Fact, or just "old wives tale?"

blucroo
Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:41:26 +0000

Dairy, chocolate, caffeine…all are avoided by serious singers before performing because of the affects they have on the laryngeal tissues and vocal chords (mucous, dialated capillaries, etc). Dairy will not slow down or hinder recovery from a cold. Colds are caused by a virus. Dairy will “coat” the throat but not affect the nasal passages or lungs which are generally the culprits during a cold. The feeling of increased mucous may be bothersome, so it would be a personal preference. Hot tea with lemon “feels” better because the acidity in the lemon and tea, cut the sensation of mucous congestion in the throat and the heat feels good. Again, tea with lemon, does nothing to help the nasal passages or lungs.