Mucus is a build-up in the body of fluids which normally assist in breaking down pathogens from the environment, foods and also when the body feels our immune system is under attack. Build up can even be found in saliva and tears. These fluids have enzymes in them and you will notice that when you are sick you will produce more mucus which although uncomfortable is good for you. It becomes a problem when your body produces too much all the time. This happens because your immune system consistently senses you could be under attack. This usually also means that your gut bacteria is weakened as that is what protects you from infection and unhealthy bacteria.
How to tell if you are producing too much mucus
If you are producing too much mucus you may notice dripping from your nose after you eat or a constant running nose, cystic white acne, or persistent tears from your eyes. To help combat this you may need to look at what you are eating, drinking, or coming in contact with that may be causing a reaction. Some foods that may cause this type of allergy can include wheat, soy, dairy, tree nuts, eggs, and gluten. It could also be because of an autoimmune disease, a zinc deficiency, lack of good bacteria in the gut, excess carbohydrates and refined sugar which also affects your gut and causes the body to produce excess mucus. The first step is to find out what is causing the problem and try to eliminate it. After you do this you can then think about adding these foods below to help combat the excess mucus and have your body functioning healthier.
Greens
Greens are great healers of the body. They are full of vitamins – A, B, C and E and potassium. The help cleanse the body of mucus, feed good bacteria and support immune and blood health. Broccoli has enzymes that also has these types of properties as does cucumber. They are high in water, potassium, and vitamin C. Cucumbers are alkaline which helps to nourish the gut lining and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Carrots
Carrots have a lot of vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and high amounts of vitamin A to help support immune health. They are also high in fibre.
Apples and berries
The pectin and potassium in apples is what makes them so good in relieving mucus build-up. Berries are well known for cleansing the body, specifically the digestive tract. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants and fibre. Fibre breaks down toxins in the body and relieves inflammation and infection.
Ginger
Ginger is perhaps one of the vegetables to break down toxins and mucus very quickly due specific enzymatic benefits it holds. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect in the body which tells the immune system that it’s safe and it doesn’t need to produce so much mucus anymore. Use fresh ginger with turmeric to alkalise the body even more.
So if you are in a rush in the morning but you suffer from bad sinus, acne, hay fever, and mucus on your chest throw a few greens, ginger, turmeric, apples and berries into a juice or smoothie and let your body detox for the day. Always remember to mix half juice half water so it’s not too much dumped into your system at one time and make these part of your regular diet to keep you mucus free.
