2 foods to eat before bed to reduce cough

Increased mucus secretion in the respiratory tract is the body's natural response to lubricate and fight against infectious agents. When bacteria and viruses attack the respiratory tract lining, increased mucus secretion will help remove them from the respiratory tract, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Common reactions include a runny nose, a scratchy throat, and a cough. When you sleep, more mucus will run down your throat than when you lie down, making the cough worse.

Coughing can make it difficult to sleep. It is important to reduce your cough to help you fall asleep. One of the best ways to reduce your cough is to mix a little honey and pepper.

The method of creating this cough suppressant mixture is very simple. People just need to add a little black pepper to a spoonful of honey, put it in their mouth, sip it and swallow it down their throat. If it is a child, only 1 teaspoon of honey is needed, and for adults, 1 tablespoon.

Numerous studies have shown that honey and black pepper are effective in reducing coughs. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that taking honey before bed reduced coughs and improved sleep quality. This benefit is attributed to its ability to reduce mucus secretion.

Meanwhile, pepper is not only a spice but also has medicinal properties. Research in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that piperine in pepper helps fight inflammation and improve respiratory infections.

In addition to honey and black pepper, patients can also apply some other ways to help reduce cough when lying down. The simplest way is to drink warm water and gently inhale the steam from the warm water. The heat in the water will help moisten the sinus mucosa, soften the mucus accumulated in the throat, thereby making it easier to expel.

Another option is to use a saline nasal spray. This will help thin out and clear mucus before bed. Gargling with salt water or sipping hot lemon water can also help reduce coughing, according to Medical News Today.