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. It is a good idea to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can limit the chance for trouble when it comes time for you to sing. Here are some common everyday factors to bear in mind:
How alcohol affects your vocal health
Alcohol dilates blood vessels in your body, which is not a good thing for your vocal cords if you plan to sing. When your vessels dilate, the blood moves closer to the surface and this increases the risk of a hemorrhage on your vocal cords when you are singing. Do not drink alcohol on days when you will be singing, either performing or practicing, and on the days when you do drink alcoholic beverages, drink lots of water to counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
Cigarette smoke affects your voice
Cigarette smoke causes the tissue in your throat to become irritated and inflamed and this makes it more difficult for you to sing well. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. You should at least avoid smoke for several days prior to a singing 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. Clearing your throat a lot can be a sign of a medical condition like postnasal drip or even acid reflux. Swallow instead of clearing your throat and talk with your doctor about 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 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 people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. 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
Being allergic to dust or pollen can cause your vocal folds and throat to become irritated and swollen. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you overcome your allergy problems. There are some basic precautions you can take at home for allergy relief. Clean your house on a regular basis to prevent dust from collecting and bothering you and choose non-allergenic materials for your bed linen. Pay attention to your local news and weather for pollen count updates. Usually, pollen counts are the highest in the early evening or early morning hours. 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 times, the drugs you take for other conditions will cause your throat to become dried out. 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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