Guwahati, March 16 -- For singers, their voice is their most important tool, and keeping it healthy is essential, but drinking alcohol and smoking can harm it and affect their performance.

Even though these habits are common in social settings, they can cause lasting damage that is hard to fix.

Alcohol is often used to relax before singing, but it actually dries out the body, including the vocal cords. The voice needs moisture to work smoothly, and alcohol takes away that moisture, making the throat dry and irritated. This can cause a rough or hoarse voice, making it harder to sing high notes or keep up vocal strength.

Drinking too much alcohol over time can also lead to throat inflammation, making it even more difficult to sing well. ...