As far as milk, it burns some, it did to me, from the lactic acid, sugar. As far as producing more mucus, it really doesn't. Milk has enzymes that replicate saliva, lasts longer than water does, and coats the mouth, which may cause a feeling of thickening of mucus. Speaking of Chinese food, I ate mostly egg drop soup during my last two cancer treatments, which soothed my throat, lessened my mucus, has protein, little carbs for my diabetes, in addition to my canned Glucerna. I guess everyone finds out what works for them, and wasted many foods in search.