1. Ketones Are the Key
Bad breath is one of the side effects of low carb diets. Seasoned Atkins and Protein Power followers are happy when they get bad breath on low carb diets because they know they are burning fat. Restricting carbohydrates causes the body to emit ketones in the urine and saliva. Low carb diets and bad breath go hand in hand. The ketones in the saliva create a foul odor. The taste is strong and sweet. Dieters often test their urine for ketosis by using ketone strips. The darker the color, the deeper the ketosis. There is no method for testing the ketones in the saliva. Ketones in the breath are unpleasant but not dangerous. Ketosis is the basis of converting the body from using carbohydrates for fuel to using stored fat. It is the most important part of kick starting your weight loss.
2. Not a Social Outcast Forever
Breath on low carb diets does not remain bad forever. They restrict the carbohydrate count to 20 or 25 grams per day for only two weeks. After that time, the dieter starts to increase the level of carbohydrates gradually and the symptoms go away. Some people choose to remain in the restricted phase for a longer time.
3. Brushing Blues
Unfortunately, brushing more often does not remedy low carb diets and breath problems. The normal methods of swishing with mouthwash and using a tongue scraper will not make the smell go away. Other pills and halitosis prescription or over the counter drugs will not work.
4. Water Water and More Water
Drinking lots of water helps low carb diets and breath problems. Low carb diet gurus recommend drinking lots of water to flush the ketones out of the body. Drinking water keeps the breath fresher and prevents constipation. During the initial two weeks of the diet, eat lots of vegetables with water in them. Celery, lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes are good choices. You do not normally eat fruits during the first phase.
5. Chew On The Problem
Using additional methods besides drinking tons of water alleviates low carb diets and breath odor. Chew on sugarless gum or use sugarless breath mints. Chewing on parsley or mint leaves is also useful. Check the labels of certain mints for sugar alcohols like inositol or maltitol. These ingredients can create unpleasant side effects like cramping, gas and diarrhea.
Member Comments