We often take our voices for granted, but when your job depends on you not only being able to speak with people but also sound good, it pays to take some special care in this department. It is much easier to prevent voice problems than it is to treat them!

Prevention of voice problems first and foremost involves caring for your overall health in general. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.

Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.

Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on your voice. Speak in your natural tone and pitch. Avoid clearing your throat, excessive coughing and whispering. Avoid excessive yelling or screaming at sporting events, concerts, and loud bars/clubs.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to help keep the vocal cords well lubricated.

Caffeine and alcohol tend to dry the throat and thicken secretions so minimizing the intake of both is imperative. They can also cause reflux of stomach acid into the throat and cause irritation.

Caffeine and alcohol also act as diuretics (substances that increase urination) and cause the body to lose water. This loss of fluids dries out the voice. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.

Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke.

Wash your hands often to prevent colds and flu.

 

Do not cradle the phone when talking. Cradling the phone between the head and shoulder for extended periods of time can cause muscle tension in the neck.

Another way to provide needed moisture for your voice is from the air you breathe. Try to breathe through your nose. This warms and moistens the air you inhale. A home or room humidifier can also add moisture to the air. Inhaling air from a facial steamer, a hot shower or a bowl of hot water are other ways to keep your vocal organs hydrated. A home humidifier is especially important in winter or in dry climates. Thirty percent humidity is recommended.