Common Things That Affect The Quality Of Your Singing Voice
Vocal health for singers is very important when it comes to singing your best. There are a number of factors that can affect your vocal performance. Therefore, it is wise to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can keep them at bay when it is time for a big performance. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:
How alcohol affects your vocal health
Alcohol dilates blood vessels in your body, which is not a good thing for your vocal cords if you plan to sing. When your vessels dilate, the blood moves closer to the surface and this increases the risk of a hemorrhage on your vocal cords when you are singing. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages on the days when you will be singing or practicing and when you do drink alcohol, be sure to drink a lot of water to keep from becoming dehydrated.
How cigarette smoke affects your vocal health
Cigarette smoke causes the tissue in your throat to become irritated and inflamed and this makes it more difficult for you to sing well. If you want to sing well, don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as well. You especially want to avoid smoke several days before a lesson or performance.
Clearing your throat frequently
If you are constantly clearing your throat, you should find out the reason behind it so you can break the habit. Constantly clearing your throat could be an indication of a medical condition like acid reflux or postnasal drip. Swallow instead of clearing your throat and talk with your doctor about the cause. For many singers, throat clearing is just an unconscious habit that results from trying to clear the vocal cords for singing. Singing with a little mucus won’t hurt.
The effect food has on your vocal health
Certain foods can irritate your voice. For instance, dairy foods are noted to cause increased mucus production and this leads you to clear your throat more frequently. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. You’ll have to discover which foods bother you so you can avoid them for a few days prior to a big performance.
Pollen, allergens and your voice
Being allergic to dust or pollen can cause your vocal folds and throat to become irritated and swollen. You doctor might be able to help you deal with your allergy problems. There are some basic precautions you can take at home for allergy relief. Clean your house often so dust does not have a chance to settle and collect and buy non-allergenic bedding to sleep on. Listen to the local weather report to find out the pollen count. Most areas have higher pollen counts in the early morning or early evening. Restrict your outdoor activities to the middle of the day when you are less likely to run into problems with pollen.
How medicines can affect your voice
Many times, the drugs you take for other conditions will cause your throat to become dried out. If you have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won’t become too dry. If it is possible, you might want to avoid taking any medications before your singing engagement.
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