Got Phlegm? Here's What We Suggest

Do you wake up with a nasty feeling in your throat that takes a few minutes to clear? Worse yet, is this your daily morning routine? Not the most attractive feeling to wake up to. Unfortunately, you have phlegm. That word alone denotes all kinds of nastiness. 

How can you stop this morning trend and say goodbye to phlegm? Read on for our quick tips.

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate again 

Water works to naturally thin out mucus and decrease the chances of postnasal drip. It also helps to clear out existing mucus and may help decrease the severity of allergies, in some cases! If you're sick, we suggest to get some water in with a squeeze of lemon/lime and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to boost electrolytes. 

Keep your environment moist...but not too moist 

A too-dry room can keep the throat dry and thicken mucus, causing it to get caught in your throat. Having a humidifier on hand can keep your airways open and loosen up any phlegm. On the flip side, a room that is too humid can encourage mold growth and promote a wet cough. To decrease humidity in a room, keep windows and doors open if possible, or use a dehumidifier. 

Elevate your head at night 

Sleeping on a flat surface is good for posture, but bad for phlegm. Postnasal drip can sit in your throat while you're sleeping, resulting in coughing/choking fits that can keep you awake. Elevating your head at night will create a downward path for mucus to travel. Pro tip: Don't stack your pillows to elevate your head, as this creates a bad angle for your neck. Instead, stack some books between your mattress and box spring to create a natural angle.  

Supplement with NAC

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is the supplement form of the amino acid, L-Cysteine. NAC is fantastic for:

• Athletic Support: This is what NAC is traditionally known for. Taking NAC an hour before working out will help reduce lactic acid build up, meaning you won't fatigue as fast. NAC also helps increase blood flow to the muscles, naturally improving performance and supporting weight loss. 
• Detoxification: NAC supports detoxification in the kidneys and liver and is medically used to treat acetaminophen overdose. NAC also can help protect the body from absorbing heavy metals and other toxins. 
• Mucus Expectorant: Surprising to some, NAC is a powerful supplement for those with bronchitis, allergies, and even the common cold. NAC reduces inflammation in the lungs and bronchial tube. It also works to thin out mucus, making it easier to expel from the body. 

NAC has recently joined the lineup for Simply For Life branded supplements, and makes a great addition to your arsenal at home. Whether you're looking to increase antioxidant production, detoxify the liver, or defeat some lingering mucus, you'll be glad to have NAC on hand!

Chronic mucus buildup? Get in touch with one of our nutritionists to learn how to incorporate NAC into your lifestyle, and learn to eat better for your allergies/immune system!