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One of the first most fundamental aspects to having a healthy flexible voice is hydration. Your vocal folds need to stay limber and flexible. Water helps maintain the protective mucous lining that protects them from the natural friction that occurs when you vocalize.

If the body is not kept well hydrated, the folds are not able to vibrate and swing freely. Dryness can lead to swollen folds and make the voice more vulnerable for infections.  

Remember, the water that we drink does not go immediately to the vocal folds, your vital organs also need hydration in order to work optimally. The goal is becoming conscious of the important role water plays in speaking and singing, and by drinking a min. of 8 quarts of water daily,  so we will be completely hydrated when we sing.

What is the best time to take in liquids in order to insure peak vocal performance?

I use the 4 hour rule of thumb for planning when and how much to drink. If you have a concert in the evening it is important to drink in the morning and afternoon. Don't think that you can sip water a few minutes before you go on stage and manage the show. 

You need to hydrate throughout the day.

For example, if you have an 11 am studio session, you need to drink 2 big glasses of water before going to bed and wake at 7 am and sip every 15 to 20 minutes a glass of water. You do this until about 9:30 to 10 am and then you relax and slow down your liquid intake.

If you have an evening concert, drink at regular intervals during the morning and afternoon until about 2 hours before your show. Then slow it down.  

If you want your voice in top shape and be able to go through the whole 2 hour concert or 6 hour studio session, without running to the bathroom, you have to hydrate hydrate hydrate in hours BEFORE you need to use your voice and hydrate much less the hour before you need to perform.

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So, how do you know if you need more water?

The rule is: Pee Clear Sing Clear

Our body is our instrument. If your urine is clear, you're doing a great job hydrating. If your urine is dark yellow, you need more water.

Now, don't go overboard. If you drink 10 gallons of water before your studio session or concert you will not be a happy camper. You will flush out important minerals and need to go to the restroom more often than is necessary.

Remember, it is all about balance. The voice needs to be well hydrated and t yet the bladder needs to be empty when you sing. Follow the tips below for staying well hydrated.

TIPS FOR STAYING HYDRATED

• Drink flat water at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Never drink chilled or ice water.
• Use the 4 hour rule. It takes 4 hours from the time you drink for the moisture to be felt in your vocal folds.  
• Hydrate hours before you need to use your voice in concert or at a speaking engagement. If you have hydrated well,  there is no need to drink on stage.
• Add lemon or a  tiny bit of fruit juice to your water. It will activate your salivary glands and moistens your mouth and vocal folds quicker.

Some singers who drink a lot of water complain of DRY MOUTH. This is because water hydrates your body and folds but like I said, it takes a while for the water to arrive.

"The cure for anything is salt water - tears, sweat, or the sea."  Isak Dinesen, Seven Gothic Tales

Kara's FAVORITE RE-HYDRATING ELECTROLYTE DRINK

Add the following to a  quart  jar: 

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 Tablespoons raw honey
• 1/2 Tablespoon unrefined sea salt or Himalyan salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Fill the rest of the way with filtered water.  
• Stir or shake well. 

AVOID  

sugar drinks, carbonated drinks, coffee,
black tea, alcohol and anything cold.