Mucus is a sticky, slimy secretion of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. It protects and lubricates these sensitive areas from inhaled dust, dirt, and other irritants. You won’t even notice it in most cases—it just slides out of your nose or throat when you cough or swallow. But sometimes, too much mucus can cause problems.
The nasal cavity is lined with membranes called turbinates, which are covered with cilia, tiny hair-like projections that push the mucus along until it reaches the back of the throat, where it can be swallowed or coughed out. The act of swallowing assists in expelling mucus from the body.
Anyone who’s ever had a cold, fever, or the flu knows that mucus is a big part of the deal. It’s a necessary bodily function, and while it can be uncomfortable and miserable, it’s better to have too much mucus than not enough. But when you have too much of it, and especially when it makes its way out of your nose, down your throat, and into your lungs, it can become a serious problem.
While you might have to deal with excess mucus at some point during cold and flu season, there are many other causes for excessive mucus production—some of which can be serious.
To help prevent or treat heavy mucus production, follow these home remedies that are known to help.
Drink More Water
When your throat feels especially dry and scratchy, drinking plenty of water can help flush out the excess mucus in your lungs. Water also helps thin out the mucus already there, making it easier to expel through coughing and sneezing. Drinking enough water also keeps you hydrated, which can help keep your immune system strong enough to fight off infections.
Drinking the right amount of water daily is important for many reasons, including keeping your skin healthy, regulating body temperature, and maintaining muscle function. But when it comes to helping clear up excess mucus, the American Lung Association recommends at least ten cups of water a day for most adults. This can be broken up into smaller amounts, like drinking a tall glass of water every couple of hours instead of one big glass or filling up your water bottle with ice and carrying it around throughout the day so you remember to take sips more often.
To get the most benefit from this home remedy for mucus, take small sips throughout the day to keep your thirst quenched. A general rule for how much water you should drink is 8 ounces for every pound you weigh. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, that’s 12 ounces of water daily. However, drinking more than 8 cups of water daily is not necessarily better for your body as it can cause dehydration and other complications such as headaches or upset stomach.
