or sit up straight. Good posture helps your voice flow better and reduces strain on your vocal cords.

8. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can harm your voice and throat. If possible, avoid smoking to protect your vocal cords from damage.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your voice in good condition and prevent strain or damage. If you experience problems with your voice, consider seeing a professional for help.

When to Consider Speech Therapy:

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, vocal strain, hoarseness, or other issues can persist. Speech therapy can help address these problems and improve voice quality. Speech therapists provide specialized exercises to strengthen the vocal cords, enhance breath control, and encourage healthy speech habits. For people with voice issues, speech therapy offers effective, practical support to improve communication and protect their vocal health.

Caring for your voice is a lifelong commitment, but with these simple steps and, if needed, professional support, you can enjoy a strong, clear voice for years to come.