Hydration for a healthy voice
We all know that staying hydrated is vital for our health. But did you know that being dehydrated could be having a detrimental effect on your singing voice? Eek!
Our vocal folds (or vocal cords) need to be lubricated in order to vibrate optimally. Hydration keeps them supple and helps maintain the natural lubrication and mucous layer required to protect the vocal cords from the natural friction that occurs during vocalisation.
In simple terms, if the vocal cords aren’t lubricated, the sound produced will be croaky, hoarse or crackly. Not good. This occurs because flexibility of the vocal cords is lost when we are dehydrated. Also, a lack of hydration causes swelling of the vocal cords. Uh oh! This hinders their ability to vibrate freely, making them unable to produce the beautiful sound we are aiming for. And, as with any other part of the body, if you continue to work inflamed vocal cords, you are likely to further or even permanently damage your voice. It is just not worth taking the risk.
So the first rule of singing is; When we sing, we ensure we are hydrated.
But how much water do I need to be drinking?
When you drink, the heart, lungs, and brain will ensure they have enough water to function first and foremost. Your body will naturally prioritise these key organs before the vocal cords.
You therefore need to ensure that you are fully hydrated at all times and not just drinking a small amount before your singing practice. It takes at least 20 minutes for any water ingested to actually get through our systems and into the throat and vocal cords. So it’s no use taking a sip of water 5 minutes before practice and expect it to help. It wont. It will only serve to alleviate a dry throat at that moment. You’ll need to be well hydrated at least 20 minutes before you are due to sing.
To ensure I am drinking plenty, I have a 1 litre reusable water bottle that I like to sip on throughout the day. I try and make sure this is filled up twice so that I am drinking 2 litres of water in a day. Sometimes I struggle to finish, and other times I drink more. I do however, always sing better when I have at the very least had my quota of water during the day. Go figure.
How do you know if you’re well hydrated?
Take a peek into the toilet bowl after emptying your bladder. If your urine is anything but pale/clear yellow, you haven’t drunk enough. Go and drink some more. Sipping is better than glugging. You don’t want to be sick.
And so the best way to prepare for singing practice is to ensure that you are well hydrated. You will be keeping your body and voice in tip top condition, like a well oiled machine.
Happy singing folks!
