Avoid These Foods If You Have Too Much Saliva

We all have likely salivated over a plate of delicious food — or even the thought of a good meal. But you may not know that an overproduction of saliva can actually be a health issue caused by heartburn, sinus infections, allergies, tonsillitis, and more.

Saliva is a necessary part of your body that contains important substances needed for digesting food. It also keeps your teeth strong and healthy, while keeping bacteria at bay (via WebMD). The body typically produces 2 to 4 pints of saliva a day from salivary glands in your cheek and mouth.

While medical intervention may be needed in the long run, there are some foods you can avoid if you're mitigating an issue with too much saliva.

Sugar can be a cause of excess saliva, so avoiding those baked goods, sugary drinks, and desserts is recommended. On the opposite side, sour foods should also be avoided. This includes citrus, sauerkraut, Greek yogurt, and other foods with a vinegar base (via Livestrong).

Spicy foods can also spark additional saliva, so you may want to avoid hot sauces or spices while treating over-salivation issues, according to WebMD.

The good news is there are some foods that can help you with saliva overproduction. Boosting your fiber intake can help reduce excess saliva, according to Livestrong. Some high-fiber options to add to your diet are beans, lentils, whole grain breads, and whole oats. Sodium from nutritious food like salted nuts can also be helpful for your saliva problem. However, sodium should be consumed in moderation, so be careful with your serving sizes.

If you're bummed about having to eliminate some of your favorite foods, don't despair. With a treatment plan from your healthcare provider, these items may only be temporarily on your "do not eat" list.