VOCAL HEALTH – THE ROLE OF HYDRATION (PART – 1)

Hydrating the body is vital for its functioning as the adult human body is approximately 60-65 % water. Dehydration or inadequate hydration affects every cell, organ and system in the body, including the vocal system. Those who seek help for vocal problems often have their own reasons for not drinking enough water – some who drink as few as 1- 2 glasses a day because they think it is adequate; others who believe their tea, coffee or cola intake takes care of their hydration; some who argue that they don’t need to drink water since they don’t feel thirsty.

How does inadequate water intake affect the voice?

Inadequate water affects the efficient functioning of the vocal folds. The vocal folds are responsible for phonation i.e converting the airflow from the exhaled breath into acoustic energy or the raw sound. When we speak, the vocal folds vibrate and there is contact between the covering layers of the two vocal folds. Normally, the natural structure of the vocal fold lining and a layer of thin mucus protect the vocal folds from trauma caused by speaking or singing. The mucus acts as a lubricant for the vibrating vocal folds. Water provides the raw material for producing this layer of mucus. Inadequate water means the mucus tends to be thick & viscous [sticky] and the vocal fold tissues are dry which make them vulnerable to vocal injury. Dehydration increases vocal effort [by raising the viscosity of the vocal folds and therefore the phonation threshold pressure].

Professional voice users and performers need to use the voice for long hours, often at the extremes of the pitch & dynamic range. Very often, they work in environments and conditions that are not conducive to vocal health. As a result, they make themselves vulnerable to vocal problems and injuries, if they fail to drink adequate amounts of water. Water also hydrates and lubricates the mucous membranes [lining] of the throat and mouth, making articulation or speaking easier.

Does drinking water during a performance/presentation help in hydrating the vocal folds?

This will instantly moisten the lining membranes of the mouth and throat, but it does not work immediately for the vocal folds. Water that you drink through the day reaches all the cells in your body, including those in your vocal folds through the blood stream and hydrates them. It takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours for water to hydrate your vocal folds.

Recognizing vocal fold dehydration

These are a few indicators [Note that the following symptoms could also indicate other vocal and physical problems]

  • Your mouth and throat feel dry and scratchy
  • You often need to clear your throat
  • Your urine looks yellow/dark
  • Voice use is effortful
  • You feel thirsty very often

VOCAL HEALTH – THE ROLE OF HYDRATION (PART – 2)

A few factors that contribute to dehydration of the vocal folds:

These are a few indicators [Note that the following symptoms could also indicate other vocal and physical problems]

  • Caffeine in coffee, cocoa, chocolates, colas and to a lesser extent in tea
  • Alcohol
  • Dry, polluted, hot, air conditioned and air heated environments
  • Sugar/ sweets/ lozenges
  • Mouth breathing- habitual or due to a blocked nose
  • Health issues and disorders like diabetes, hypertension, anemia, among others
  • Medications used for colds, cough, depression, anxiety, hypertension, very high doses of vitamin C, among others

Staying hydrated for a healthy voice:

The amount of water you drink depends on your health, lifestyle, physical activity and environment. A general recommendation for healthy adults, especially if you are a professional or occupational voice user is between 2.5 to 3.5 liters of water in a day. Here are a few ways to keep yourself hydrated and ensure that you drink water however busy you are. [It does not apply to you if you have renal, cardiac or other health issues that call for restriction of water intake]

  • Don’t wait to drink water till you are thirsty. Thirst is a sign of dehydration.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables as they will contribute to your water intake. They will also give you the additional health benefits from fiber, vitamins and minerals
  • Reduce your consumption of coffee, colas, alcohol and other vocal dehydrators mentioned above. For every cup/unit of coffee, cola, alcohol you consume, drink an extra glass or two of water.
  • If you spend a good part of your day in an air conditioned or heated space, live or work in a smoky or dusty environment or under hot lights in a studio or on stage, drink more water.
  • Keep water handy at all times. Always carry a bottle of water with you. Have a bottle or two at your work desk.


  • Health issues and disorders like diabetes, hypertension, anemia, among others
  • Medications used for colds, cough, depression, anxiety, hypertension, very high doses of vitamin C, among others
  • Start your day with a glass or two of water.
  • The color of your urine is an indicator of how well hydrated your body and the vocal folds are. The paler, the better.
  • Air travel dehydrates the vocal folds. Keep your talking in the airplane to an absolute minimum and drink more water when you fly.
  • Keep your vocal folds well hydrated before a performance, presentation or rehearsal
  • Seek medical help if you are a mouth breather

Warm or cold?

What is important is to drink enough water whichever way you like it. If cold water does not affect your throat in any way, there is no reason for you to stop drinking it. However, drinking cold or iced water may affect the throat possibly through vasoconstriction i.e by shrinking your blood vessels. Drinking cold or iced water just before or during a performance may constrict the throat muscles. Water at room temperature, during a performance/presentation is a safe bet.

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