Some people believe that bad breath is just one of the many symptoms associated with poor colon health. No amount of brushing or flossing can improve the odor coming from your mouth until the toxins within your intestine are eliminated, according to proponents of colon cleansing. They maintain that cleansing the colon returns the balance of intestinal flora to normal and thereby improves symptoms of a toxic colon, including bad breath.
Colon
Proponents of colon cleansing believe that poor diets, prescription medications, environmental pollutants and other lifestyle factors can contribute to the buildup of waste within the intestines. This waste not only prevents nutrients from being absorbed along the gastrointestinal tract, but it also produces toxins that are harmful to your health. Like nutrients, these toxins are absorbed into the body, resulting in fatigue, headaches, asthma, allergies, acid reflux, constipation, hormonal imbalances, poor memory and bad breath.
Cleansing
Colon cleansing often entails a dietary supplement to produce a bowel movement. These products work like stool softeners or laxatives, depending on their active ingredient. Sometimes colon cleansers contain bulk-forming substances that allow waste to pass more easily through the intestinal tract, while others increases the amount of fluid in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Colon cleansers also contain stimulants that encourage muscle contractions within the colon, increasing the passage of waste. Regardless of the means, the colon is cleared of built-up waste and toxins, which is thought to improve your overall health.
Misconceptions
Though colon cleansing may aid the passing of waste, no scientific evidence exists to support its use. Michael Picco, a gastroenterologist with the Mayo Clinic, reports that the digestive system naturally eliminates waste material and bacteria on its own, so there is no need to cleanse the colon with a colon cleanser.
Bad Breath
The bad breath you're experiencing is likely a result of food. According to the Cleveland Clinic, digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it's transported to the lungs and can then be smelled on your breath. It isn't until the food is completely out of your system that you can smell an improvement in your breath. Compounding the issue is food particles left along the teeth and gums that promote the growth of bacteria linked to bad breath.
Treatment
Before using a colon cleanser to improve your breath, talk to your doctor or dentist. Either of these medical professionals can suggest treatments to improve your breath.
