Natural Cures

12 Tips For Reducing Mucus Build Up In The Lungs

Mucus as most people are unaware is actually found everywhere in the human body. It’s a viscid watery substance, slippery to feel and is present because it has an important function to perform.

It’s produced by the mucous membranes and helps to protect the membranes in the body, and fight infections. As with most things, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, and it is no different with mucus.

When the body starts to produce too much mucus, it accumulates in the lungs among other areas, and the problems begin.

Coughing, breathing trouble, chest pain, discomfort in the chest area, and fatigue are some of the symptoms that characterise the build-up of mucus in the lungs.

This build-up is often an early warning that something is wrong in the body and it is best that a health care provider is consulted without delay.

A quick overview of what causes the build-up of mucus in the lungs before proceeding to tips to reduce the build-up:

Cystic Fibrosis

A hereditary disease, caused mainly due to a genetic defect that interferes with the natural production of mucus in the body. The mucus becomes abnormally thick and sticky and patients are often prone to various respiratory infections, lung problems and growths in the nasal passage.

The perspiration of patients with cystic fibrosis is very salty due to an imbalance in salt and water in the body.

Bronchitis

Smoking is most often the primary cause for chronic bronchitis; in fact it is often referred to being a smoker’s disease. Present in the lungs are bronchial tubes which are useful in transporting air into and out of the lungs.

With bronchitis, the tubes become inflamed and there is a build-up of mucus that needs constant clearing. Other symptoms of bronchitis include wheezing, fatigue, shortness of breath and a cough that simply will not go away. This disease is referred to as COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pneumonia

A cough that produces mucus that is yellow or green in colour and possibly spotted with blood, it is generally the most common symptom of pneumonia. It is a disease of the lungs that becomes inflamed due to a fungal, viral or bacterial infection.

Other symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, breathing difficulty, headache, fatigue and confusion. Pneumonia can be a fatal disease if not checked in time.

Emphysema

There are small air sacs called alveoli in the lungs; it is here that the lifesaving exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. When the sac walls lose their elasticity, they become inflamed and lead to emphysema. Instead of the free flow of oxygen in the lungs, it gets trapped.

Emphysema is characterised by a build-up of mucus causing a chronic cough, respiratory infection, loss of appetite and fatigue. Emphysema is classified as COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused mainly due to smoking.

12 Tips to Reduce Mucus Build-up in the Lungs:

What 93% Of Mucus, Snot & Phlegm is Caused By…

93% of all Chronic Sinusitis and Mucus is due to an immune/allergic reaction to fungi, mold, yeast or Candida. I highly recommend you check out Yeast No More, a great eBook on how to reduce and even cure your Candida/Yeast and get rid of that mucus!

1. Anti-inflammatory Oils

Most often inflammation in the lungs leads to excessive mucus production. According to research done by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), a regular intake of anti-inflammatory oils can help to reduce the build-up of mucus.

Omega-3 fatty acids that come from these foods is specifically linked to reducing inflammation, which in turn can reduce the mucus build-up in the lungs. The oil is found in a variety of foods including several cold water fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, lake trout and sardines; walnuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil and walnut oil.

2. Herbal RemediesMucus Clear

Herbs are known for their antibiotic and other health benefits. Herbs such as Echinacea and Goldenseal can be used to treat infections causing the production of mucus.

The most powerful herbal remedy I’ve ever seen or personally used is a natural tincture called Mucus-Clear. After couple of drops I could immediately feel my lungs releasing and mucus clearing out.

Mucus-Clear, is an FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to reduce phlegm and relieve throat clearing from thick mucus.

Herbal remedies combined with some exercise and fresh air can considerably help in reducing the build-up of mucus by detoxifying your body, bringing a balance to the flora in the intestines. This helps to boost the immune system and promote improvement in health.

3. Steam Inhalation

An age old home remedy that grandmas used to recommend; steam inhalation helps to expel mucus and reduce its build-up. Steam inhalation helps to break up the mucus making it easier to bring out.

Eucalyptus essential oil added to the steaming water is additionally beneficial in cutting the mucus. Cover well to control the steam from escaping, leaving over the inhaling device and take deep breaths. Special steam inhalation devices are available on the market.

Cover up well after an inhalation session to avoid the mucus from building up again.

4.Drinking Water

It is possible to naturally cut the build-up of mucus by drinking lots of water. Water is known to flush the system and clear toxins. At times the build-up of toxins in the body can cause the infection to worsen, producing excess mucus.

Sometimes, coughing without straining and then drinking water stops the mucus from building up. Staying well hydrated helps to thin out the mucus and expels it as well.

5. Smoking

Smokers with mucus problems need to stop smoking, there is simply no other way to clear the mucus and stop the infection. If not a smoker then avoiding smoke laden areas is essential to prevent mucus from building up.

Smoke inhalation and nicotine are notorious for causing production of mucus; it is also the primary cause of bronchitis and emphysema. A “no smoking” policy combined with exercise will help to reduce the mucus build-up in the lungs considerably.

6. Elderflower Remedy

A mixture of dried elder flowers with cool water is said to reduce the production of mucus. It is recommended by alternative medicine practitioners and appears to work well for some people.

The mixture needs to be left to sit for a period of two hours and then heated to drinkable temperature prior to consumption. This practice should be followed at least thrice daily to reduce mucus.

Elderflower is safe to consume and has no side effects.

7. Probiotics

Helpful bacteria are referred to as probiotics and are found in certain fermented foods and cultured dairy products. The purpose of helpful bacteria is to protect the body from harmful bacteria and to enhance digestion.

According to an article in the Journal of Dairy Science, probiotics in conjunction with other therapy can help to reduce mucus levels in the intestines. The same principle of healthy bacteria promoting optimum health can be extended to help reduce the mucus build-up in the lungs.

This can be achieved by consuming various probiotic fortified foods regularly. These foods include fermented milk, fermented soy products, buttermilk, and certain beverages like kombucha.

8. Vegetables and Fruits

In order to boost the defence mechanisms of the body, it requires antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. Fresh vegetables and fruits are excellent sources of these vital antioxidants.

The antioxidants work had to promote healing and prevent infection related to mucus production and build-up.

Some of the best fruits and vegetables to reduce mucus build up include onions, bell peppers, leafy greens, celery, parsley, garlic, horseradish, lemon, watercress, broccoli, tomatoes, berries, kiwi, citrus fruits and cherries.

It is recommended that people with mucus problems limit their intake or avoid altogether cabbages, bananas and potatoes, which are believed to increase the production of mucus.

9. Drug Therapies

I never recommend potentially harmful synthetic substances as a treatment option… especially when HIGHLY effective natural remedies like Mucus-Clear, utilizing Kali bich (6C), Kali mur (6X), Kali sulph (6X) are available without a prescription.

Other treatments include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce declines in lung function that results in mucus build-up; Bronchodilators that help to widen breathing tubes; Decongestants that help in reducing membrane swelling; Mucolytics to thin out the mucus; antibiotics to cure lung infections and stop the production of mucus.

10. Diet12-tips-to-reducing-mucus-buildup-in-the-lungs

The diet consumed determines the health condition of the individual. There are foods that cause allergies and increase the production of mucus. A diet low in nutrients, rich in processed foods and unhealthy fats often leads to food allergies. A change in dietary habits will lead to reduced mucus production.

11. Supplements

Maintaining a healthy diet supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and cod liver oil helps to prevent the build-up of mucus. These supplements help to breakdown and eliminate mucus effectively.

12. Soy Alternative

Soy is naturally rich in protein. It is a legume and belongs to the Asian variety of vegetarian foods. Soy beans, soy milk, soy yoghurt and soy cheese provide calcium and do not cause mucus to build-up. It is considered the ideal alternative to regular dairy products such as milk that tends to thicken the mucus.

Mucus or phlegm is bothersome and often leads to constant coughing and throat clearing that can actually be quite embarrassing. For some people, fortunately the problem is only temporary, for others it leads to more serious infections and health problems.

Health by choice, not by chance.




About the author

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David Aston

Hey I'm David, founder of WhyAmIUnhealthy. I help people all over the world dramatically improve their health, safely and naturally, without breaking the bank.

42 Comments

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  • Thanks for your medical advice. Please, explain to me clearly on how i can get rid of this mucus as suspected. I was a smoker and i have consumed a lot of antibiotics but still not comfortable to relax my breath. Please help me. Cheers!

    • Maybe. Tonight after two months my “Phlegm” gave up. Too much Antibotics and blood pressure too high (???) But on Monday off Antibotics and a diff blood pressure med. It worked what can I say. It’s only been an hours or so but feel so much better. Shortness of breath better = more energy

  • I live with chronic cough since from my childhood and up to now. The major challenge is i have never spoken nice voice which is so embarasing especially when talking in the public. Have tried almost all type of antibiotic but have failed. Too much mucus in the lung sometimes am not able to talk. Lack of appatite, sweting. No chest paine, not even loosening weight. Some help please

  • I really appreciate these valuable information and would like to thank you for this,but I think I still did not find what I need because I am ill since 2010 and was couphing and sneezing due to cold .
    Now I do not sneeze a lot but I produce a lot of phlegm.This phlegm is white and sticky that I throw it hardly in addition to a noise when I try to force out the air.
    Because of this I suffer a very hard breathing ,great tiredness and my head aches.
    I need your advise to know what I am really suffering and how to get over this problem.

    • You will notice a big difference if you stop eating wheat products and dairy products. This website says soy is good instead of dairy but soy also produces mucus. Try nut milks or rice or oat milk. Easy to make nut milks, just a handful of nuts and water then blend and sieve :)

      • Lakshmi,

        Your tips are useful. But can you tell which nuts are best for this, seeing that their are many nuts, including Coconut?

        Many thanks in advance.

      • Quick fyi, From what I understand, when digestion is compromised people may also become sensitive or intolerant to nuts and seeds thus causing mucus.

        Also, be wary that oats may not be gluten free. (They make gluten free oat flour so there must be a reason for this.)

  • An article on FB came up on my phone just suggesting that foods might have something to do with mucus production and included a picture chart with foods that increase or reduce mucus. I’ve had YEARS in increasing misery of blocked, swollen, & infected sinuses being treated with nasal sprays, allergy meds, nasal surgeries, nasal irrigators, creams, anti-depressants, and psychiatric evaluations because I was considered crazy because “there’s nothing there.” I started researching today and the article called “Empty Nose Syndrome” by Dr.Murray Grossan had Dr. -patient conversations that were verbatim of my office exams (that resulted inmy “crazy” diagnosis and Dr.’s extreme anger at me. I still have constant thick mucus drainage from my sinuses that interferes with my entire life. I have blisters & scars from my nostrils to my upper lips from constant mucus and irritation, have developed nodules on my vocal chords, from continual coughing fits, lose my voice for 3 – 4 months each year from sinus infections that go into colds and chest which put me in the ER (by squad from an urgent care because my oxygen level was in the 70’s). I’ve been a singer all my life and this is horrible for me.I always feel as if I can’t breathe and am oxygen starved. I haven’t talk to Dr.’s about this for about 3 years because my patient records get forwarded along & the suggestion that I’m a nutcase tends to shorten their patience & I get the same attitude rather quickly. But get this, that last Dr.’s office keeps annually sends me a 12 month prescription for that antidepressant. Has anyone else had such discouraging experiences?? I DON’T want the attention. I’d love not having to ever go to any of these doctors again in my life.

    • Try a Nutritionist and/or a Naturopathic practitioner. Or a Functional Medicine M.D. Or speak with an Ayurveda practitioner. Chiropractors often have digestive healing protocols as well.

      Do searches on the web for mucous reducing diets and healing protocols.

      Best to you.

  • Nate Parnham: Please don’t display your ignorance! There are several different ways – all correct – to spell the word yogurt, yoghurt, yaort and so forth. AQs Samuel Johnson said: It is best to sit with your mouth closed and appear a fool than to open it and prove it!

  • They say water is good to drink while sick but right now when I drink water it feels like its going into my lungs rather than my stomach

    • Scott, you need fluids when you’re sick, especially water. You should not feel like it’s going into your lungs.

      If I were in your situation, I’d take very small sips of water and consider using thickener until I was swallowing sufficiently.

      In skilled nursing we would use “thickened” liquids for our patients that had aspiration issues. You may want to look into this when your ill (especially if you feel like it’s getting into your respiratory tract) to avoid further complications like pneumonia.

    • Scott, you need fluids when you’re sick, especially water. You should not feel like it’s going into your lungs.

      If I were in your situation, I’d take very small sips of water and consider using thickener until I was swallowing sufficiently.

      In skilled nursing we would use “thickened” liquids for our patients that had aspiration issues.

      You may want to look into this when your ill (especially if you feel like it’s getting into your respiratory tract) to avoid further complications like pneumonia.

      • Nice advice David. As a Speech Pathologist, I can attest to the fact that if you are “aspirating” water, or as you said it is going in your lungs, there are several strategies to avoid this from happening including thickening your liquids as David suggested. You can take small sips and position your chin down toward your chest at the moment you swallow. If these swallowing problems continue you can have your doctor refer you to a Speech Pathologist for treatment and exercises for a “safe swallow”. The risks associated with swallowing problems or “Dysphagia” can result in pneumonia, respiratory compromise and even worse. So I would advise you don’t ignore it.

  • Hi , im having a phlegm for past year , after taking medication my phlegm still existing . Im suffering with cough for a past year,plz advice

  • Hi have ques about copd. Is there a certain pill to take that will increase energy. There are so many supplements to take. I need to know if there is a certain vitamin or supplement to take every day that will not make her feel tired aside from multivitamin? Will be visiting my mom next week and want to know what to tell her. She also wants to build up her immune system before she moves back home. Please advise since u seem to know a lot about health and wellness thank u pls post ideas here

  • I had got cough and cold before 3 months and now cough is almost gone. but now i am getting allergy in lung[i think] in every 3/4 days.
    its not making any difficulty for me to breath but i can hear some king of sound from lung while breathing.
    doctor is saying its syntoms of Asthma and he asked me to take Theophylline tblets.

    is there any medicine to remove it completely by doctor doesn’t asked to take any medicine.

    I think there is still mucus or somthing on my lung airways. i dont think its Asthma.

    any advice would much appreciated!!!

  • Hi im ann and i am doing a science fair project on cystic fibrosis … I think that tumeric would help and it is easy to put in into any food.

  • This post actually made my day. You can not imagine
    how much time I had spent for this information! I can’t seem to shake the mucus.
    Thanks!

  • […] A quick overview of what causes the build-up of mucus in the lungs before … 93% of all Chronic Sinusitis and Mucus is due to an immune/allergic reaction to … [more] […]

  • Hi David,
    your recommendations ,means a lot ! thanks for the advice.
    people like you, really change the world, make it a better living place !
    cheers ! Prakash V M

  • so the mucus-clear seems pretty legit…but expensive.. does anyone know how to get the active ingredients in a cheaper way or dietarily? the kali sulphate, kali bichromium, or kali muriaticum?

  • Hello sir, i am shraddha pandey lives in bilaspur chhattisgarh india.I live with complete AV canal defect problem since from my childhood and up to now, the major challenge is that i am having a phlegm (cough) for past 2 years, after taking medication my phlegm still existing.i produce a lot of phlegm.this phlegm is white and sticky, because of this i suffer a very hard breathing great tiredness and headaches..I need to advice to know how to get over this problem..

  • I am from USA, I was diagnosed of Emphysema (COPD) in 2015 and I have tried all possible means to get cured, i even visited pulmonologist but all to no avail, until i saw a post in a health forum about a herbal doctor from Africa who prepare herbal medicine to cure all kind of diseases including Emphysema, at first i doubted if it was real but decided to give it a try, when i contacted this herbal doctor via his email he sent me the Emphysema herbal medicine through courier service, when i received this herbal medicine, he gave me step by instructions on how to apply it, when i applied it as instructed i was totally cured of this deadly disease within 12-14 days of usage, if you are suffering of this diseases you can as well Contact this great herbal doctor via his email drlusandaherbal(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Hi David,
    Your leaky gut tip cured my husband instantaneously. He was literally writhing in pain on the floor. I did a search on youtube and was lead to you. I hope your schedule allows you to continue making videos.
    Bless you.

  • I smoked for 20 years, October 2015 i was diagnosed of Emphysema my doctor told me there is no permanent cure for the disease, i was given bronchodilators to help me relax my bronchiolar muscles, I managed on with the disease till a friend told me about a herbal doctor from South Africa who sell herbal medicines to cure all kind of diseases including emphysema, I contacted this herbal doctor via his email and made purchase of the emphysema herbal medicine, i received the herbal medicine through DHL within 5 days, when i received the herbal medicine i applied it as prescribed and was totally cured of emphysema within 31 days(4 weeks) of usage, the symptoms reduced till i even forgot i had emphysema, i went back to my doctor for diagnosis with spirometry and he confirmed i was free from the disease, contact this herbal clinic via his email healthherbalclinic(AT)gmail(dot)com or website on www(dot)healthherbalclinic(dot)weebly(dot)com

  • My mum, a fit 76 year old of ideal weight, has recently been experiencing severe shortness of breath when walking up hill. She has never smoked nor had any alcohol, ever. Up until her retirement, some five years ago, she walked a mile up and down hills, to and fro work five days a week. She has always suffered with a catarrh problem which has been blamed upon having whooping cough as a child.
    The recent problems with shortness of breath have been put down to lack of excercise as she doesn’t walk as much now. We were told that her daily walk stopped the build up if catarrh which niw causes her problems.
    Whilst this is quite possible, she has been given travel sickness pills as a way of dealing with the symptoms. I would appreciate your opinion on this and also if you could advise any further alternative or supporting treatment?

  • Haha funny, for some reason I pictured you a woman. I didn’t note the author name when I began reading.
    But more excited to read more of your stuff now that I see your so young and handsome!! Hey, I’m an old lady (50) gotta get my thrills where I can!! No, but really just rare to see the younger generation returning to home remedies after so many years of them being ridiculed and shunned as old wives tales.

  • Hello,
    I Do Have A Lung Problem – Beside That and Dyring the Last 1 1/2 months — The Mucus become a big Problem. Please Advice me on how I stop This MUCUS Please?
    Thanks In Advance for your help.

  • Two year ago i was about to go for lungs volume reduction just for me to live a better life at least,not until u was i ask to give a try on totalcureherbalfoundation@ gmail .com natural herbal formula which i emailed and purchased from them,the herbal remedies work perfectly on my system,i can only say that for me this treatment has worked well and has allowed me to live a normal life and I am extremely grateful to the herbal team.