Managing Tummy Issues for Vocal Health

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams dive into how common tummy issues like acid reflux, bloating, and digestion discomfort can impact your voice. They share practical tips, dietary strategies, and humorous anecdotes to help voice users maintain vocal clarity and comfort.

Key Topics:

• The importance of managing stomach pressure before voice use, especially for speaking, singing, or voice acting
• How overeating and eating immediately before speaking can cause gurgles and burps that disrupt performances
• The benefits of waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before recording or presenting
• Tips for calming digestion, such as drinking carbonated water or warm water, and strategic food ordering
• The role of physical adjustments like pillows or position to reduce stomach noises
• Cultural and medicinal approaches, including herbal digestives and alcohol as muscle relaxants
• The humorous side of voice and tummy health, along with the importance of listening to your body

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to voice and tummy issues
• 00:16 - How eating habits affect voice clarity 00:36 - The impact of stomach gases and pressure on breathing 01:04 - Risks of over-eating before voice work
• 01:30 - Why burps happen and how to prevent them during recordings
• 01:51 - The importance of timing and letting digestion settle
• 02:03 - Using pillows and physical strategies to muffle digestion noises
• 02:19 - Effects of overeating on breath control and vocal support
• 02:42 - How the esophagus squeezes food and relieves pressure
• 03:07 - Techniques for calming digestion with food ordering
• 03:34 - The role of medications and natural remedies
• 04:19 - Curious tips from recording studios, like digestion cover pillows
• 05:07 - Sharing personal experiences with stomach illness and voice
• 06:05 - Quick fixes: carbonated water and herbal teas
• 06:37 - Pronunciation fun and flavor preferences (La Croix, cola flavored water)
• 07:48 - Cultural approaches, including traditional herbal digestives
• 08:01 - The proper order of eating to reduce gas buildup
• 08:45 - Use of Tums and natural remedies for indigestion
• 09:10 - Techniques like patting the stomach and burping to make room
• 09:39 - Enjoying sushi without discomfort and water's role
• 10:10 - Remedies like warm water and Asian medicinal practices
• 10:55 - Old wives' tales: alcohol and home remedies for stomach discomfort
• 11:16 - The humorous idea of using bourbon or whiskey to relax stomach muscles
• 11:55 - Alcohol as a muscle relaxer and medicinal aid
• 12:31 - Different cultural digestives: Uzo, Campari, and aperitifs
• 13:01 - The importance of taking care of your tummy before social or vocal engagement
• 13:34 - Inviting audience questions and future topics on medicinal and dietary solutions for voice users
• 14:09 - Closing remarks and encouragement to share experiences

Where to reach the show

• Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes