20 Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables for Mucus Cleansing to Alleviate Excessive Mucus in the Body

Mucus serves as a protective barrier for various organs and systems within the body, but it can also be problematic. Chronic irritation of mucus cells leads to their overproduction of mucus, which can clog these organs and manifest as different health issues.

Mucus is most commonly associated with the respiratory and digestive tracts, though it is found throughout the body. Our goblet cells produce mucus daily to shield us from irritants like dust, smoke, and pollen.

The respiratory tract often suffers from excessive mucus production. Inhalation of irritants such as smoke or fragrances triggers goblet cells to produce mucus for protection, leading to the expulsion of thick mucus, a common occurrence in smokers or those exposed to chemicals like lab technicians. During a cold or flu, goblet cells ramp up mucus production to protect tissues from pathogens, resulting in an overabundance of mucus.

However, when mucus persists as a chronic condition, it necessitates a closer examination of our diet and the air we inhale.

Food, Chemicals and Mucus

Constant exposure to various chemical toxicants and the consumption of inflammation-inducing processed foods can lead to heightened mucus production.

Suddenly, you may notice your lungs producing more mucus than before, a stark contrast to their previous efficiency in clearing it during your youth. The accumulation of mucus in your throat, once a non-issue, becomes prevalent. This is typical of health matters; repetitive exposure to harmful substances gradually deteriorates your health.

As we age, our organ functionality declines. The lungs, for instance, lose some capacity to expel mucus over time. When this natural aging process is compounded by a poor diet and exposure to chemicals found in household cleaners and perfumes, the result is a continuous struggle with mucus buildup.

The question then arises: which foods and chemicals contribute to this issue?

The state of our internal health is a direct reflection of our diet. A steady intake of processed foods rich in saturated animal fats, sodium, and refined sugars will inevitably provoke a response from our bodies.

It is my conviction that the remedy for many global health issues lies in the consumption of fresh, organic, and wild-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs known for their mucus-cleansing properties. In stark contrast, the prevalent consumption of low-quality processed, packaged foods and exposure to toxic chemicals is, in essence, detrimental to our health.

Foods you should steer clear of include:

Red meat
Deli meat
Farmed fish
Eggs
All corn products (GMO)
Dairy products (this includes milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, butter, ghee, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc.)
Wheat (bread, pretzels, buns, bagels, pasta, muffins, etc.)
Deep fried foods
Foods high in refined sugar (cookies, cakes, pies, pastries)
Soy products
Alcoholic beverages
Coffee
Soda

Dairy is often thought to be mucus-producing; however, this is a misconception. You can explore this topic further in my article.

Chemicals that enter the body come from:

Pesticides and herbicides (those used on food, and those used for lawn care)
Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Fabric softeners
Dish soap
Toothpaste
Paint (used on your walls, or for arts & crafts)
Plastics
Tap water
Air fresheners
Cigarette smoke (first, second and third-hand)
Shampoo/conditioner
Scented candles
Lotions and serums
Household cleaners
Cosmetics
Deodorants
Soap and other toiletries
Sunscreen
Perfumes, colognes and body sprays
Processed foods
Mercury from fish
Gasoline vapors (exposed to more in the city)
Hair and nail salons
Bug sprays
Plastic storage containers
Mattresses made with toxic materials like PBDE
Plastic drink bottles
Non-stick cookware
Dry-cleaned clothes

Pollen, dust, dander, mold, and smoke are also known to cause lung irritation. If you know of others, feel free to add them in the comments below!

You might be wondering how certain foods and chemical-based products lead to excessive and chronic mucus production. It's quite straightforward – they act as irritants. When our bodies encounter irritants, our mucus cells produce extra mucus. This is most noticeable in our lungs (with mucus in the throat and lungs, leading to a constant need to clear the throat) and in our digestive system (evidenced by mucus in our stool, stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation).

Mucus and Inflammation

It's not surprising that mucus-forming foods are also acid-forming. The same items on the mucus-forming list are acidic and highly inflammatory.

When the body encounters foreign invaders such as pathogens, bacteria, chemical compounds, processed foods, and hidden food allergens, it triggers a specific series of events. The immune system ramps up, with white blood cells and cytokines mobilizing to defend you. Consistent exposure to these substances leads to chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation causes the mucus membranes to produce more mucus as a defense mechanism to shield the delicate linings of our organs. The less inflammation present in the body, the less mucus will be produced.