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By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

Why do I get WORST breath when I eat healthy?
Asked by globejumper on Apr 23, 2009 in Health Conditions



What gives?  Yesterday and today I noticed that, even after brushing my teeth, I have this "funky" breath! I don't seem to have or notice it when I am eating whatever i want. Is it just because my mouth is empty?


Answer

Your "funky breath" may or may not be related to your diet.  For instance, you might have developed an allergy or a sinus infection around the time you started to eat healthy, but it does not imply cause-and-effect.  Constipation, which occurs when a person eats less, can produce bad breath.  A high fiber diet with bran cereal, fresh fruits and vegetables with skin and seeds, dried beans, and whole grains will take care of that.  Or maybe your diet is very low on fluids, which contributes to constipation and dry mouth.  Find your daily fluid requirements and be sure to drink that much.  Also, if you are eating more odor-producing foods, such as garlic and onions, you can make adjustments there.  But if your funky breath persists, consult your doctor or dentist.



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