Hydration Tips

Being hydrated is crucial for healthy vocal production. We need to maintain a regular layer of mucus on our vocal folds to help with easy onset of sound. Staying hydrated is all the more important as we navigate common upper respiratory illnesses and seasonal allergies. It is also important to remember that we get hydrated today to stay hydrated tomorrow. When we drink water it doesn't immediately make our vocal folds hydrated. We have to ingest enough water consistently to maintain hydration for healthy singing. So it's important to think - and drink - ahead. 

Here are some basic tips to help stay hydrated: 

• Avoid too much caffeine. Caffeine isn't horrible so long as you are balancing it with plenty of water. But limiting your caffeine intake can be helpful.

• Drinking hot water with lemon can be soothing to the throat but also provide a boost of vitamin c and energy.

• Stick to green or herbal tea with low to no caffeine and sweeten with honey. Honey can not only be a wonderful natural sweetener, it can also aide in soothing any irritation in the throat. 

• Invest in large, sturdy travel bottles/cups/mugs to carry water and warm tea with you to rehearsals, lessons, etc.

• Avoid drinks that are too acidic or could cause acid reflux or heartburn. Heartburn can be a big issue for a singer's vocal health so it's often important to adjust your typical diet to avoid acid reflux/heartburn.