Voice actors have unique vocal demands that require them to carefully consider what they ingest. The beverages voice actors drink can affect vocal quality, hydration, and energy levels during long recording sessions. As vocal athletes, voice actors must optimize their fluid intake to promote vocal health and longevity.
Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for voice actors. Water keeps vocal folds lubricated and allows them to vibrate freely. Dehydration causes the vocal folds to become dry, stiff, and swollen, negatively impacting vocal tone and control. Most voice coaches recommend voice actors drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Pure, clean water should make up the bulk of any voice actor’s liquid consumption. Some even advise using filtered or bottled water to avoid impurities that could irritate the vocal cords. Voice actors should sip water frequently throughout the day and avoid guzzling large amounts at once, which can promote stomach bloating.
Tea
Many voice actors incorporate tea into their daily routines. The warm temperature and steam from hot tea can help relax and open the vocal tract. Certain herbal teas also offer benefits:
- Chamomile – Soothes inflammation and irritation
- Ginger – Reduces mucus production
- Green tea – Acts as an antioxidant for vocal fold health
- Licorice root – Coats and protects throat
- Peppermint – Opens nasal passages
Tea can be enjoyed plain or with a small amount of lemon or honey. Avoid adding copious sweetener, milk, or creamer as this leaves phlegm on the vocal cords. Caffeinated tea should be consumed in moderation, as caffeine is dehydrating. Herbal teas without caffeine make the best choice for voice actors.
Juice
Fruit and vegetable juices provide key micronutrients that benefit vocal health. However, juices tend to be high in sugar and acidity. Drinking too much can lead to dehydration and vocal inflammation. Voice actors should limit juice intake to 4-8 ounces per day. Some juices that may support vocal function include:
- Celery juice – Hydrates and restores electrolytes
- Pineapple juice – Soothes irritation and reduces mucus
- Pomegranate juice – High in antioxidants to protect vocal fold tissue
- Vegetable juice – Provides hydration without sugar
When drinking juice, voice actors should opt for low-sugar varieties and always dilute with water. Tart, sugary juices like orange, grapefruit, and cranberry should be avoided as the high acid levels can damage tooth enamel and inflame the vocal tract.
Smoothies
Smoothies allow voice actors to reap the nutrient benefits of raw fruits and vegetables in liquid form. Blending produce breaks down the fibrous content, making nutrients more readily available for absorption. Smoothies are a great way for voice actors to increase their intake of vitamins and minerals that promote vocal health, such as:
- Vitamin A – Supports healthy mucus production
- Vitamin C – Boosts collagen, important for vocal fold vibrance
- Potassium – Regulates vocal fold hydration
- Iron – Oxygenates vocal fold blood supply
Some smoothie ingredients to include are leafy greens, berries, pineapple, avocado, and coconut water. When making smoothies, restrict added sugars, avoid dairy ingredients, and use unsweetened almond or oat milk as the liquid base. Voice actors should consume smoothies that have whole food ingredients and avoid overly sweet blended drinks from juice bars or coffee shops.
Milks
Dairy milk creates excess mucus and phlegm that coats the vocal cords, so it should be avoided. Plant-based milks make better choices for voice actors. Options like almond, oat, soy, coconut, and hemp milk provide hydration without the mucus-forming effects of dairy. When buying plant milks, choose unsweetened varieties. Sweetened plant milks contain added sugars that can promote dehydration and inflammation. Some voice coaches recommend slightly warming plant milk, as the steam can relax the vocal cords. Sipping small amounts of warmed, unsweetened plant milk may benefit voice actors before a recording session.
Sport Drinks
Voice actors should use caution with sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, and Vitaminwater. The electrolytes in these beverages help rehydrate following vocal exertion. However, they also contain high sugar content. The natural sugars and added sweeteners create osmotic pressure that can dehydrate vocal fold tissue. If voice actors opt to drink sports beverages, they should dilute them 50/50 with water and consume in moderation. Coconut water provides natural electrolytes without all the added sugars found in mainstream sports drinks.
Sparkling Water
Carbonated beverages like soda and kombucha expose the voice to bubbles and acidity that can cause vocal swelling and dehydration. However, non-acidic sparkling waters offer a better alternative. The carbonation creates a pleasurable sensation on the throat and may aid with mucus control. Sparkling waters that contain only carbonated pure water and natural flavors provide voice actors with a refreshing low-sugar option. Flavored seltzers offer variety to stay hydrated and avoid drinking too much plain water.
Warm Beverages
Sipping warm drinks like tea, lemon water, and bone broth can relax tightened vocal muscles. The steam loosens mucus, while the warmth dilates blood vessels in the vocal folds. Increased blood flow improves circulation to nourish and repair the vocal cords. In contrast, drinking ice water or frozen slushy drinks constricts blood vessels. Voice actors should avoid icy beverages before voice work, as the cold temperature causes vocal tension. Drinking moderately warm liquids prior to recording sessions readies the voice for optimal flexibility and resonance.
Alcohol
Alcohol is drying and dehydrating for the vocal cords. Most vocal health experts advise voice actors to avoid drinking alcohol entirely, as it directly irritates the vocal tissues. At minimum, consumption should be restricted to special occasions only. If a voice actor chooses to drink alcohol, limit it to one serving and always drink plenty of water to counteract the dehydrating effects. Alcohol impairs muscle coordination, making it harder to control pitch, volume, and vocal quality. It should always be avoided before voice work. Voice actors should also steer clear of drinks with acidic mixers like juice, soda, and tonic that can inflame the vocal cords.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a vocal cord irritant that should be minimized by voice actors. Coffee, energy drinks, and soda contain caffeine that triggers vocal tension and dehydrates the vocal folds. Caffeine also stimulates acid production in the stomach, which can burn the throat when refluxed upwards. Have coffee or energy drinks occasionally as a treat, but do not make them a daily habit. Always balance out caffeine by drinking extra water before and after consumption. Avoid drinking caffeine within several hours of a voice recording session.
Hot Chocolate
Hot cocoa is a delicious treat, but traditional hot chocolate made from milk and heavy cream creates a coating in the mouth and throat. All the extra fat, milk proteins, and sugar increase phlegm production. Order hot chocolate occasionally as a special reward. When doing so, ask for it made with water or plant-based milk. Specify no whipped cream, which leaves a heavy film on the vocal tissues making quality voice work difficult.
Effect of Liquids on Vocal Quality
| Beverage | Effect on Voice |
|---|---|
| Water | Hydrates vocal cords; promotes healthy vibration |
| Herbal tea | Soothes and relaxes vocal tract |
| Fruit/veg juice | Provides antioxidants; but high acidity can irritate |
| Smoothies | Nutrients support vocal health; Avoid added sugars |
| Plant-based milk | Hydrating without mucus production of dairy |
| Sports drinks | Electrolytes rehydrate; But high sugar content is dehydrating |
| Sparkling water | Refreshing carbonation; Avoid acidic varieties |
| Warm drinks | Steam relaxes vocal muscles; Improves blood flow |
| Alcohol | Dehydrating and irritating to vocal tissues |
| Caffeine | Causes vocal tension and dehydration |
| Hot chocolate | Heavy, phlegm-forming; Opt for lighter versions |
Ideal Daily Beverage Intake for Voice Actors
When it comes to optimizing vocal health and function, voice actors should adopt the following beverage recommendations:
- Drink at least 64 oz of pure water
- Limit caffeine and alcohol to occasional light consumption
- Have no more than 4-8 oz of diluted juice per day
- Include herbal tea to soothe and hydrate the vocal tract
- Use plant-based milks instead of dairy
- Enjoy smoothies packed with fruit and vegetables
- Drink sparkling water for an appealing alternative to plain water
- Warm up voice with heated non-caffeinated drinks
Monitoring fluid intake is key for voice actors. Staying well hydrated, avoiding dehydrating beverages, and selecting drinks that nourish the vocal cords will help voice actors maintain a healthy instrument capable of versatility and endurance.
Other Voice-Friendly Dietary Tips
In addition to making smart beverage choices, voice actors should adopt an overall diet that promotes vocal health. Here are some key nutritional tips:
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants
- Choose lean proteins like fish, chicken, and plant-based options
- Include nuts and seeds for healthy fats
- Reduce consumption of refined sugars and flours
- Avoid spicy, fried, and acidic foods that can irritate the throat
- Stay away from heavy dairy products that increase mucus
- Take a probiotic supplement to promote gut and immune health
- Consider nutritional supplements like zinc and vitamin C
Proper nutrition provides voice actors with the nutrients needed for optimum vocal health and function. Just like with fluid intake, voice actors must be diligent about diet to maintain their instrument at peak performance.
Conclusion
What voice actors drink has a sizeable impact on vocal ability. Water is the number one beverage choice to hydrate vocal tissues. Herbal teas, vegetable juices, plant-based milks, and smoothies also promote vocal health when consumed in moderation. Sugary drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy beverages should be minimized or avoided. Following smart dietary and hydration habits allows voice actors to preserve their precious asset – the voice. With proper self-care, voice actors can enjoy long careers thrilling listeners with versatile vocal performances.