Does Consuming Dairy Foods Increase Mucus Production?

You might consider indulging in some chicken soup, a toast, or even popsicles when you are caught up with a cold and spending the day at home. Milk served in a large glass? Probably not.

Numerous individuals tend to avoid consuming dairy products while they're unwell due to the fear that such milk-based foods could exacerbate mucus production or sinus complications. However, the connection between dairy intake and congestion isn't quite as straightforward as one may assume.

Allow us to shed some light on what we've gathered so far.

Can Dairy Intensify Congestion?

Let's start with a brief lay of the land in terms of what spurs the onset of congestion when one is unwell. The symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose and throat irritation, during ailments like common cold are chiefly caused by an increased production of mucus as your body seeks to oust the invading pathogens elaborates Mayo Clinic. It's far from pleasant!

Many individuals, based on observation, believe that their snot-filled ordeal escalates upon consuming dairy products like milk or cheese. However, health professionals claim otherwise - they maintain these food items don't truly add to your existing mucus load.

The wisdom that dairy leads to aggravated congestion is only subjective perception; no scientific evidence backs it up," asserts Michael Yong, MD, a board-certified specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California focusing otolaryngology and neurorhinology.

In 2018, expert teams conducted thorough research analyses which were later published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood review. They concur with Dr.Yong's stance stating there is zero statistical proof linking milk consumption directly with heightened mucus production and worsened congestion.

Interestingly this rule applies even for people diagnosed with asthma. Milk intake does not exacerbate respiratory discomforts tagged along with this disease; this was verified through reliable data recorded including personal accounts from people who harbored misconceptions about asthmatic conditions being adversely affected due to milk consumption says another paper submitted to the Archives of Diseases in Childhood.

However, ingestion of dense milk can create an after effect comprising sticky residue in the throat that might impersonate 'worsened congestion', clarifies Mayo Clinic. The feeling of a 'milk-induced' intense mucus build-up is primarily due to this perceptible heaviness and left-over bits of ingested dairy product within your windpipe, adds Dr.Yong.

On another note, not all should adhere strictly to the above-mentioned premise; sometimes it's completely okay or even beneficial for some folks dealing with colds or ailments causing stuffy noses and throats to stay off dairy. If consuming these food items irritates you during sickness, then opting out is justified reiterates Dr.Yong. Quite a few adults battling congestion indeed reported improvement in their condition via dairy abstinence according to documented cases published by The Laryngoscope in 2019.

Dairy intake though should be blatantly evaded at times particularly if one has an intolerance towards milk products; irrespective of whether sick or healthy as noted before.

So being susceptible to allergic reactions against these foods potentially heightens risk factors linked with respiratory issues including intensifying existing nasal blockages from common cold asserts Dr.Yong. It must also be remembered that such allergies could precipitate ailments like nausea accompanied with vomiting or breakout rashes reminds Yong again plus serious allergy attacks warranting immediate medical care albeit being seldom.

Can Consuming Dairy Aid in Alleviating Congestion?

Even though dairy items can't act as a remedy for your congestion, there's a chance they might help alleviate some of your discomfort. For instance, if drinking cold milk doesn't seem to aggregate the thickness of your mucus, you may feel it soothing your inflamed throat—this is an observation made by Mayo Clinic.

In addition, whipping up a fruit smoothie with milk or yogurt can be effective not only in supplying fluids but also providing additional calories and essential nutrients when your appetite isn't at its peak. This is according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Yong asserts; "Maintaining good hydration level along with balanced nutrition intake is crucial when unwell."

Dairy foods such as cheese, milk or yogurt are loaded with vitamins, protein and minerals required for optimal functioning of the body. Substances like vitamin D and calcium may not have direct symptom-relieving effects on colds but certainly promote overall health including immune system boost noted Dr Yong.

This doesn't necessarily mean that consuming dairy products should become mandatory while dealing with sickness (or even during regular times). As per Dr.Yong "Individual preferences dictate dietary choices". If dairy does not provoke added distress to existing congestive issues then they're fine to consume. However if consumption leads to worsened symptoms then it's completely fine overlooking them.

Natural Methods to Alleviate Congestion

Merely avoiding milk when you're unwell, in spite of the belief that it increases mucus production, may not afford you unhindered breathing. If your goal is authentic congestion relief and you are trying to avoid cold medication, here are several alternatives:

Steam: Initiate a hot shower while leaving the bathroom door shut or locate a humidifier on your bedside table during sleep hours. National Library of Medicine affirms that steam aids in thinning out mucus promoting easy drainage.
Warm compress: Applying a warm moistened washcloth over your nose and sinuses produces a comparable outcome.
Nasal saline spray: Nasal saline sprays like Vicks Sinex Saline Nasal Spray offer momentary thinning of mucus which helps alleviate congested feeling.
Nasal rinse: Rinsing nasal passages physically using neti pot filled with saline solution performs similar to nasal saline spray functionally. A comprehensive rinse could be more impactful than swift spraying as per UpToDate.com, but slightly less handy. Make sure safety measures taken adequately.

When Should You Consult a Doctor for Congestion?

Generally, congestion tends to dissipate within about seven days. However, enduring congestion or that which is associated with additional symptoms may indicate a sinus infection or another deeper health issue.

According to advice from the Mayo Clinic, you should reach out to a medical professional if: