Prevent Bad Breath
The obvious reason we think of for bad breath is of course dental problems. Sure poor oral health can results in unpleasant breath but there are other possible reasons. Three main causes of bad breath are impaired digestion, sinus or throat infections, also use of alcohol, and tobacco.
- Impaired digestion – any conditions that lead to poor digestion such as stress, low carb dieting, constipation, bowel diseases, food intolerances (like a lactose free diet), dehydration, serious medical conditions such as diabetes, GERD, respiratory, liver and kidney malfunction.
- Sinus or throat infections – excess bacteria in the nose, sinus cavity, and throat can cause bad odor when exhaling. This could indicate some form of environmental allergy.
- Consumption of alcohol, tobacco use and eating certain foods. Alcohol dries out your mouth by decrease saliva production. Tobacco also has a drying effect and has it’s aroma that many non-tobacco users find offensive. Eating garlic, onions and certain spices such as curry can cause unpleasant odors up to 24 hours after ingestion.
Things you can do:
- Address any dental problems
- Seek treatment for any sinus, or throat infections
- Talk to your doctor about any digestive problems
- Take good control of any medical conditions you may have such as high blood sugar
- Identify food or environmental allergies and seek available treatments
- Avoid or limit your use of alcohol and tobacco
Foods you can eat and avoid:
- Avoid eating high sugar, high fat, and spicy foods, eat meat in moderation
- Eat garlic, onions with the people who also enjoy eating them
- Use lactose free products if you are lactose intolerance– lactose free milk, and cheeses
- Eat more fiber rich fruits, vegetables – fruits with digestive enzymes like kiwi, papaya and pineapple, eat leafy greens for beneficial vitamins and minerals
- Herbal breath freshener – eat or drink food with coriander, parsley, spearmint such as fresh leaves, or chew sugarless gum containing the breath freshening oils, cardamom, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tarragon can also help
- Use probiotic foods to improve digestion such as yogurt with active culture, probiotic drinks, and probiotic supplements
- Drink a lot of water, (6-8 glasses / day) rinse after eating to get rid of food particles
Related posts:
Remedies for Dry Cracked Lips
Best Foods for Good Dental Health
Healthy Hair Tips
Foods for Eye Health
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