Causes of bad breath

Bacteria on the back of the tongue

Bacteria found in the mouth accumulate mostly on the tongue, towards the back, and is one causes of bad breath. The bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris and produce Volatile Sulphur Compounds [VSC]. These compounds have the smell of hydrogen sulphide [think rotten eggs]. Bad breath odour can also come from certain foods after they are digested and this odour can emanate from the lungs.

What you eat also affects the air you exhale

• Certain foods, such as garlic and onion, contribute to bad breath. Once the food is absorbed in the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled in the form of the air you exhale
• Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food
• If you are on a diet or you are fasting, you may develop unpleasant breath due to infrequent eating
• If you don’t brush and floss daily, tiny particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
• Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue, and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.

Dry mouth

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth [xerostomia] which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odour. Dry mouth may also be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

Underlying health conditions

There are several health conditions of the body which are not directly connected to the mouth but can still cause bad breath. High sugars in a diabetic, for instance, can produce a strong fruit odour. Infection of the sinus or polyps in the nose can also be a source of bad breath. Sometimes indigestion that causes reflux of food can lead to foul odour from in the mouth. Other culprits could be HIV, liver disease and lung infections. If you suspect that your bad breath is due to an underlying condition, consult your doctor immediately.

Tips to prevent bad breath

• Maintain a high level of oral and dental hygiene. In addition to brushing, it is important to clean between the teeth using dental floss, wood sticks or an inter-dental brush
• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue
• Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist. The best time to use it is just before sleeping
• Drink plenty of fluids; avoid too much coffee, cola and sugar
• Rinse your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry or better still, have an apple
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables; fruits like apples and pears help cleanse your teeth and gums
• Visit your dentist regularly to diagnose any oral health condition in time.

Home remedies for bad breath

Avocado

Avocado is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. Just eat a small piece of raw avocado if you suffer from bad breath.

Fenugreek

A tea made with fenugreek seeds helps in neutralising bad breath. The tea is prepared by adding one teaspoon of seeds in half-litre of water and allowing it to simmer for 15 minutes over a low flame. Then just strain and drink up.

Parsley

Two cups of water should be boiled and several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped, should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred occasionally while cooling. Then strain and gargle with this liquid several times a day.

Raw juice

All fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of bad breath. Juices from green vegetables are especially useful. Make sure you don’t add any sweetener to your juices.

A well-balanced diet

People suffering from bad breath should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on raw vegetables, and fruits. Avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar; white bread and products made from refined flour. Go easy on meat and eggs as well.

The post Bad breath: Causes + prevention tips + home remedies appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

This article is an in-depth, evidence based, exhaustive guide on Apple Cider Vinegar. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip to the relevant section by clicking below.
Here’s what we shall explore:

• History Of ACV
• What is ACV
• 10 ‘Real’ Benefits of ACV
• Possible Myths and Fallacies
• How to consume

History of ACV

Legend has it that Hippocrates, the greek father of medicine, treated many of his patients using Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV. He used this folk remedy to treat various conditions ranging from bad breath, sore throat, ulcers to even ‘fractures’.

The presence of ACV has also been traced back to Egyptian urns as old as 3000 BC! Greeks and Romans supposedly used ACV for flavouring food like salad dressings. It was also used to fend off certain diseases, as a body deodorant and a healing tonic.

Surprising uses for apple cider vinegar, huh?

But all of the above uses do not have sufficient evidence to support them. So let’s look at something more evidence based.

In the beginning there were…

Apples!

Apples were first grown in Egypt on the banks of the Nile River around 1300 BC. After this they spread throughout Africa and Europe. And then, through trade, to the rest of the world.

Until recently, apples were not widely used for eating—the ancients considered them too “sour”. Apples were instead used to make juice. They would be juiced and consumed immediately as they had a low shelf life.

But by 55BC, when the Romans arrived in England, apple juice was an old story. Apple Cider was now a popular drink with the masses. This can be found in the literature of the time.

So what is Cider?

Apple Cider is fermented apple juice. It’s an alcoholic beverage widely consumed in all of Europe and the USA.

Apple juice is left to ferment in barrels. The natural sugars in carbohydrates of fruits like apple get broken down by yeast and bacteria and turned into ethanol (alcohol).

Thus is born Apple Cider.

So what’s the difference between Apple Cider and Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider is an alcoholic beverage containing ethanol.When Apple Cider goes through a second round of fermentation, the ethanol gets converted into acetic acid, thus forming Apple Cider Vinegar.

Vinegar is an old fermentation process. The first traces of vinegar go back to almost 5000 BC in ancient Babylonia.

This indicates that the ancient cultures of Egypt, Babylon, Greece and Rome might have used ACV for its health benefits, antibacterial properties, preservative abilities…the list goes on.

Somewhere through the course of time, ACV was lost. And with it were lost the whole host of health benefits that it offers. But In recent times ACV has resurfaced and this ancient food is now being used for the many benefits it provides.

What is ACV?

As we have already established, ACV is formed when Apple Juice is fermented into Apple Cider, then fermented again to form ACV.

Let’s try to breakdown ACV further into its nutritional components.

Scientific evidence shows more or less negligible nutritional value of ACV. But that doesn’t mean it has no value at all.

ACV is diluted acetic acid. Acetic acid helps induce a higher absorption from the food consumed. This plays a significant role in its “magical” health benefits. Its capability to aid absorption is a gold mine on its own.

Like any other vinegar, ACV is approximately 5% acid. Therefore, drinking apple cider vinegar in large proportions can actually be harmful. All one needs is about a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to get all the benefits associated with it.

Now that we know the formation and constituents of ACV, let’s look at its health benefits. We will also debunk some myths which have been doing the rounds, so that you don’t harm yourself.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Anti-allergen

Allergies occur when a stimulant causes irritation to the system. Common colds, pollen and weather changes are examples of common stimulants. When this happens, the body produces histamine to combat the alien particles/sensations. The release of histamine helps but the effects of histamine on the body and the mind can hurt. Rashes, fever and swollen airways are too much to handle. In such a situation, a spoon of ACV with warm water may provide relief. ACV is a natural antihistamine which helps to slow down the production of histamines and quells the symptoms of allergy.

Arthritis Pain

Many on the internet claim that ACV cures arthritis—they’re mistaken. Arthritis is a condition which needs to be treated holistically and ACV can, at best, play its part by ‘aiding’ your pain relief efforts.

Calcium buildup in joints causes stiffness and pain. ACV contains potassium, which helps prevent this buildup. Accumulation of toxins is yet another cause of arthritis. The pectin in ACV helps remove the toxins from the body. A spoonful of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water can help ease arthritis over time.

Diabetes Control

ACV has been found especially effective in controlling blood sugar levels and type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance. Studies have shown that taking ACV along with a high carbohydrate meal showed reduced spikes in blood sugar post the meal. This can also be used for pre-diabetics who are suffering from only High Blood Sugar levels. A separate study also found that consumption of ACV with a ‘cheese snack’ for dinner, reduced blood sugar levels the following morning. Thus it also helps to reduce fasting blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss

No, ACV does not ‘burn fat’ or ‘increase metabolism’, as many articles claim. Remember, when it comes to losing weight, there are no shortcuts—you need to change your lifestyle. But ACV can certainly support your efforts. Research shows that ACV intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels.

A spoonful of ACV with a cup of water just before meals can help you reach satiety earlier and keep you feeling full for longer.

Sore and Itchy throat

Germs cannot survive in an acidic environment. ACV being 5% acid can provide some respite when we have an itchy throat. A tablespoon of ACV mixed in warm water can be used for gargling. This can be repeated 2–3 times a day. Avoid taking ACV directly for it is too acidic and can irritate the throat.

Skin Care

Dermatologist Dr. Marie Jhin says it can be used for drying out pimples. She also gives a thumbs up to ACV as a home remedy for insect bites thanks to its acid content.

Dandruff

The acid content of ACV is supposed to stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. It also has antifungal characteristics that can keep your scalp healthy. Always dilute it in water before applying on scalp.

Body Odour

Applying ACV is a nifty solution to shun body odour. There are several causes of body odour from an underlying health condition to consumption of certain kinds of foods. ACV does not prevent the body odour but only acts as a natural and healthier substitute for a deodorant. It also provides an acidic barrier for the skin that helps to keep bacteria and germs at bay. If you have a serious issue with body odour, consult a qualified dermatologist.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, like bad body odour, could indicate an underlying condition. Improper food habits, indigestion and poor oral care/hygiene are the most obvious causes of bad breath. Gargling with a mixture of ACV and water can help reduce bad breath. Do not gargle with undiluted ACV as it can damage your teeth. Half a spoon of ACV in a glass of water is sufficient to kill odour causing bacteria.

Improved Nutrition

ACV has been known to aid absorption of nutrients from other foods. That means, consuming ACV makes other foods more nutritionally effective.

The Possible Myths

The above mentioned benefits are ones that are evidence based, backed by expert. But there are also other benefits doing rounds of the internet. These benefits are have not yet been conclusively established by research. Hence it’s wise to not take them at face value.

Here is a list of unverified benefits associated with Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Prevents/cures cancer
• Causes ‘instant’ weight loss
• Makes teeth healthy
• Cures varicose veins
• Whitens teeth
• Cures insomnia
• Cures baldness

Dosage and How to consume

In almost all scenarios, where ACV is applied to the body or consumed, it’s never used without dilution. Because of its acidic nature, it’s always diluted with water/honey.

The dosage is always about 2-3 [5ml-30ml] teaspoons per 200ml and no more.

It can also be consumed in foods like salad dressing. The best option is to use an organic, unfiltered version!

We’d like to conclude by saying Apple Cider Vinegar is not a “magic” food. It’s not a cure-all solution. But there is no doubt that it is a great addition to one’s diet and has some great benefits 🙂

If you enjoyed this article, share it immediately with your loved ones!

The post Apple Cider Vinegar [The Ultimate Guide] appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Perspiration that is triggered by intense feelings occurs on the face, palms, underarms and the soles of your feet. Your moods, certain foods and beverages, hormones and medication can all affect the way you smell.

For many of us, sweating is simply bothersome. The odour that occurs with it is sheer embarrassment. Although perspiration doesn’t have an odour, it smells when it comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin.

Types of sweat glands

There are two types of sweat glands on your skin: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine sweat glands that number between 2-5 million are present over most of your body and open directly on the surface of your skin. As they secrete perspiration onto the surface of your skin, your body temperature cools down as the sweat evaporates.

Apocrine glands secrete a fatty sweat directly into the tubule of the gland. When a person experiences stress, the wall of the tube contracts and the sweat is pushed directly onto the surface of the skin when bacteria begin breaking it down. This is what causes the strong odour.

Causes of sweating

• Heredity. Some people sweat more on their palms and soles of their feet, which is an inherited problem.
• Hormonal imbalances. During menopause, women experience hot flashes which cause a rise in body temperature, which in turn produces excessive sweating. This is due to a drop in oestrogen levels.
• Beverages. Intake of coffee and alcohol tends to cause more sweating.
• Spicy food. Heavily spiced foods also increase body heat and cause sweating.
• Drugs. Certain medications such as analgesics and overdose of thyroid medication also produce more sweat.
• Low sugar. When the body’s sugar levels drop, sweating occurs. Diabetics recognise this as a warning and take action by eating or drinking.

Smell good by eliminating body odour

• Use deodorants or anti-perspirants regularly after a shower. Deodorants eliminate odour [but do not stop perspiration], turn your skin acidic and make it less attractive to bacteria.
• Shower twice a day, especially as we live in a hot and polluted country.
• Change your socks often, wash and dry your feet.
• If you have trouble with sweaty feet, rotate your shoes. Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row.
• Cover your head when taking a walk at noon.
• Wear cotton socks as they absorb moisture better.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after showering and powder between your toes.
• Wear natural fabrics such as linen and cotton that help your skin to breathe.
• Watch your diet. Make sure it is low on alcoholic beverages and spicy foods.
• Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to help reduce stress levels.

Smell good by banishing bad breath

The problem of bad breath, called halitosis, also leaves a bad taste in the mouth. A dry mouth or thick saliva on a regular basis is a problem sufferers live with. If your breath is causing people to step away from you, if you’re in the habit of chewing gum, using breath fresheners or popping mints, if your breath is interfering with your social or professional success in some way, you suffer from halitosis.

Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odour from their oral or nasal regions. This is different from the “morning breath” many of us wake-up with. The unfortunate fact is most halitosis sufferers are unaware of their breath problem until they are informed about it.

Some of the common causes of halitosis are sinus infections and abnormal sinuses, tonsil infections, kidney, lung or liver diseases, diabetes, gallbladder dysfunction, allergy conditions, post-nasal discharge, gum disease, dental decay, menstruation and blood disorders. Food particles trapped in the mouth are also breeding grounds for bacteria that cause bad breath. When the mouth is dry, saliva production decreases and the mouth’s natural ability to cleanse itself is impaired.

Exhale easy

• Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal.
• Brush your tongue also, for it is covered with tiny hairs that trap bacteria.
• See your dentist regularly to ensure oral hygiene.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva, your mouth’s natural mouthwash.
• Drink plenty of water. Hold it in your mouth for about 20 seconds and swoosh it around to dislodge any stubborn food particles that the bacteria in your mouth are waiting for.
• Avoid mints and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. They worsen a bad breath condition by temporarily covering the smell. But they eventually dry the mouth and provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.
• Eating fresh fruit and veggies like celery and carrot help cleanse the mouth.
• If you have an important meeting, avoid strong-smelling foods like garlic and onion.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol – both dry the mouth.
• Quit smoking. Tar and nicotine build up on the surface of the teeth and tongue and also inhibit saliva flow.
• Apply a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil to the tongue to freshen your breath. Their anti-bacterial properties will also kill the odour-causing bacteria in your mouth.

So follow these simple tips and ensure that you smell good all the time!

The post Ways to smell good appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.