What causes a naturally raspy voice?

Let’s face it, having a naturally raspy voice is both a blessing and curse. On the one hand, people often equate this quality with sexiness, confidence or even that ‘cool’ factor (although what does cool even mean anymore?). But on the other hand, having to repeatedly clear your throat like you’re about to spit out some phlegm can be annoying (but we’ll get into why this happens later).

So what causes a naturally raspy voice? Let’s explore.

Anatomy of the vocal cords

To understand how things can go awry when it comes to our voice box^1 or larynx ^2 (also known as Adam’s apple for all you non-anatomists), let’s first discuss how our vocal cords function when everything is au natural.

When we speak, air from the lungs passes through our trachea then up through two folds of tissue which are called — drum roll please — vocal cords! These twin flaps are positioned in such a way that they vibrate against each other at incredible speeds creating sound waves audible outside of our body^3. The pitch of these sounds depends on various factors including cord length and tension and thickness – but I promise I won’t bore you with those details because let’s be real- who needs scientific facts when describing their sexy husky sounding friend…amirite?! Anyway!

Consistent hoarseness

For some reason that no one has been able to pinpoint exactly^(4), there are individuals who have consistently hoarse voices due simply-made quirks ^(5) within their physiology. Yes folks: nature really just does work in mysterious ways sometimes! It may have something ^6to do with thicker vocal cord tissues or somehow abnormal structural frameworks (Damn mitochondria), but regardless researchers agree that genetics clearly plays an important role here vs purely environmental factors.

Smoking

If you’ve ever been a smoker, it’s important to know that smoking can have lasting effects on your vocal cords; even after quitting^(7). The toxins in cigarettes effectively stun growth and function^(8) of the delicate tissues which make up our voices. In cases where hoarseness is present post-quitting, this may indicate damage has already been done- sorry folks!

Pollution

As bad as smoking is for us, being around polluted air or closed environments full of smog (hello there Los Angeles) can also be detrimental to the health of our throats ^(9). Toxins emitted from cars or factories^10 fill the air with irritants which cause inflammation and swelling within vocal cord tissue.

Hey did someone turn off my microphone? Because all I hear now are crickets chirping……..

Now that we’ve covered pollutants – let’s move onto an equally cheery topic:

Acid Reflux Disease

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (G.E.R.D), anyone who suffers from acid reflux knows just how uncomfortable it can be —especially when it comes to speaking^.11 For those not familiar , G.E.R.D occurs when stomach acids repeatedly flow back into esophagus causing burning sensations – think late night pizza-induced indigestion!

But here’s something less commonly known: GERD secondary symptoms include chronic hoarseness due to irritation^(12) by these same acidic secretions.. This common condition affects millions worldwide so take heart husky-aspiring-friends- sometimes things really are out of your control! So just keep calm,,,invest in throat lozenges galore…AND let’s move on!

Studies show that staying hydrated contributes significantly (and positively)^13 towards maintaining voice quality– especially if you’re cursed/blessed with a naturally raspy voice. Your vocal cords rely on secretions of thin mucous to stay lubricated for proper function^(14). Furthermore, keeping water in your body decreases mucus thickness – this goes back to the point made earlier about thicker tissues contributing hoarseness.

So instead of looking like you’re trying out that infamous Scottish throat chant-rasp , keep chugging that H2O bottle and know at least something is within your control!

Bonus Tips To Combat Raspy Voices:

  • Avoid vocally straining activities ^(15) (e.g.. excessive yelling or singing without training)
  • Don’t smoke (as if we haven’t harped enough already?)
  • Use a humidifier™(16) inside your bedroom during dry winter months
  • Sound like Sexy Dracula in sips: Glycerin cough drops provide temporary relief against irritated nerves ^17 inside throats via moistening effect

And there ya have it folks — some causes behind natural raspiness plus added tips on how to improve! With this knowledge under our belts let’s finally start embracing those sexy husky voices

For disclaimer purposes: author accepts no liability for overly impressed friends/successful dates due solely^(18) from reader’s adoption & implementation of said article advice

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