Mucus or phlegm

Mucus or phlegm, is a sticky, thick substance that develops in your respiratory system when you have a cold, the flu, allergies or serious medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema. While foods alone don't typically cause mucus, particular foods and beverages may make your symptoms worse. Getting sufficient rest, eating a nutritious diet and following your doctor's treatment recommendations, when applicable, are also important. If your symptoms are severe, unexplainable or long-lasting, seek medical guidance.

DAIRY PRODUCTS

While dairy products are valuable sources of protein and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, they may contribute to mucus buildup. Drinking milk, for example, may make mucus thicker and more bothersome, according to MayoClinic.com. Dairy products are also potential food allergens, which may trigger mucus production in some people. For best results, limit or avoid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, hard cheeses and foods prepared with dairy products, such as cheese-topped pizza, creamy soups, pasta Alfredo, cheesecake, pudding and creamy beverages such as hot chocolate and lattes.

GLUTEN

Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley, rye. Gluten may trigger mucus production if you have cystic fibrosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The same may hold true if you have a gluten-intolerance or wheat allergy. If you suspect a correlation between gluten-containing foods, such as most commercially-prepared breads, bagels, tortillas, crackers, pretzels, pizza crust, pie crust, stuffing, cereals made with wheat, bran, rye or barley, and your symptoms, try replacing these foods with gluten-free carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, rice and corn or rice-based cereals. Since gluten is prevalent in countless foods, seek guidance and support from your doctor for best results.

RED MEAT

Red meat, particularly high-fat red meat, may also contribute to mucus buildup. Unless you have cystic fibrosis and require a high-fat, high-calorie diet, limiting red meat may help reduce your symptoms. According to Robert J. Green, natural health practitioner and author of "Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD," red meat, liver, poultry fat, egg yolks and processed meats, such as bacon and sausage, are particularly problematic for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) --- one of the most common lung diseases. He explains that animal-derived protein can trigger or exacerbate your body's inflammatory response, regardless of your illness, and heighten mucus production and other symptoms such as pain, fever and exhaustion. Replace these foods with plant-based protein sources, such as legumes or fatty fish, which may reduce inflammation, for heightened benefits.phlegm, is a sticky, thick substance that develops in your respiratory system when you have a cold, the flu, allergies or serious medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema. While foods alone don't typically cause mucus, particular foods and beverages may make your symptoms worse. Getting sufficient rest, eating a nutritious diet and following your doctor's treatment recommendations, when applicable, are also important. If your symptoms are severe, unexplainable or long-lasting, seek medical guidance.