Mucus is secreted as a part of your body's natural defence system against airborne bacteria. But when your body becomes compromised by cold, flu, or allergies, this mucus can lead to problems in your ears, nose, and throat. Knowing tricks to reduce mucus can help as you recover from what ails you. Drinking water, avoiding dairy products, taking a shower, and eating spicy foods will help to reduce mucus.

Drinking eight glasses of water a day is important to a healthy diet. When your body is secreting extra mucus, drinking water becomes that much more important. Water will help to thin the mucus in your chest and head, allowing you to expel it more easily.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt, and even butter are thick products that will only make mucus thicker. In addition, many children with chronic runny noses may have an allergy to milk, causing increased mucus secretions. Regardless, if you have m mucus congestion, reduce dairy product consumption until you feel 100% again.

If your mucus congestion is central to your nose, try using a Neti pot. This teapot-like device is filled with a lukewarm saline solution. After placing the spout of the Neti pot in one nostril, tilt your head slightly, being careful to breathe through your mouth. The saline solution should run through one nostril and out the other, pushing the mucus out, as well.

Take a hot shower, stand over a pot of boiling water, or use a humidifier to help loosen the mucus. The thick, steamy air moistens mucous membranes, breaking up your congestion.

Try adding a little cayenne pepper to your chicken soup. The dish, which is renowned for its curative properties, can help clear your sinuses with a little spice. Also, you'll find that, as you eat the spicy dish, consuming more water will be necessary, also helpful in eliminating mucus.