How to Maintain a Healthy Singing Voice
If singing is your passion or even your profession, then your voice is one of your biggest assets. You must make conscious efforts to take care of it. Your voice also reflects the state of your physical health. A healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy set of vocal chords. This is why it is important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutritious foods. Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins A, C, and E should be found in your daily meal plan. These nutrients keep the mucus membranes inside your throat protected and healthy.
Drinking plenty of water is especially a must for singers. This keeps the vocal chords from drying up, especially when you are performing. It is advisable to take a few sips of water in between songs to keep the voice box moist. Just make sure that the water you are drinking is not too cold as this could tighten your vocal chords and cause your voice to crack.
As much as possible, avoid dairy products, especially before a performance. Food items such as milk, ice cream, and yogurt can cause mucus to form in the throat, which can negatively affect your voice quality. Drink warm tea with a little bit of lemon and a dollop of honey instead. This can soothe strained vocal chords and the warmth can open up your air passages. Finally, a good exercise routine should also be part of a singer's daily regimen. Regularly engaging in physical activities improves your posture and strengthens the muscles in your diaphragm and abdomen – muscles you need for support in proper breathing.