DIY Green ”Purge” for a Mucus-Free Body
While it’s normal and healthy to have a bit of mucus in your sinuses and lungs, too much can be very unpleasant. From a dripping nose, to hacking up phlegm, we all know how annoying it can be when our bodies start to produce too much mucus.
Environmental factors, illness, and even certain foods can all send your mucus production into overdrive. But, supporting respiratory health with nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods can help naturally thin and clear excess mucus so you can breathe easier and feel more comfortable.
The Importance of Mucus
Before we discuss how to get rid of excess mucus, it’s important to acknowledge mucus’ role in the body. This slippery substance is actually a very important part of keeping the lungs, throat, and nasal passages healthy.
It helps keep these delicate tissues from being damaged or irritated by forming a protective layer over them. This mucus layer then traps dust, pollen, germs, and other particles entering the airways so that they can be eliminated.
Most of the time mucus is your body’s response to inflammation and irritation. Some common mucus triggers include:
- Seasonal allergies
- Respiratory infections
- Environmental irritants like smoke or air pollution
- Certain foods
Problems with Excess Mucus
While mucus plays an important role in our bodies, too much of it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through your nose
- Post-nasal drip leading to throat irritation or coughing
- Chest congestion and wheezing
- Frequent coughing to clear thick mucus or phlegm from the airways
- Sore throat or hoarseness
Excess mucus itself can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but it’s usually just a sign of a deeper issue, like allergies, infection, or acid reflux. That’s why supporting your overall health is ultimately the key to balanced mucus levels, which helps you breathe easier and feel your best.
Healthy Habits to Keep Mucus Levels in Check
Stay well hydrated: Drinking plenty of water thins mucus and keeps your respiratory system moist, so there isn’t a need for extra mucus production to help lubricate your mucus membranes.
Get quality sleep: Sufficient rest supports your immune system and helps reduce inflammation.
Manage stress levels: Chronic stress can increase inflammation which can lead to illness causing excessive mucus production.
Move your body: Gentle exercise encourages circulation and drainage of mucus.
Avoid irritants: To the best of your ability, avoid airborne irritants like smoke, pollution, mold, and allergens.
Use steam therapy: Utilize facial steams, wet saunas, or hot showers to help soothe airways and loosen stuck mucus. This is one of the most powerful ways to flush out mucus from your airways. Below I’ll share a recipe I’m using and it works.
Support healthy digestion: Since acid reflux can increase production of phlegm, eating mindfully and avoiding trigger foods helps keep mucus levels balanced.
While this won’t be as important for some individuals, it’s an important consideration for people who are prone to acid reflux. Foods like chili powder or peppers, tomatoes, and citrus fruits should be eaten sparingly.
Eat mindfully: Choosing to include or avoid foods based on whether they increase or decrease mucus is another natural way you can help to balance production.
Understanding which foods support your respiratory health and which ones trigger excess mucus production is crucial especially if you’re dealing with allergies, infections, or acid reflux. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why a personalized, holistic approach is so important.
Even if you’re not currently struggling with these increasingly common ailments, this is knowledge worth having close at hand. When congestion strikes you or someone you love, you’ll be grateful to have a comprehensive guide ready to help.
Foods That Can Increase Mucus Production
While everyone’s body is different, some foods are more likely to cause increased mucus production, especially if you are already inflamed. Eating less of these things when you’re feeling congested can help support balanced mucus production (especially if you have food sensitivities.)
Heavily processed foods: Eating too much processed food can cause gut imbalance, which may increase overall inflammation and cause more mucus production.
Dairy products: For sensitive individuals or those with an intolerance, milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy can create more mucus.
Alcohol: Alcohol can be dehydrating, which makes mucus thicker and harder to clear.
Foods That Help Reduce Mucus
Adding more of these things to your diet can boost your respiratory health and help your body to thin and flush out mucus.
Pineapple: Pineapple is naturally rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down and thin mucus so it’s easier for your body to clear. It is also a great source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system.
Ginger: Warming and stimulating ginger is a natural expectorant, which can ease congestion and help you cough up mucus from the lungs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to ease acid reflux.
Spirulina: Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae that is supportive of overall health. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helps calm irritation in the respiratory system and supports immune function. By supporting wellness, spirulina can help reduce the triggers that lead to excess mucus, making it a valuable tool for supporting healthy mucus levels.
While the foods above are powerful allies against mucus buildup, there are many other herbal remedies that work wonders for decongestion. The key is knowing how to use them properly, because the form and method matter just as much as the herb itself.
For example, steam therapy is one of the fastest ways to flush mucus from your airways and get instant relief. If you want to experience this for yourself, try this Eucalyptus Steam Sinus Relief recipe. Just ten deep breaths with this aromatic blend, and you’ll feel your airways opening up.
Why Greens for a Mucus Purge?
Greens are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, compounds that all support your body’s natural detoxification processes. When it comes to a mucus purge, these powerhouse ingredients help to reduce inflammation and nourish your whole body, as well as your respiratory system.
Chlorophyll, which is found in greens and seaweeds like spirulina, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps support overall wellness and tissue health. Incorporating chlorophyll-rich greens into your diet provides essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and support your body’s ability to manage excess mucus.
DIY Green “Purge” Drink Recipe
This green drink combines just a handful of powerful ingredients to help balance mucus production. It’s a simple and tasty way to support your body’s natural processes.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp spirulina powder
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger root, minced
- 1/2 c water
Instructions:
- Add pineapple, ginger, spirulina, and water to your blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into your favorite glass and sip right away.
Enjoy this drink to support healthy mucus production and boost overall health or sip it anytime you feel a cold or congestion coming on for a little extra support.
Excess mucus can certainly be unpleasant. But, by supporting your body with healthy habits and regular Green Purge drinks, you can help to promote overall respiratory health and keep mucus levels more balanced.
Your Easy Solution for Respiratory Wellness
While the Green Purge drink is a fantastic daily support for healthy mucus levels, sometimes you need something more targeted especially during cold and flu season or when congestion becomes persistent.
Nicole Apelian’s Bronchial Blend Tincture is specifically formulated to promote the clearing of congestion and mucus in the lungs.
Made with Lungwort Lichen and Mullein Leaf, this powerful herbal remedy helps calm coughs and wheezing while supporting easier breathing. It’s the perfect companion to the healthy habits you’re already building.
Whether you’re dealing with seasonal congestion or simply want to keep your respiratory system in top shape year-round, this tincture offers the targeted support your lungs deserve.
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