Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Now that I got your attention.

Today I found something that really helps me voice, and I wanted to share it, because i think it might help others, too!


So, you may or may not know that you need a little bit of mucus on your vocal chords to speak/sing properly, but if there's too much then it's all 'gunky' and at least for me, it almost feels like there's a 'film' blocking my voice from escaping.

Advice I got ranged from using a neti-pot for sinuses, neck/throat massages, and of course, drinking lots of water. One thing I heard to avoid was salted nuts, but since I am trying to find a new snack after receiving diet advice from Jessica here on Susans, I basically have been going with trailmix type things.

I was at first disappointed that it was pretty heavily salted, but that seemed to be a good thing for me. I'm guessing that all that salt nearly dries out my throat, clearing almost all the mucus, but by staying hydrated, I keep just the right amount. 

This is the exact bag I'm referring to(I see them at the checkout at every Walmart I go to):
(https://i.imgur.com/3DC0aUU.jpg)


And I think because as MAAB or AMAB, the mucus(at least right now) is more comfortable how it is, but when you squeeze the vocal chords, I think it creates a lot more excess mucus(at least, that is the case for me) so this method worked beautifully. I was no longer like 'fighting' against my voice to sing songs, and I could actually increase my volume without difficulty!


TLDR

If you have problems with lots of mucus in your throat. I say try salty snacks of some kind, along with plenty of water to improve your control over your own voice.

Hi Eryn!  Very recently I informed my dentist that I was transgender and on hrt.  She was very supportive and mentioned that the meds I was taking could cause my mucous to become sticky and thick.  I need to set up an appointment with her and talk more in depth about it.

Oh by the way, I still need to update the nutrition thread with a new recipe and news!
Got the second half, looking for something yummy!

Hugs and smiles, Jess

Thank you! This can be such an issue when trying to work on one's feminine voice.

My experience is that mucous is 'supposed' to be slick rather than sticky, and that the latter indicates dehydration. I believe the salt helps because it lets the body's cells absorb more water, which it's then able to use.

Quote from: OU812 on May 27, 2018, 05:51:20 AM
My experience is that mucous is 'supposed' to be slick rather than sticky, and that the latter indicates dehydration. I believe the salt helps because it lets the body's cells absorb more water, which it's then able to use.

I am constantly drinking water and it still happens to me from time to time so I don't think it's simply dehydration.

That's my point. A lot of times I feel like I drink as much as I can, but my body doesn't really absorb it - like if you pour too much water into the soil of a potted plant, it just kinda sits in me.

But if I have something salty to the point of satiation, the water is able to actually soak into my cells, because the electrolytes are there to help.

Thanks!

I was honestly a little worried that I was giving out bad advice, since every article I've seen votes against it.

I'm just glad to hear it is helpful and really works(and not just for me!) which means this is a great find, seldom talked of, within our community that I have no doubt will make some people more happy with their voices!

<3333

Osmosis.

That's possibly the term you're looking for.

It's the cellular balancing act that regulates fluid levels and is primarily driven by salt levels within the cells.

:-)



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