Foods that trigger excess mucus production and why you should avoid them

Coronavirus (COVID-19) attacks the respiratory system, causing victims to experience coughing and shortness of breath (Image: Shutterstock)

Mucus naturally helps in protecting the respiratory system by stopping dust and bacteria from settling into our lungs. However, excess mucus production leads to difficulty in breathing as well as throat and nasal discomfort.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) attacks the respiratory system, causing victims to experience coughing and shortness of breath as the infection travels down to the lungs. This, however, is not the case with all COVID-19 victims, but emergency help should be sought if one experiences trouble breathing. 

As many people are buying more groceries than normal, everyone should take into account the food items in their trolleys that may increase their chances of being negatively affected by the very infection that they are avoiding.

Excess mucus production leads to difficulty in breathing as well as throat and nasal discomfort (Image: Shutterstock)

Foods to avoid

Many of these food items are staples in an average Kenyan household but they can still be enjoyed in healthy moderation. However, these foods can still trigger excess mucus production in the respiratory system and could potentially worsen COVID-19 symptoms that one may experience.

• Dairy foods: milk, eggs, yoghurt, butter, cheese and ice cream
• Grains: bread, pasta and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables: potatoes, cabbage, maize, products of corn and bananas
• Beverages: tea, coffee, soda and alcohol
• Other: red meat, sweets, sugary desserts and soy products

Load up on Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green, leafy vegetables, tomatoes and berries (Image: Shutterstock)

How to fight excess mucus production

In order for you to combat excess mucus production, you need to drink plenty of water as this will thin out the phlegm. Additionally, load up on Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green, leafy vegetables, tomatoes and berries. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties which can help open the airwaves of the respiratory system. All this and a healthy diet, overall, will be just fine.