Six Amazing Supplements for Singers

What is a professional singer without a voice? Nothing! A healthy vocal cord is therefore not only desirable, but a must-have to every songster who wants to go far in their craft. ITEM 7 takes a look at six top supplements every singer should have in their tool box to aid optimal performance.

Voice is everything to a performing artiste, the singer’s most valuable tool. Their creativity, flexibility, confidence or like they say ‘swag’ displayed during performance is soon eclipsed by their inability to deliver their songs effectively or simply put sing.

This explains why even the slightest change in the strength, tone or comfort of the voice noticed by the vocalist leaves the average singer anxious. Their reactions are worse when it is vocal fatigue, hoarseness, difficulty in singing or when they detect a rough gritty feeling.  

Music’s history is replete with stories of accomplished singers who have had to cancel the rest of their concerts, after observing such challenges costing them and the organizers of the show millions of dollars. A very recent example is multiple Grammy award winner Adele’s cancellation of the last two nights of her Wembley show after damaging her vocal cord. The likes of R. Kelly; Sam Smith; ‘Avenged Sevenfold singer, M Shadow and John Mayer have had to undergo surgery after experiencing such injuries.

This underscores the need for all professional singers and would-be performing artistes to maintain a healthy vocal health.

Here are six supplements for every singer, which should see vocalists through almost any vocal health mishap, whether it’s just to get through a gig with vocal cords like sandpaper or more long term maintenance.

1.    OMEGA OILS

No one dares to run a car without oil and of course water. Humans are like machines, only complicated. So, like cars we require water and oil to live or perform optimally. It is estimated the human body is made up of 80% water, and a huge portion of our brain, cells and muscle is fat. If we are not watered and oiled as necessary we will not be able to be our best. In order for water to actually be absorbed into the body it requires oil. Most people are under oiled and dehydrated on the whole. As an essential daily maintenance for your whole body, and to keep your voice hydrated and ticking over, experts recommend taking some form of Omega oil supplement. Eating fish three times a week and avocado for breakfast just doesn’t cut it.

2.    Vitamins A, B, C

Vitamin A in beta-carotene form, simply put draws moisture and hydration to all the parts of the body that requires it: mouth, eyes, lungs and throat. Singers are often encouraged by experts to take a handsome doze of it during build ups to gigs and after.

B vitamins on the other hand, are depleted during times of stress and contrary to general opinion lengthy rehearsals and performing rank among activities that could be demanding. Supplementing with Vitamin Bs can aid in stress management, helping singers to keep calmer. B vitamins also aid hugely in digestion and we all know stress goes straight to our stomach.

Vitamin C obviously keeps the immune system ticking over to combat bacteria and viruses, which may affect the vocals.

3.     Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential component of the dietary requirements for singers. This is why artistes refer to it as “miracle magnesium”. It is because it addresses and balances so many ailments it’s impossible to list them all. Most general aches, pains, strains and cramps are down to a deficiency in magnesium. This trace mineral is essential for almost every bodily bio-chemic function. It is important, not just for singers alone but for everyone.

4.    Fenugreek and Thyme

Of all the natural supplements prescribed to singers, fenugreek and thyme is the top all time wonder herb. It is responsible for drawing extra moisture to those areas that need it most, just like Vitamin A.

Many patients who suffer from dry, scratchy throats, voice loss or any other kind of ear, eye, nose or throat irritation report miraculous symptom loss after taking these magical herbs.

It can be administered for almost any upper respiratory condition involving the ears, eyes, nose and throat. In conjunction with Vitamin A the results can be mind-blowing. Opera singers often say they owe their careers to Vitamin A and fenugreek and thyme.

5.    Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is a liquid solution created using electrolysis to suspend pure, metallic elemental silver in groups of particles of 15 atoms or fewer, each with a positive electric charge, attached to simple protein molecules, in distilled water. In simple terms, this wonder solution is anti- bacterial, anti-viral and - it’s pretty much anti-everything and is my first go to when I feel the dreaded scratch or tickle. A 60 second gargle every few hours usually knocks out any kind of oncoming sore throat or infection. It is also hugely effective for urinary tract infections, cold sores, infected wounds, ear infections, eye infections and most other types of bacterial or viral infection.

6.    High Potency Grapine

The part of our anatomy we so heavily rely on is so delicate and affected so easily by external forces such as dust, pollen and smoke. If you’ve ever suffered with hay fever, dust allergies or asthma right before a performance you will know how debilitating it is.

Grapine is another supplement vocalists never leave home without. It is nature’s anti- histamine and can eradicate allergic reactions within 20 to 30 minutes. Musty, sweaty, smelly clubs, old dusty dressing rooms and pre-show flowers may never bother you again.

Allergies usually indicate an imbalance in the immune system so an appointment with a good kinesiologist is recommended to nourish and rebalance it, if you want to get rid of them for good.