Phlegm is actually thickened, congealed mucus that is produced in the respiratory system. It is present when an individual is affected by common cold or other respiratory illnesses. Sputum which is a mixture of saliva and phlegm is often expelled through the mouth while coughing. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies may also have excess production of phlegm. It is also believed that consumption of dairy causes phlegm or further increases the production of phlegm.
Dairy and phlegm do have a definite link. Milk and other dairy foods are rich in fat and this could lead to thickening of the mucus and phlegm that has already been produced in the airways. Therefore individuals who have excess phlegm or tend to cough up lots of sputum are advised to avoid eating dairy products. Individuals with any kind of respiratory condition are told to keep off dairy. This is especially true when there may be an active infection in the airways or lungs. The thickening of phlegm when milk is consumed could interfere with breathing and cause a great deal of discomfort for the individual. Those with sinusitis are also advised to refrain from consuming milk and other dairy foods. Avoidance of dairy will help to keep the mucus thin. This will allow it be eliminated from the body more easily. But does milk cause phlegm? For many this may not be the case. It is possible that milk causes phlegm to thicken, but it does not increase the production of phlegm by the body. However those who have milk allergies tend to respond differently to dairy. In such people consumption of milk and other dairy products leads to fresh production of mucus and phlegm in the body.
There are many home remedies that provide relief from excess phlegm in the lungs and throat. A popular remedy is a concoction of ginger, black pepper powder and basil leaves. Mix one teaspoon of each ingredient in half a cup of water. Boil the solution and once it is reduced to half, add some honey and drink thrice a day. A mixture of ginger juice and honey also helps to alleviate cough. One may also drink a glass of warm water to which some honey or lime juice has been added. An effective way to draw out the phlegm from the lungs is steam inhalation. Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhale the vapors arising out of it. Steam helps to loosen the mucus and helps the body to expel it.
answered by G M