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digestive system
Halitosis (Bad breath)
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Bad breath is a sign of an internal problem and has to be taken care of with more than just a mouth rinse to get to the cause. A dentist should be consulted to check for decaying teeth or gum disease. Other causes for bad breath can be smoking, sinus or other upper respiratory infections, digestive problems, or constipation.

When there is either an improper diet or waste products are not eliminated, toxins remain in the body and may produce bad breath. The first step, then, will be to add fiber to the diet and increase the intake of fluids to at least 8 glasses per day. If constipation or difficult bowel movements are a problem, refer to the article on constipation.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR HALITOSIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid will aid in digesting food properly – 1 or 2 capsules with each meal. Hydrochloric acid should not be taken by people suffering from heartburn or an ulcer.

2. Chlorophyll – 2 tablets, 3 times a day or more often.

3. Ipsab – An Edgar Cayce product used when there is gum disease. For more specific information, refer to the article on gum disease.

4. Beta-carotene – 50,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units a day.


THE PROPER DIET FOR HALITOSIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Eating fresh foods as close to the natural, unprocessed state as possible. A healthy diet includes daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Keep the intake of sugar foods and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) to a minimum.

2. After a meal, you can chew on a few seeds from the following list to aid in digestion and to freshen the breath: Anise, Cardamon, Fennel, Caraway, or Clove. Or, drink a cup of Mint tea.

3. Consider giving the digestive system a rest by trying a 3-day modified fast during which you drink a large amount of water and diluted fruit and vegetable juices or use a mono diet of only apples or only brown rice for 3 days. Fasting is contraindicated for children and pregnant women.


HOMEOPATHY

• Mercurius sol 12C: Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day for offensive breath.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with halitosis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.