Its that time of year when enjoying Christmas means a few extra pounds have occurred! The gyms are full and we are all looking at dieting or at least healthier eating. But one unwanted side effect can be bad breath. The two most common types of bad breath as a result of dieting are; bad breath due to acetone caused by ketosis, or an excess of protein in the diet producing ammonia in the breath. Raw vegetables, fresh fruit, and a little brown bread, brown rice or pasta, will give you the carbs you need to freshen your breath without damaging your diet intentions. Founder of The Breath Company, Dr Harold Katz (also known as the ‘Bad Breath Guru’ in the US), discusses what to look out for, and how to tackle bad odour as a result of dieting.
Tips from Dr Katz: the internationally recognised expert on bad breath and halitosis issues. Over 6 million people across 98 countries have used his clinically proven formulas to eliminate bad breath and regain lost confidence.
Eliminate Peanut Butter & Dairy products from your diet – In Summary: Bad breath caused by peanut butter, (known as the halitosis-causing paste) milk and lactose intolerance, is instantly recognisable and if you have it, you’re likely to instantly put friends and co-workers off their lunch. However, peanut butter breath is not likely to disappear any time soon.
How/Why it works: Traces of milk/peanut butter remain in the mouth and oral cavity and are eaten up quickly by oral microbes. These microbes let off sulfurous molecules that really have a pungent odor. The less common type is a result of lactose intolerance. As you may know, lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to digest the sugars from milk (or any dairy product) and can lead to bad breath, gas, cramps, diarrhea and bloating
Eat an Apple a Day – How it works: Fibrous fruits and veg help to moisten the mouth. Did you know that eating crisp fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, cucumbers and carrots are natural cleansers? While chewing them, you increase your mouth’s saliva intake. So make sure to eat plenty of these fruits and vegetables – it’s not only good for your digestive health and diet, but your breath too!
Why it works: One of the most irritating symptoms from dry mouth (at night) is bad breath. The body uses saliva to break down things in the mouth. When the mouth is dry, it gives bacteria and other things that cause bad breath the perfect place to grow. People that suffer from dry mouth at night frequently have bad breath. The bad breath is at its worst in the morning after a night of dryness but it can persist throughout the day. Bad breath can be dealt with by maintaining proper oral hygiene and eating the right diet, including lots of fruit and veg that keep the moith moist throughout the day. Fluoride toothpaste like The Breath Co. Toothpaste can also help to fight bad breath caused by dry mouth at night.
Drink green and black tea instead of Builder’s tea – Why it worksThey contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria
Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth – Why it works Any snoring or sleep apnea issues could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth.
- Advance oral care products – Use oral care products such as mouthwashes and toothpastes that have been shown to be effective in fighting bad breath.
- Proper oral care – Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. This helps to remove any food and plaque which can be used as a fuel source by the anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Stimulate your salivary flow – Prevent dry mouth with chewing gum, lozenges, or mints that are sugar free. Look for Xylitol as a sweetener. In recent years, Xylitol has been shown to have anti-cavity properties and is a non-sucrose sweetener.
- Take a dietary supplement– Take Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B. These vitamins are effective at helping your body eliminate excess mucus and toxins naturally.
- Brush your teeth occasionally with baking soda – The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in an acidic oral environment. Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps neutralize excess acids found in the oral cavity.
The Breath Co product are available for Boots stores nationwide or www.boots.com
