Since its 1972 introduction, the Atkins Diet has helped many dieters lose weight and improve their cardiovascular health, but the benefits do come with an embarrassing drawback. Bad breath is a hallmark of all low carbohydrate diets and the Atkins Diet is no exception. Fortunately, bad breath caused by the Atkins Diet is a temporary condition but there are things you can do to mask its effects while still on the diet.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is a low-carb diet that restricts your intake of carbohydrates and encourages eating more protein, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Like all low-carbohydrate diets, this type of eating plan sends the body into a state called ketosis, during which fat is burned instead of carbohydrates. During ketosis, your fat cells produce compounds called ketones. One sign that your body has successfully entered ketosis is the emergence of a foul odor on your breath as the ketones get into your saliva.
Halitosis
Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, frequently occurs as the result of dental problems, such as poor brushing habits and resultant periodontal disease. In a low-carb diet such as the Atkins Diet, however, the emergence of halitosis isn't because of the bacteria in your mouth. Rather, it is the result of altered chemistry in your saliva. This makes the problem much more difficult to treat, since halting ketosis will also halt any weight loss.
Improving Atkins Breath
While you can't cure bad breath caused by the Atkins Diet without quitting the diet, you can do things to mask the problem. Drinking more water, at least 8 cups per day, can dilute the saliva in your mouth and improve the scent of your breath. Swish water around in your mouth after eating to moisten and clean out the mouth. Chewing sugarless gum can also help, as can sucking on sugarless mints. Hard candies with sugar are not an acceptable substitute because they contain simple carbohydrates prohibited by the diet and can also contribute to cavities. Another solution for bad breath from a low-carb diet is to chew fresh parsley, basil or anise seeds, all of which are natural halitosis-fighters.
Considerations
Because Atkins-induced bad breath is specifically tied to the production of ketones, it typically goes away on its own once you increase your carbohydrate intake enough to stop ketosis. Some other low-carb diets with fewer carbohydrate restrictions, such as the South Beach Diet, might be less likely to produce ketones than a strict variant like Atkins.
