How to Combat Acid Reflux for Singers and Speakers: Keep Your Voice, Ditch the Burn

Ah, acid reflux—the annoying party crasher no one invited. 

If you’re a singer or speaker, you know the drill: one moment you’re ready to belt out your best Pink Pony Girl, and the next, you’re clearing your throat like an amateur kazoo player. It’s not cute. 

But don’t worry—I’ve got your back (and your vocal folds) with tips to keep acid reflux from ruining your big moment.

What Is Acid Reflux and Why Does It Hate Your Voice?

Let’s break it down: acid reflux happens when stomach acid decides it wants to explore new territory—namely, your esophagus. 

For us vocalists, it gets worse when that acid irritates the throat and voice box, leading to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Basically, it’s like your voice box has its own villain origin story.

Symptoms can include:

• Hoarseness that makes you sound like a 90-year-old jazz singer (but not in the cool way)
• Constant throat clearing (hello, awkward pauses mid-speech)
• That “lump in the throat” sensation (is it nerves or reflux? The world may never know)

If left unchecked, reflux can mess with your vocal folds, turning your high notes into… well, not high notes.

Practical Tips to Shut Down Reflux From A Pro Vocal Coach

1. Rethink Your Snacks

I get it—hot wings and margaritas are the fuel of the gods, but for acid reflux? Especially after the holiday season you just had. 

Not so much… 

You might want to avoid spicy, acidic, and greasy foods. 

Oh, and chocolate. 

Yes, I said it. Chocolate. 

(I’m sorry. I don’t make the rules.)

2. Hydrate Like a Pro

Drink water like your career depends on it—because it kinda does. 

But skip the bubbly stuff. 

Carbonation and your stomach are frenemies at best. 

3. Don’t Eat and Sleep

Late-night pizza runs are fun until reflux wakes you up at 2 a.m. with a vengeance.

Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed, and when you do sleep, prop yourself up like you’re royalty with an incline pillow. 

Acid hates gravity.

4. Sit Up Straight (Mom Was Right)

Good posture isn’t just for your Instagram pics. 

Sitting upright after meals helps keep stomach acid in its lane. 

Bonus: it makes you look confident, even when you’re internally panicking about your next performance.

5. Chill Out

Stress feeds reflux like adding gas to a fire. 

Take 10 deep breaths, do some yoga, or whip out your Singing / Straw™ for a quick SOVT warm-up. 

(Namaste, acid reflux.)

6. Steam Things Up

When reflux strikes, steam is your BFF. 

A portable nebulizer or a good old bowl of hot water and a towel can do wonders for your voice. It’s like a mini spa day for your vocal folds.

Long-Term Vocal Health: The Big Picture

Warm Up, Don’t Wing It

Reflux or not, warming up is non-negotiable. 

A tool like the Singing / Straw is perfect for building vocal strength and reducing strain—so even if acid reflux tries to crash your party, your voice can handle it.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

If reflux symptoms persist (and you’re tired of Googling “acid reflux cures”), see a doctor or voice specialist. 

They’ll help you figure out what’s really going on and how to fix it.

The Final Word

Reflux doesn’t have to be the Grinch that steals your voice. 

A few smart tweaks to your lifestyle, a steaming mug of chamomile, and a little Singing / Straw magic can make all the difference.

Oh, and speaking of magic…

For a limited time, you can snag the Singing / Straw for 20% off with code NEWYEAR.

That’s right—your voice gets stronger, and your wallet stays happy.

Let’s leave the throat-clearing and voice cracks in the past where they belong.

Your not-so-basic vocal coach,
Whitney Nichole