Absolutely. But have no fear garlic-lovers! Like all aspects of nutrition, it has less to do with your most immediate meal, and more to do with long-term habits affecting your GI tract. Obviously Gastric Reflux (exacerbated by garlic, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and tomatoes) can taint the air you exhale. But simply eliminating certain foods from your diet may not be the cure. Low-carb diets, sending you into Ketosis, can also contribute to stinky breathing. But again, simply getting sufficient carbohydrates (45-60% of total calories) daily may not do the trick. Here are some nutrition factors that may help:
(BTW if you're looking for a great Oral Hygiene help in your bad breath dilemma, try the TUNG brush! http://www.tungbrush.com/...okay back to Nutrition)
1) Sugar - keep in mind sugar causes plaque, making mouth odor worse. So in any remedy you consider, be sure it’s low sugar. This applies to your quick-fix mint or gum too - go sugar-free!
2) Water - one of the most important and easiest things you can do is to stay hydrated. And don’t mistake properly hydrating with drinking coffee and sodas all day – that just makes dry mouths dryer. Saliva and calorie-free, caffeine-free beverages can wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
3) After-Meal-Cocktails – coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cardamom are great for fighting bad breath. They may not taste amazing together, but steep any one of them in hot water, tea, or soda water, add a spritz of lime and a dash of Splenda for a refreshing, calorie-free, funky-breath-fighting, after-meal cocktail!
4) Yogurt - active cultures, like those in most yogurts can also help fight bad breath causing bacteria. Try a low-sugar, low-fat brand like Dannon Light or Active.
5) Fiber - try eating crunchy, fiber rich apple slices or carrots to clean your mouth of plaque and sticky food clinging to your teeth and gums after meals. The insoluble fiber in these foods will also help move food along the GI tract quicker, keeping odors from sticking around; its also good motivation for getting in those pesky “5 a day.”
6) Vitamin C - the Vitamin C in berries, citrus and melons help fight bacteria and are helpful in preventing gum disease and Gingivitis – both major causes of Halitosis. Avoid the urge to supplement. Vitamin C tablets can provide too much of the vitamin at once, causing GI upset and making bad-breath worse.
Even more reasons why a varied, nutritious diet is essential!
