DOES CAFFEINE AFFECT MY VOICE?

Caffeine...I'm sure this article is going to rustle a few feathers, ha-ha. I've seen plenty of vocalists, even coaches claim that caffeine doesn’t affect the voice because it doesn’t touch your vocal cords. That’s one of the most misguided pieces of vocal advice I’ve ever heard.

Here’s the truth: EVERYTHING you consume can affect your voice! Let's dive in and discuss...

The Impact of Caffeine on Your Voice

So, is caffeine bad for your voice? For me, it is. Whenever I have a caffeinated beverage, my throat feels dry and scratchy, and my vocal cords lose that smooth, flexible feeling. But here’s the kicker; some singers can down cup after cup and still hit every note perfectly.

On the flip side, I can chug a gallon of milk and feel vocally fine, while many singers avoid dairy like the plague because it makes them phlegmy and cough up mucus.

Why Do Foods and Drinks Affect Some Singers and Not Others?

You love your coffee, but for some reason, it makes your voice feel a little weird after drinking a cup. Yet, you know of a singer who chugs coffee by the gallon and it doesn't seem bother them at all. 

Why?!?

It all boils down to body chemistry. Everyone’s body responds differently to the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the allergens we encounter. Mucus buildup, a scratchy throat, or any other vocal issue is usually your body’s immune response to something it considers an irritant.

Over the years, many have considered caffeine a diuretic, Which means it would cause your body to urinate more frequently. (The jury is out on this belief in recent years). Regardless, it does affect your nervous system, which is why everyone responds differently.

So, yes, drinking coffee can affect your voice, even though it doesn’t directly touch your vocal cords. Every drink you consume, whether it's coffee, juice, or alcohol triggers a chemical reaction in your body, and your voice will respond accordingly. The key is to figure out how your body reacts after every sip of tea, juice, milk, alcohol, even water.

Keep a Beverage Diary

My go-to advice for singers is to avoid caffeine, caffeinated tea, and milk, just to be safe. But if giving up these type of drinks isn’t in the cards, pay close attention to how your body reacts within 10 to 20 minutes after drinking them. 

If you truly want to know what affects your voice, I highly suggest you keep a beverage diary. Track everything you drink for a week and notice how your voice feels after consuming every beverage. Some singers feel a little scratchy after drinking something like a Dr. Pepper, while others feel amazing after drinking apple juice. Our goal is to figure out what does and doesn't work best for your body.

If you notice any scratchiness in your throat, your voice becomes a little shaky, or you find yourself clearing your throat because of increased mucus, it’s time to reconsider what you’re consuming. If you think it'll be tough for you to quit then revisit your diary and notice how much of that particular drink you have in a day. For example, maybe you have six cups of coffee every day. I suggest over the next six weeks to drop it by one cup per week until week six; when you'll be caffeine free. 

I also advise that you up the amount of room temperature water you drink daily to keep your voice hydrated and well-oiled. How much you need to drink per day is a subject of another blog post.

Why not cold water? We’ll save that topic for another blog post as well:)

At the end of the day, your voice is unique to you. Understanding how your body reacts to different beverages is crucial to maintaining a healthy, strong voice. Stay mindful, stay hydrated, and keep rocking those notes.

Your DoctorVox coach,  

Jaime Vendera