Singers need to take care of their vocal health in order to maintain their careers. There are many things that singers should avoid in order to prevent vocal strain, fatigue, or damage. In this article, we will discuss common triggers and irritants that singers should stay away from if possible.
Why vocal health is important for singers
The voice is a sensitive instrument that needs to be cared for properly. As a singer, your voice is your career. If you lose your voice or experience vocal damage, it can be devastating professionally. Some things that can happen if singers don’t care for their voices include:
- Vocal strain or fatigue
- Trouble hitting high or low notes
- Hoarse, raspy, or breathy voice
- Reduced vocal range
- Vocal polyps or nodules
- Pain or discomfort when singing
- Having to take time off singing to rest the voice
A singer’s voice is affected by many factors, including health, diet, hydration, vocal technique, overuse, and environmental irritants. That’s why it’s so important for singers to develop healthy vocal habits and minimize risk factors that could harm the voice.
Foods and drinks to avoid
Certain foods and drinks can irritate the vocal cords or contribute to excess mucus production. Here are some examples of things singers should try to avoid:
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, caffeine can dry out the vocal cords.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate the vocal cords and body.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can cause excess mucus production and heartburn, irritating the vocal cords.
- Dairy products: Dairy is mucus-forming and can coat the vocal cords.
- Fried and fatty foods: These foods take longer to digest and can trigger reflux.
- Acidic foods: Such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, these can trigger reflux.
- Sugary foods: These cause the throat to produce more mucus.
- Carbonated drinks: The bubbles in sodas and sparkling water can cause belching and reflux.
Instead, singers should focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of water and herbal teas. Foods that may help the voice include vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, nuts, yogurt, and green tea.
Environmental irritants
The environments singers are exposed to can also impact vocal health. Some key irritants and triggers to avoid include:
- Smoke: Cigarette smoke, vaping, marijuana smoke, and other inhaled irritants can inflame the vocal cords.
- Pollution: Singers should limit exposure to air pollution when possible.
- Dry air: Dry environments can dry out the vocal cords. Consider using a humidifier.
- Mold and dust: Allergens and dust can contribute to throat-clearing and coughing.
- Loud noises: Shouting over loud music or noises strains the voice.
When performing, traveling, or recording, do your best to avoid or minimize these environmental threats to the voice.
Behaviors and activities to avoid
In addition to diet and environment, singers should beware of behaviors that can misuse, abuse, or traumatize the voice. Here are some key things for singers to avoid:
- Screaming or yelling: Straining the voice by screaming or yelling can damage the vocal cords.
- Throat clearing: Constant throat clearing irritates the vocal cords.
- Coughing: Repeated coughing can cause vocal strain.
- Whispering: Long periods of whispering put strain on the vocal cords.
- Constant talking: Overusing the voice through excessive talking tires the vocal cords.
- Not warming up: Warm-ups prepare the vocal cords for singing.
- Smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels in the vocal cords.
- Recreational drug use: Cocaine, amphetamines, and other drugs can increase vocal strain.
Avoid behaviors that abuse your voice. Allow time for vocal rest when not singing. Learn proper vocal technique to avoid straining.
Medical conditions affecting the voice
Underlying illness can also impact singers’ vocal health. Some medical conditions to be aware of include:
- Acid reflux/GERD: Stomach acid can irritate the vocal cords.
- Allergies: Postnasal drip from allergies coats the vocal cords.
- Sinus infections: Excess mucus drips onto the vocal cords.
- Bronchitis: Coughing from bronchitis strains the vocal cords.
- Thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect the voice.
- Neurological diseases: Such as Parkinson’s disease, affect the muscles for speech.
Work with your doctor to manage any medical conditions that could impact the voice. Stay on top of allergy treatment, reflux medication, or any care plans to reduce vocal symptoms.
Why rest is important
Along with avoiding irritants and strain, singers need to incorporate proper rest into their routines. Rest gives the voice a break and allows the vocal cords to recover. Here are some tips for singers to get enough vocal rest:
- Take at least one day off per week from singing.
- Avoid speaking or singing after a performance. Give the voice 12-24 hours of rest.
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use steam inhalation to hydrate vocal cords.
- Don’t push or strain the voice if feeling hoarse or fatigued.
Planning proper rest allows singers to perform at their best without overworking the voice. Factor in vocal rest days and avoid scheduling back-to-back performances when possible.
Conclusion
Protecting the voice is imperative for singers to maintain vocal health throughout their careers. While it’s impossible to avoid all irritants completely, being mindful can make a big difference. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding smoke and pollutants, managing reflux, and planning adequate rest are all key. Implement healthy vocal habits and avoid straining or overusing the voice. With proper care and technique, singers can keep their instruments in optimal shape.