Vocal Health

Some dishes have an influence on the composition of saliva or gastric juice. If there is dehydration, mucus or reflux, this can lead to increased coughing or coughing as well as irritation of the mucous membrane and thus to voice problems.

Adequate drinking leads to better vibration behavior of the vocal folds, thus counteracting a hoarse voice sound. Preferably drink water, fruit or herbal tea. Caution: milk is often mucilaginous. Observe your individual reaction to certain ingredients, everyone reacts differently.

The body as the “instrument” of the voice needs tension that is as balanced as possible in order to function optimally. Daily exercise and certain body techniques (yoga, Feldenkrais, …) help to counteract tension and postural damage. Particularly important: raise your neck, proud of your sternum!

In a crowded restaurant, many people feel that they are having trouble speaking or even having a change in voice quality after a short conversation. Without realizing it, we speak much louder, the usual speech mechanisms are changed and this is often accompanied by an increase in the voice. The larynx acknowledges this multiple stress with sensations. Do not try to speak against noise. If it is too loud, wait until it gets quieter. Also switch off less conspicuous sources of noise: the radio in the background during a call, the washing machine running during lunch.

Try to avoid clearing your throat. When clearing the throat, the vocal folds collide with force and shift each other. Frequent clearing of the throat can damage the mucous membrane of the vocal folds and contribute to the tension in the surrounding muscles.
Even if it is difficult at the beginning: endure the need to clear your throat – it is getting easier. Instead of clearing your throat, take a sip of water or use the following technique: Breathe out briefly, quickly and strongly through your mouth, the impulse comes from your stomach. The jaw is open, the posture is upright, do not push your neck.

If the cold settles on your voice and you notice that there is a risk of laryngitis, try to largely stop talking until the voice improves. If you whisper, do so without pressure, gently and quietly. Vigorous, powerful whispers, pressed in the throat, damage the vocal cords.

Try not to eat spicy foods before an important speaking event if you think your voice is reacting to spiciness. Dairy products, nuts and red wine should also be avoided, since these products promote the formation of mucus.

We all know that cigarettes and other tobacco products are among the most harmful external factors for the voice. In high doses, hard alcohol also has a negative effect on the delicate mucous membrane of the vocal folds.

If possible, avoid dusty, dry, heated, unventilated or smoky rooms.

Menthol-free and / or unsweetened sweets can reduce the urge to cough and soothe the mucous membranes. In your pharmacy, there are various medications that provide relief in case of voice problems – get advice.

Mental strength is an essential key factor for personal success and well-being, but also to master life better.

Start the day with a gentle, enjoyable hum on / mmm /. Let loose chewing movements flow in to prepare the tongue, jaw, lips and cheeks for speaking.
Wherever and whenever you can, yawn and stretch heartily and softly add your voice. By yawning and stretching, the tension in the whole body is released.

Bring your lips into a light “kissing mouth” position and then send air evenly through the lips, which are placed gently on top of each other: it sounds like a loose snort of horses. If you don’t succeed in toning your lips right away, the index fingers on the left and right can support the corners of your mouth. Then add the sound and glide gently back and forth in the pitch – it sounds like when small children imitate car noises.

Start a / moo / in a pitch that is comfortable for you and pull the / o / slowly and loosely into a higher pitch, perhaps even from the chest to the head voice. Let the breath flow in again and then pull this high tone from the height back into a comfortable, low tone. This exercise stretches and relaxes the vocal folds.

In our video you will find exercises with a straw that you can easily imitate at home.