Diet: Habits and Tips to Help you Sing your Best

If you're a beginning singer in your first voice lesson or if you're professional singer performing regularly, it is important to ensure that you are taking good care of your body.

A singer can ensure a healthy, happy, and lengthy singing career by making smart diet choices. Let's take a look at eight ways you can keep your voice healthy with your diet. 

1. The first one is easy: drink water! Water hydrates the muscles of the body and, therefore, the muscles that make up the voice. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water every day.

2. Eat healthy, nutrient-rich food. Variety is the key: fill your diet with a wide assortment of vegetables and proteins. 

3. Be selective with processed foods. Some contain added sugars or sodium - some carry way more than your recommended daily amount. 

4. Absolutely no smoking or vaping of any kind. Anything you smoke has to pass through the vocal folds to get to the lungs, so those chemicals come in direct contact with your voice. And the worst part? The effects of smoking (irritation, sore throat, mucus, etc.) will be most noticeable in your singing voice, the high notes especially. Just don't do it. 

5. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol dehydrates your body and, consequently, your voice. If or when you drink, make sure to drink a glass of water with each beverage to balance your body's hydration. Some singers only drink alcohol between jobs or on vacation. Regardless, always drink responsibly. 

6. Avoid carbonated drinks. Some contain way too much added sugar. Sugar itself isn't bad - it occurs naturally in fruits and milk; however, sugar added for taste is bad news for the body and the voice. Seltzer water is a better alternative to soft drinks, but some people experience acid reflux from carbonation. Again, drink responsibly.

7. Caffeine, like alcohol, dehydrates, so avoid excessive amounts of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages. Beware energy drinks as well--they tend to have questionable ingredients and lots of sugar.

8. Take your vitamins! Make sure you have a general physical check up every year to check your vitamin levels, cholesterol, and other crucial vitals. 

Following these simple tips can hopefully prevent any problems with your voice, keep you hydrated, and preserve your voice for years to come!

Citations:

• https://health.clevelandclinic...
• https://health.clevelandclinic...