Are you tired of dealing with bad breath and the embarrassment it causes? Cheer up, we have some good news for you! There are some foods that can really help deal with bad odor and give you a ‘breath of fresh air’. Yes, you read it right, there are foods that eliminate bad odor. Imagine enjoying great flavors knowing they’re also fighting bad odors. It’s a win-win situation! But first, it is important to address the problem of bad breath fundamentally. Medically known as halitosis, bad breath is a problem we have all experienced at one point or another, and there is no need to feel embarrassed. Nutritionist Dr Geeta Burock suggests identifying the factors that can cause bad breath and what one should try to avoid.
What are the main causes of bad breath?
1. Poor oral hygiene
This is the most common cause of bad breath, yet it is often ignored. Neglecting to brush or floss regularly, especially before bed, can cause plaque to build up on your teeth. Additionally, certain bacteria on the tongue release sulfur gas, which is responsible for bad odor.
2. Dietary Issues
Foods with strong smells or tastes can cause bad breath. Frequent consumption of garlic, onion and some spices can cause bad breath. Coffee and alcohol, with their strong odors, also play a role. The odors of these foods linger in your mouth, and as they are processed by your body, they release chemicals that are exhaled through the lungs.
3. Smoking
If you smoke or chew tobacco, the chemicals in these products remain in your mouth. In addition to causing bad breath, smoking stains teeth and reduces your ability to taste.
4. Dry mouth
Excessive caffeine consumption or mouth breathing may contribute to dry mouth. In this condition, the mouth does not produce enough saliva to remove dead cells deposited on the tongue and gums, resulting in unpleasant breath.
5. Acid Reflux
This happens when undigested food or stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. Burping can also release these acids and result in bad breath.
6. Crash Diet
Following a low-carb diet or fasting causes the body to break down fat, producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones can be found in your breath and can cause bad breath.
7. Chronic disease
Bad breath can be a symptom of persistent conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
How do you get rid of bad breath? Here are some foods to get rid of bad breath
Fortunately, in addition to practicing good oral hygiene, there are natural remedies to deal with bad breath. Dr. Geeta Byrock suggests some simple ways to get you out of misery.
1. Stay hydrated:
Keep yourself well hydrated to ensure the smooth functioning of your body’s natural cleansing systems. Consume citrus fruits or juices that help flush out toxins.
2. Eat more curd:
Studies have shown that consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt daily can help prevent bad breath. Yogurt reduces hydrogen sulfide, a compound found on the tongue that causes bad breath.
3. Get Your Solution From Fennel Seeds:
Fennel seeds have antibacterial properties and are often used as a mouth freshener. You can eat them raw or make fennel tea. Chewing fennel seeds promotes saliva production, which washes away bacteria.
4. Consume citrus fruits:
For dry mouth, eat citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruits. These fruits stimulate saliva production. The acidity present in lemons specifically inhibits the growth of bacteria, and their strong odor helps mask bad odors.
5. Chew Cloves:
Cloves have antibacterial properties that are similar to those of fennel seeds. You can chew cloves or consume it in the form of clove tea.
6. Parsley:
This green herb contains chlorophyll, which neutralizes bad odors. There are a few ways to use parsley: either chew fresh parsley leaves or soak them in vinegar and then chew. You can also consume it by extracting the juice of parsley leaves.
No more awkward moments of self-consciousness. But if your bad breath persists despite trying these tips, you should consult your dentist.
