How To Combat Bad Breath On A Low Carb Diet Faq

By Jeff Anderson

Bad breath is a source of concern for people on a low carb diet when they enter a fat-burning state, known as ketosis. Given that carbohydrates are not consumed in sufficient amounts, fats and proteins are used by the body as a source of energy. The result is a bad breath problem.

This problem is not related to poor oral hygiene. It cannot be overcome by flossing, brushing, or scraping of the tongue. You can mask bad breath by using a mouth wash, but the problem will disappear when you introduce some high-carbohydrate food in your diet. Bad breath that has metabolic causes can be dealt with by modifying your eating habits. Your choice of a specific diet is also an important factor as to whether bad breath will appear. For instance, you will have fewer carbohydrates on the Atkins diet compared to the South Beach diet. Thus, bad breath will be less of a problem in the first case because your body will not go into a state of ketosis. One thing to do, even if you are on the Atkins diet, is to include a small amount of carbohydrates in your diet. Have some high-carb fruit or a slice of bread from time to time. Even if you do that just once a week, your family, friends, and coworkers will appreciate it.

You can have some low-sugar yoghurt on a low carb diet. Yogurt facilitates the development of good bacteria as opposed to bad bacteria, which generate sulfur compounds. The same is true for black tea. It contains chemicals called polyphenols which stop the proliferation of bacteria causing bad breath. Thus, it helps decrease the amount of bacteria byproducts. In addition, black tea prevents tooth decay. Remember to consume it in moderation due to its caffeine content.

Include high-fiber food products in your diet. They will cleanse your bowels and prevent the accumulation of toxins. Consume more products that produce saliva and alleviate the bad breath problem. Celery, for example, is one such vegetable and is low in carbohydrates.

Another way to deal with bad breath is to drink more water. Another thing to try is chew sugarless gums. Sugar-free mints are a good option and some destroy the bacteria that produce cavities. Mints are great if you are going to have a job interview or a last-minute work meeting where it is totally inappropriate to be chewing a gum.

If possible, carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Although you will not be able to deal with the bad breath entirely, you can be certain that your mouth is hygienically clean.

You can be certain that bad breath will not stay with you forever. With most low carb diets, the consumption of carbohydrates is limited for just two weeks. During the induction phase, you can consume between 20 and 25 grams of carbs. Bad breath will gradually disappear when you add foods rich in carbohydrates to your meals.

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