Foods That Cause Mucus in the Throat

Do you know the foods that cause mucus in the body? Generally, mucus in one way or the other helps keep your body healthy.

In cases where you notice excess phlegm, just know an underlying condition may be to blame and sometimes your diet could have something to do with it.

So, it is very important to know why you get phlegm after eating certain foods. And which of the foods you eat are common offenders.

Don’t forget that mucus plays an important role in protecting your respiratory system from viruses and allergens. However, too much or too thick mucus can cause irritation and discomfort.

Some Foods That Cause Mucus

Here are different types of food that cause mucus in the body:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol increases mucus by weakening the esophageal sphincters, creating irritation and increasing phlegm, just like other foods and beverages that cause mucus.

Also, alcohol is a diuretic, which means that if you consume too much alcohol, it could lead to dehydration and make it difficult for phlegm to drain properly.

2. Carbonated beverages

Do you know that carbonated beverages are among the foods that cause mucus? So if you have a recurrent phlegm issue, avoid carbonated beverages because it may worsen the problem.

Carbonation drinks are full of gas, and more gas can lead to irritation and associated phlegm.

3. High-Histamine Foods

Foods like: Tuna, Mackerel, Pork, Chicken, Spinach, Fermented products (like alcohol, yogurt, and sauerkraut), Mayonnaise, and Ketchup, Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Chocolate are a natural source of histamine.

These foods may also cause a reaction that increases phlegm production, according to a report in April 2018 in the ‌Annals of Dermatology.‌

4. Sugar

Sugar is another food on the list that increases mucus.  It’s been well-documented that sugar is not something that should be included in a healthy diet.

But, to add fuel to the fire, a study from 2014 found a link between sugar consumption and increased mucus production.

The study looked at the effects of sugar on nasal mucus in healthy people and people with asthma. It demonstrated that both groups produced more mucus after eating sugar.

5. Eggs

Eggs are a popular ingredient in different meals and they are a great source of protein and other nutrients.

Nevertheless, there’s a viewpoint among certain researchers suggesting that eggs might prompt an upsurge in mucus generation.

One research shows that elements present in eggs could stimulate histamine production, consequently prompting increased mucus production within the body.

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6. Coffee

Foods that cause mucus include caffeine which is another chemical that can weaken your esophageal sphincters and cause stomach acid to back up into your esophagus and throat.

However, phlegm production may result from this irritation.

7. Chocolate

Do you know that chocolate can also contribute to an increase in mucus production? If you have an acid reflux disorder such as laryngopharyngeal reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Because chocolate can weaken your lower and upper esophageal sphincters these sphincters serve as gatekeepers that make sure that food and liquids flow in the proper direction (downward) and prevent stomach acid from entering your pharynx, larynx, or esophagus.

8. Processed Foods

Processed foods like food additives such as preservatives and thickeners can mess with your gut and cause problems such as dangerous inflammatory reactions or intestinal disease.

Both excessive and inadequate mucus production can be triggered by these artificial substances.

9. Tea

A lot of people take coffee/tea every day as breakfast, but do you know that it increases mucus in the body?

So as you enjoy a morning cup of Joe or an afternoon tea, but because these two beverages cause dehydration, just know that our bodies react to this change by producing thick mucus.

10. Foods That Cause Reflux

Foods that cause reflux acid are common reasons why you get phlegm after eating, because, excessive mucus is a symptom of the condition, according to University of Michigan Health.

So if you regularly deal with extra phlegm after mealtimes, it may be best to limit or avoid foods that trigger acid reflux, including Fried and fast food, Fatty meats like sausage and bacon, Spicy foods, Tomatoes, Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, Alliums like garlic, leeks and onions, Chocolate, etc.

Summary

Certain foods, such as eggs and dairy, are thought to stimulate mucus production in the body due to the presence of histamine-triggering elements or specific proteins like ovalbumin.

These nutrients can prompt an immune response, resulting in the production of antibodies that lead to inflammation and increased mucus.

While complete avoidance isn’t necessary, moderating the intake of these foods might be beneficial for individuals experiencing mucus-related concerns as foods that cause mucus may be our everyday meal unknowingly.