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.

For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine to relieve a multitude of illnesses. Additionally, the regular consumption of this spice has proven to prevent disease. Here are 10 ways this wonder spice heals and protects you.

10 health benefits of cardamom

1. It improves digestion

It is a carminative herb, which means it aids in preventing and dispelling of abdominal gas. Studies have shown that cardamom pods are beneficial in treating digestive conditions like acidity, nausea, heartburn, constipation and stomach cramps.

Tip: Grind together 2 – 3 pods of cardamom, a small piece of ginger, 2 – 3 cloves and few coriander seeds. Add the powder into warm water and consume it for instant relief from indigestion, bloating, and gas. You can even chew on a pod of elaichi to get relief.

2. It aids detoxification

Cardamom is good for you since it helps the body eliminate toxins. Its seeds encourages the production of the body’s natural antioxidants, which aid in detoxification. It also cleanses the urinary tract, bladder and the kidneys.

Tip: Crush some cardamom seeds and add them to your bowl of breakfast cereal or your cup of morning chai.

3. It keeps your mouth fresh

It has antibacterial qualities that help combat bad breath and other oral problems.

Tip: Chew on a pod of elaichi after every meal.

4. It prevents and relieves respiratory distress

Studies have shown that the benefits of cardamom extend even to respiratory health. It can improve circulation of blood in the lungs, which makes it ideal to treat respiratory problems like asthma. Additionally, because it’s a heating spice, cardamom is used to relieve cough and cold.

Tip: Add a few drops of cardamom essential oil to a pot of boiling water for steam inhalation to relieve a stuffed nose or blocked sinuses.

5. It protects against cancer

It contains essential phytonutrients that are proven to hunt down and destroy free radicals. Research shows that consuming cardamom on a regular basis can prevent certain cancers.

Tip: Spice up your meals with a sprinkling of cardamom powder to avail its anti-carcinogenic benefits.

6. It improves blood pressure

Cardamom has benefits for the heart too. It contain essential minerals like potassium that help stabilise your heart rate and control your blood pressure.

Tip: Mix a teaspoonful of cardamom powder with a little honey and have it once or twice a day.

7. It reduces blood clots

Cardamom has qualities that prevent platelets from aggregation and sticking to arterial walls; this helps prevent blood clots.

Tip: Add the pods or powder to soups or teas.

8. It protects against harmful microbes

Cardamom has antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Tip: Make an infusion using the powder or pods, fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, few cloves, and a teaspoon or two of honey.

9. Cardamom relieves inflammation

It is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain and reduce swelling in muscles and joints and mucus membranes.

Tip: Add a pinch or two of elaichi powder and turmeric to a glass of warm milk to ease inflammation.

10. It relieves cramps

It has antispasmodic properties that help relieve muscle spasms and cramps. It is especially effective in stopping involuntary spasms like hiccups.

Tip: Boil a few cardamom seeds in a glass of water and drink this infusion to get relief from hiccups.

Last updated on 23^rd November 2019

The post 10 health benefits of cardamom + 10 tips to use it appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.