Factors That Affect Vocal Health
To sing at your best, it’s important to look after your vocal health. There are a number of factors that can affect your vocal performance. What’s important is that you recognize problems and keep them at bay before a big performance. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:
The effect of alcoholic beverages
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 blood vessels dilate, the blood thins and comes to the surface, which makes you more susceptible to a hemorrhage on your vocal cords. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages on the days when you will be singing or practicing and when you do drink alcohol, be sure to drink a lot of water to keep from becoming dehydrated.
Smoking and secondhand smoke affects vocal health
Cigarette smoke causes the tissue in your throat to become irritated and inflamed and this makes it more difficult for you to sing well. 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 constantly clearing your throat, you should find out the reason behind it so you can break the habit. 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. Many times, singers develop a habit of throat clearing because of frequently clearing the cords for singing. Singing with a little mucus on your vocal cords shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The effect food has on your vocal health
You’ll discover that certain foods cause vocal irritation. Dairy products often cause mucus to build up, which causes you to clear your throat frequently. Some singers are affected by spicy foods. You’ll have to discover which foods bother you so you can avoid them for a few days prior to a big performance.