We rarely think about our throat unless it begins to hurt, feel dry, or sound hoarse. Most of us are getting better at preparing to head off as many germs as possible during the flu and cold season. We build up our immune system, get a flu shot, wash our hands more often, and learn to direct our coughs and sneezes into our bent arms.
Let’s face it: You can’t be part of the human race and not come into contact with all sorts of germs and sick people. Practicing good health habits is the best way to avoid getting sick.
Your throat is a finely tuned structure of tissues, nerves, glands, and blood vessels. It needs care. If you overuse some of the delicate organs and tissues of the throat, you’ll have problems or even damage to them.
Learning to care for your throat is easy; in most cases, the benefits are well worth the effort.
Here are six ways to keep your throat healthy:
1. Protect Your Throat From Cold Temperatures
Get in the habit of wearing a scarf around your neck to keep the throat area warm. Did you know that the neck is one of the most overlooked sources of heat loss? Between 40 and 50% of our body heat can be lost from the surface of the head and neck.
Changes in extreme temperatures, such as going from a heated car into the cold outside and vice versa, should be avoided when possible.
2. Avoid Sharing Eating Utensils
Don’t ever drink from the same glass, cup, or bottle someone else uses, as you may be at risk for cross-contamination.
The same is true for sharing eating utensils and even napkins.
3. Keep Your Toothbrush Germ-Free
One source of infection that most people overlook is the toothbrush.
If left overnight, it can be a potential source of throat and mouth problems.
Before brushing your teeth, soak your toothbrush in a glass of hot salt water (a teaspoon will suffice) to help disinfect it and keep it clean.
Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months and sooner if the brush becomes frayed.
It’s also a good idea to store your toothbrush upright and avoid storing it in closed containers.
Keep your toothbrush in a dry climate instead of a moist environment conducive to microorganisms.
4. Gargle With Saltwater
Saltwater will relieve a sore throat if caught early enough.
Gargle every night with warm water and salt mixture—just a pinch of salt will do. This habit helps disinfect the mouth and throat during cold and flu season. It is a timeless remedy—your grandmother probably used it.
Bonus tip: Saltwater can also clear a stuffy nose. Lightly sniff the above mixture into each nostril. You’ll instantly begin breathing better through the nose.
5.Sore Throat Remedies
One of the best ways to protect the throat is ginger juice and honey. After a good brush in the morning, squeeze a little fresh ginger juice (3-4 mL) with 5 mL of honey, and see for yourself what a good insurance policy this is for protecting your throat all day.
I make my ginger juice by boiling 2-3 slices of natural ginger (found in the vegetable section), then cool it slightly.
I have also used turmeric. To protect your throat, take 1/2 cup of hot water, add a pinch of salt, and 5 grams of turmeric powder. Drink this every night during cold and flu season.
Gargle with warm water and cayenne pepper to relieve sore throat pain. Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to a cup of warm water. Stir just before gargling, as the pepper tends to settle at the bottom of the cup. Gargle every 15 minutes for about 30 – 40 minutes or so.
If you happen to swallow a few drops, don’t worry. It may burn a little, but it won’t hurt you.
Cayenne pepper is a natural antibiotic.
6. Vocal Warm-Ups
Daily vocal warm-ups are a must for singers and speakers.
Slow, gentle humming using an easy tone is a good beginning warm-up. Concentrate on vibrations occurring across the mask area.
To keep the lips loose and relaxed, include the buzzing sound (buzz your lips the same way you would on a baby’s belly to make the baby giggle).
Sigh lightly on a soft “ahhhh,” feeling completely relaxed.
Even yawning is an excellent warm-up for the voice.
Imitate a siren. Check the video below). Beginning in a low tone, slide your voice up, through the break, up into the head voice, and back down until you reach a low tone. Use plenty of breath support and keep the sound easy and relaxed. Using the vowel “Ee” will help to keep the tone forward.:
The voice should be unforced, natural, and flowing. Singing must be effortless.