Singers, Love those Hot Peppers?!

I do too! But in moderation, please! Let's avoid heartburn! If you have a performance, audition or rehearsal around the corner, it is best to avoid this exciting food that so many of us love on our pasta, pizzas, salsa and chips, fabulous Asian cuisine, and more. Why? Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot chili peppers, can trigger the nerve endings in the nose and sinuses, causing an increase in mucus production, which may seem ok initially, as you are coughing and blowing your nose after eating a mouthful of these red delights, however, it has been known to exacerbate cold symptoms, allergies, and chronic sinusitis. Hot peppers can cause irritation in the throat - hmmm, I'm guessing you have experienced that burning sensation after eating these beauties? - and if you are very sensitive, the ingestion of these hot peppers may result in swallowing discomfort, throat irritation, and a feeling of rawness in the throat. Capsaicin can also be a factor in gastric reflux, where the stomach acids return up into the throat and vocal cords. I have experienced this version as well as the LPR (laryngeal pharyngeal reflux, aka silent reflux), which greatly reduced my upper range, flexibility, vocal power, balance of the vocal registers, and prevented a clear tone. Hey, is it worth it? Repeated intake of those hot peppers has been known to, if left unchecked, lead to compromised and potentially damaged vocal cords. So, what's the solution? You love to sing, you love hot spicy food. Well, let's start with moderation. And avoid eating spicy foods several days before a performance, rehearsal, audition, or recording session. And good to know, that dairy products such as yoghurt, milk, or even sour cream, can soften the impact of hot peppers, as dairy has the ingredient casein, which breaks down the capsaicin, reducing the burning sensation. Hydration helps, of course. And stay away from spicy foods right before bedtime! - Until next time, Zoe. www.vandermeervoicestudio.com/contact

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, so any questions you have at the medical level, please contact your medical provider.

Copyright September 3, 2025, Zoe Vandermeer