A variety of triggers can cause phlegm, but evaluating your diet can be a good first step.
Learn about foods that cause phlegm.
What is phlegm?
It contains cells, microorganisms, proteins, and other particles.
While phlegm isnt exactly pleasant, it serves a fewimportant purposes.
However, certain foods can also cause phlegm after eating them.
certified gastrointestinal dietitian nutritionist and owner of AEH Nutrition LLC
7 foods and drinks that cause phlegm
1.
This can suppress the immune system and cause inflammation, increasing mucus production, he explains.
Dehydrationcauses mucus to become thicker and more noticeable, Hernandez says.
He also warns that caffeine may trigger GERD and acid reflux, which in turn can increase phlegm production.
Similar to caffeine, alcohol is dehydrating and thus results in thicker mucus.
But its not necessarily the case that these foods cause phlegm.
Rather, whats happening is that dairy products contain proteins that can temporarily thicken saliva, Hernandez says.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
What foods reduce phlegm?
Just as these are foods that cause phlegm, there are some that can help keep phlegm at bay.
certified gastrointestinal dietitian nutritionist and owner of AEH Nutrition LLC
On the dietary front, Dr. Mattewal suggests leveling up your hydration game.
Drinking plenty of water helps keep mucus thin and easy to expel, he explains.
Increase in sputum production can be due to infectious or noninfectious causes, Dr. Mattewal says.
Lungs produce more mucus to protect themselves.
The result: chest discomfort and your best effort to hack it all up and out of your system.
Dehydration is another culprit, as itcauses mucus to build up and thicken.
Excessive phlegm may also be a symptom of acid reflux and GERD.
These conditions induce stomach acid to flow into the esophagus, causing irritation, Hernandez says.
This activates the bodys anti-inflammatory response by increasing mucus production.
What causes phlegm after eating?
If you have excess phlegm after eating, Hernandez says a food allergy or sensitivity may be present.
Dehydration, acid reflux, or GERD may also be behind your post-meal phlegm buildup.
What naturally brings up phlegm?
Fortunately, theres no shortage of natural remedies to bring up phlegm andimprove congestion.
Why do I have a lot of phlegm but Im not sick?
For instance, clear mucus is typically normalbut if its also drippy you might have amild cold or allergies.
Changes in color and consistency of sputum can be an indicator of certain breathing conditions, Dr. Mattewal adds.
Again, acid reflux and GERD can also trigger excess phlegm.
Potential sickness and infection aside, you might be sensitive to foods that cause phlegm.
reviewed by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH
Butler, Lesley M et al.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
