Skinny Waist

Researchers have recently detected a connection that will probably not sit well with the millions of low-carb dieters out there. It appears that there may exist a connection between a low-carb diet and bad breath. So if you are looking to shed the pounds, does this mean that you have to suffer from bad breath? Not necessarily, but there are some scientific studies floating around out there that have made a definite connection between a low-carb diet and halitosis.

How Does a Low-Carb Diet Contribute to Bad Breath?

It appears that there is a scientific connection between a low-carb diet and bad breath. This has to do with the way that our bodies tend to process carbohydrates, and what happens when our body isn't burning as many carbohydrates as it once did. The reason that so many people have gravitated to low-carb diets as a means of losing weight is that when the number of carbohydrates are restricted, the body will then begin to burn stored fat instead of ingested carbohydrates. When the body begins to burn fat as its main source of fuel, it will release special chemicals called ketones. Ketone chemicals are often released in urine, and they may also be released in breath, which can then result in a case of halitosis. Of course, ketones by themselves are not singularly responsible for bad breath. The types of foods that you choose to eat may also be responsible for producing ketones. High protein foods, which are, not coincidentally, a major part of most low-carb

Diets can be the major culprits when it comes to bad breath. This is because they are high in sulfur compounds, which create often responsible for symptoms of bad breath.

Don't Quit Your Diet ? Change Your Habits

If you are self-conscious about your breath, you may be tempted to quit your low-carb diet. However, there are plenty of things you can do in order to keep your breath in check while you are on your diet. For instance, did you know that simply drinking plenty of water can help alleviate many of the symptoms of halitosis caused by a low-carb diet? When you drink plenty of fresh water, you are much more likely to dilute and even wash away the concentration of ketone chemicals that are often responsible for bad breath. Of course, drinking plenty of water can also help clean away much of the debris and bacteria that naturally accumulates in the human mouth. Get into the habit of drinking more water and swishing your mouth with water when you can?t reach for the toothbrush.

Switch to a Sugarless Gum that Contains Xylitol

An easy way to mask and even eliminate bad breath while you are on a low-carb diet is to begin to chew sugarless gum. Make it a habit to chew sugarless gum after meals. This can help increase your saliva production. More saliva production means that you will be helping to neutralize acid production in your mouth. Chewing parsley after a meal can also be helpful.

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