Mumbai: Phlegm is a kind of mucus that is produced in the lungs and lower respiratory tract. It is most noticeable when a person is unwell or has a longstanding health condition. Mucus is formed in some parts of the body even when a person is unwell. It protects these areas from drying out and helps the body defend against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Some mucus is required for a healthy body, but too much of it can be caused because of infections such as common cold or flu, irritation in nose throat or lungs, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking or lung diseases like pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis. Some effective ways of keeping mucus under control include keeping the air around you moist, drinking plenty of fluids, not suppressing cough, spitting out excess phlegm and saltwater gargle.
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However, some home remedies for getting rid of excess phlegm can be more effective in terms of getting relief and easing the breathing process for the patient. In one of his recent posts on social media, lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho mentions 6 foods that can help in eliminating excess mucus.
Ginger:
Ginger can be used as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. Antiviral and antibacterial properties of ginger can help in easing congestion in the chest by drying out excess mucus and stimulating the removal of its buildup. Drinking ginger tea a few times a day can help in eliminating excess mucus.
Cayenne pepper:
Excessive cough and mucus can be eliminated with the help of cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is a compound in cayenne pepper that helps in thinning of mucus.
Garlic:
Garlic can be used as a natural expectorant which can help in breaking down phlegm build-up. The anti-microbial properties of garlic can help in fighting viral, fungal, and bacterial infections which cause respiratory glands to produce more phlegm. Including more garlic in your diet can help in eliminating excess phlegm from the body.
Pineapple is a fruit that can help in eliminating mucus. Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help with respiratory problems that are associated with asthma and allergies. Pineapple juice also contains mucolytic properties which can help in expelling and breaking up mucus.
Onion:
Onion can help in dealing with cold, cough, fever, low immunity, and a sore throat. It can also help in eliminating an excess cough. All you need to do is soak grated onion in water for around 6 to 8 hours. Drinking 3 to 4 tbsp of this water every day can be helpful in improving health and eliminating an excess cough.
Cardamom:
Cardamom can help in reducing the buildup of excess mucus in the body. Cardamom is traditionally taken after meals for aiding digestion and assimilation. It aids the easy digestion of food by protecting mucus membranes. It liquefies mucus in heavy foods which are harder to digest and forms more mucus in the body. So, if a change of weather or air pollution is causing excess phlegm or mucus, you know exactly what to do to get rid of it!
