Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem that can sometimes occur without your even realizing it. Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen and James B. LaValle write in their book "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living" that bad breath is usually related to poor oral hygiene or digestive issues. There are numerous products on the market that can help suppress bad breath, but changes in diet can also help to cure it.
Causes
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often related to infections or health issues in the teeth, gums, throat or the gastrointestinal tract. Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson write in their book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide" that other factors that may cause it include liver disease, smoking or poor protein digestion. It can also indicate a presence of parasites or an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gut.
Foods to Avoid
Jonny Bowden writes in her book "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth" that there are certain foods you may want to avoid if you are experiencing bad breath. It is best to avoid sugar altogether as well as processed flour products such as pasta, bread, white rice, cereal and even fruits. Unwanted bacteria in the gut can often thrive on these types of foods, especially ones that contain sugar.
Foods to Eat
You will want your diet to be based in whole foods with an emphasis on raw or fresh vegetables, writes Bowden. Choose healthy fats, such as olive or sesame oil, avocados and nuts. Eat lean proteins that are not fried or processed. Instead of refined flour products, choose whole grains such as brown rice. Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson write to chew foods well and be careful not to overeat. Chewing fresh parsley and mint also helps to freshen the breath.
Supplements
Zand, Spreen and LaValle write that you want to establish a healthy bacteria balance in your gut, so taking a probiotic supplement may help. Probiotics assist with digestion and maintain the presence of healthy flora. Chlorophyll tablets help to clean the digestive tract as well as freshen the breath. Digestive enzymes are also recommended, such as bromelain and papain. Take these if you suspect your bad breath is related to poor digestion.
Warning
As mentioned, bad breath may be indicative of a more serious health condition. Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson write that certain smells may be related to a specific disease. A metallic smell may represent diabetes or sour smells may represent stomach issues. If you are experiencing other health concerns other than bad breath, please consult your doctor. Your doctor may be able to find the cause if it is not related to mouth issues.
References
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan N. Spreen, James B. LaValle; 1999
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri, John W. Anderson; 2002
- "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2008
