Bad breath and Poor Digestion

Everyone's experienced bad breath at some point, particularly first thing in the morning. However, when it becomes a lingering problem, it can cause embarrassment and have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, in terms of work interaction and socialising.

Identifying the cause of bad breath is often the first step towards treating this mostly preventable condition. So, what is bad breath and what can cause it?

What is bad breath?

Bad breath, technically referred to as halitosis, is basically an unpleasant odour emitted from a person's mouth. 

It is a common problem, which affects people of all ages. In fact, as many as 1 in 4 people are estimated to suffer with bad breath on a regular basis, with varying levels of severity.

What are some common causes of bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from dental health and hygiene, to digestive problems and dietary choices. 

For example, persistent bad breath is often caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will decay and can sometimes result in an unpleasant smell. However, strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem.

For the purposes of this article, we will be focusing on the role of digestive health and diet in causing bad breath.

Poor digestion and bad breath

For many people, grabbing a mint or a piece of gum is their 'go-to' solution, as it quickly masks the problem. However, this approach often fails to address the root causes of bad breath, which for many people includes digestive problems or dietary deficiencies. 


The digestive tract extends all the way from the mouth, right through to the anus. It is therefore logical that any digestive disorders (such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, poor digestion, fermentation in the gut and putrefaction in the stomach), could result in bad breath. 

Similarly, if your digestive tract is overloaded with accumulated toxins, if you have a poor diet, routinely use antibiotics or have a lifestyle that is otherwise conducive to an imbalance in your bowel flora, bad breath could merely be a side effect of another underlying problem - most likely related to digestion.

Too many bad guys (dysbiosis)

In adults, bad breath is often one of the earliest signs that bacteria levels in the gut are out of balance. 

Dysbiosis (also sometimes called dysbacteriosis) is a microbial imbalance on or in the body; in other words, an imbalance of friendly versus harmful bacteria (and other micro-organisms, such as yeast, fungi and parasites). 

When levels of friendly bacteria in the digestive system are low, partially digested food is allowed to decay, resulting in the production of foul gas (as well as the release of toxins into the bloodstream). 

Digestive enzymes and nutrition

Efficient digestion is essential for keeping things moving in the gut. The quicker that food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed and waste and toxins are removed from the body, the better.

If you suffer from constipation, have a sluggish digestive system or a high toxic load, you are a prime candidate for developing bad breath. This is because these conditions create an excess of gas in your body, and much of that gas exits through your mouth.

Digestive enzymes, both produced by the body and obtained from dietary sources (in the natural whole foods, fruits and vegetables that we eat), are essential for the efficient breakdown of food. However, these enzymes can be in short supply for a number of reasons. For example:

- age: our production of digestive enzymes decreases as we age, plus we have a finite reserve of them
- the cooking process: a large percentage of the digestive enzymes naturally present in foods is destroyed by heating
- stress: stress inhibits all enzyme secretion.

Low levels of digestive enzymes can potentially lead to excess gas formation and putrefaction in the intestines. For many, this can contribute to bad breath gases travelling through the bloodstream and to the lungs, where they are exhaled. 

Love dairy?

Whether or not you suffer from a dairy allergy or intolerance, many people find that reducing their dairy intake can help to control bad breath odours. 

Not only is dairy a highly acid-forming food, which is hard to digest, it can also thicken mucous in the mouth and contribute to the anaerobic environment that bacteria thrive in. This can in turn lead to the production of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).

Yeast overgrowth

Yeast overgrowth is now so common that it is referred to as a "silent epidemic", particularly amongst women. 

All of us naturally have low levels of Candida growing in our digestive tract. It is only when digestion is poor, and the immune system and liver aren't functioning correctly, that Candida is allowed to flourish.

When it does, it then gradually spreads to other parts of the body (systemic candidiasis). It is a resilient and invasive parasite, which usually attaches itself to the intestinal wall and can (if left untreated) become a permanent resident of the internal organs. 

One of the known symptoms of Candida is bad breath. This is because an abnormally high level of fungal organisms in the intestines result in increased fermentation of the carbohydrates you eat. This then produces a variety of toxins and gases.  

Support for bad breath

The link between bad breath, poor diet, inefficient digestion and an imbalance in gut flora is clear. So, what can you do to support your body if you suspect that any one of these factors could be the cause?

- Improve your diet: avoid foods that are hard to digest (such as meat and dairy), that are going to disrupt digestion (such as refined foods) or that are going to feed harmful micro-organisms (such as sugar). Instead, eat more probiotic-rich and fermented foods (like kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha), which can help to support your levels of beneficial bacteria naturally. Many people also choose to supplement with probiotics. In 2011, a study published in the journal 'Current Opinion in Gastroenterology' found that probiotic supplements can help to replace odour-causing oral microbes with beneficial varieties.

- Eat more raw foods: Raw fruit and vegetables not only contain higher levels of digestive enzymes than cooked foods, they are also rich in dietary fibre - useful for 'sweeping' the digestive tract clear of waste, toxins and debris and keeping the digestive system healthy and regular. 

- Stay hydrated: Surprisingly, dehydration is one of the most common causes of bad breath. It is so simple to remedy, but many people drink far too little water throughout the day to ward off the bacteria in the mouth that are largely responsible for causing bad breath. 

- Consider a body cleanse and detox: Cleansing the blood and eliminating toxins from the body can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, increase the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys and boost adrenal function, all of which target halitosis at its root. Bad breath is often indicative of a system overloaded with toxins and a strained liver. Consider a colon cleanse, liver flush or full body detox!

Stomach Upset Due To Antibiotics Intake: How To Manage It?

Woman taking her antibiotic pills

Good health begins with balance in the body, particularly in the digestive system. 

Inside our bodies, there are twenty times more bacteria than living cells, and maintaining the correct balance of beneficial bacteria versus harmful bacteria is a crucial part of supporting long-term health and vitality. 

Having the right kinds of bacteria (so-called "friendly bacteria"), in sufficient quantities, is essential for everything from healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, to immunity and defense against infections.

What can disrupt gut flora?

The delicate balance of healthy gut flora can be disrupted by a range of circumstances, including excess alcohol, a diet high in sugar, poor digestion, stress, exposure to toxins and environmental pollutants. For the purposes of this article, we will look in more detail at one of the most common causes of bowel flora imbalance - the long-term or frequent use of antibiotics.

How do antibiotics affect the digestive tract?

In this modern age, antibiotics are arguably prescribed and used far more than they should be. As a result, antibiotic resistance - a type of drug resistance where a microorganism is able to survive exposure to an antibiotic - is unfortunately now a fairly common phenomenon. 

What's more, one of the most notable effects of antibiotics is their adverse impact on the digestive system and the balance of gut flora - they indiscriminately destroy both good and bad bacteria in the body. They work by either killing bacteria or by preventing bacteria from growing - great in terms of bad bacteria, but bad news in terms of healthful bacteria. 

This is somewhat ironic when you consider that people are taking antibiotics in the first place because they are ill, but their medicine is destroying one of the body's primary lines of natural defense.

In fact, the most important part of the immune system resides in the gut, where Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (special antibody-producing cells) works hard to prevent unwanted micro-organisms (such as bacteria and viruses) from entering the body.  

Of course, antibiotics have their role to play and can certainly be highly effective in resolving bacterial infections. However, it is important to use them sensibly, in moderation and to support your levels of beneficial bacteria both during and after a course.

Too many bad bugs!

If your levels of good bacteria fall, you provide opportunistic 'nasties' (like bacteria, parasites, and yeasts) with an excellent environment in which to thrive and spread.

An overgrowth of harmful gut flora (called dysbiosis), for example, increases gut toxicity and can result in a number of unpleasant symptoms and conditions, including:

- bloating

- constipation

- diarrhoea

- abdominal pains after eating

- wind

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

- Leaky Gut Syndrome

- and Candida overgrowth.

This is one of the reasons why antibiotic programs often result in thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida overgrowth). 

Gut Flora

How to support the good guys!  

Research has shown that the damage done to the digestive tract by antibiotics can last far longer than was previously thought. 

Stanford University researchers in America analyzed the levels of friendly bacteria in 3 healthy adult women both before and after each of two cycles on the antibiotic Cipro. Following the first cycle, they found that the drug had altered the population of the subjects' friendly gut bacteria significantly, perhaps even permanently. Following the second cycle, six months later, they discovered that the effect was exponentially greater.

As such, antibiotics should never be used as a regular "quick fix" for minor ailments and, wherever possible, long courses should be avoided. Where a course of antibiotics is unavoidable, you can support your levels of friendly bacteria through diet and probiotic supplements.

For instance, many cultures have observed the health-supporting effects of fermented foods (often referred to as "probiotic foods") and so include them as a regular part of their diet. These foods include kefir, sauerkraut, miso, tofu, and tempeh to name just a few. Including these foods in your diet on a daily basis is a good way to promote healthy intestinal flora.

However, it is worth noting that most of these foods do not contain strains of bacteria that can actually colonize the digestive tract. Instead, they do good work for a week or two and then pass through. 

Supplementing with strains of good bacteria that can colonise the digestive tract (such as L. acidophilus, L. salivarius, B. infantis, B. bifidum, B. brevis and B. longum) is arguably a more effective and powerful means of supporting healthy levels of gut flora for the long term.

Salve Supplements' Ultimaxi Probio and Un Probio are perfect for this kind of antibiotics-related stomach issues. 

8 Amazing Superfoods

Here’s a great excuse to gorge on your mixed berry pie, chia seed pudding, spirulina shake, and turmeric ginger tea! Well, kind of. Yep, they're all certified superfoods.

And here are some of the most amazing photos to make you reach for that second serving of your favorite superfood for a healthier and fitter you.

1. Chia.  Ch-ch-ch-chia! Yep, this little seed is the same as those adorable little ceramic animal planters of the 90s! But don’t worry, the nutritious part is not the clay pot. Chia seeds are actually loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant. Plus, one serving of the stuff is loaded with magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.
   
2. Baobab. One of the reasons baobab has been dubbed a superfruit is due to its concentration of certain minerals, including iron. This mineral is a key component in hemoglobin, which transports oxygenated blood throughout our body. This can prevent anemia and provide us with a major energy boost, so baobab fruit in any form can be enjoyed for a quick pick me up!

   

   A baobab tree in an Africa. Baobab powder is found in Salve Supplements' Pea-Pow Performance Protein and Salve Verdure.

3. Turmeric.  Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.

   

   Turmeric and Ginger. Found in Salve Supplements' Turmeric Salve Fusion.

4. Acai Berry.  Acai is one of the highest antioxidant fruits in the world, which brings it to a superfood category. Due to great antioxidant content in the acai berries, they have powerful heart healing properties.

   

   Baskets of Acai Berries. Found in Salve Supplements' Acai Amaze.

5. Spirulina.  When you look at the chemical composition of spirulina, it’s no wonder that people who regularly consume it have an abundance of energy. Dr. Oz recommends combining 1 tsp spirulina powder with 12 oz lime juice and freezing the mixture in ice cube trays for a healthy boost.

   

   Spirulina Farm. Found in Salve Supplements' Tania's Tang and Sea Salve Synergy.

6. Beetroot.  Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid). It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin). More recent health claims suggest beetroot can help lower blood pressure, boost exercise performance and prevent dementia.

   

   Beetroot cut in half. Found in Salve Supplements' Salve Verdure.

7. Acerola Cherry.  The high level of antioxidants found in acerola cherries are not only good for slowing the spread of cancer, but also for generally cleansing the body of dangerous toxins and substances that cause its breakdown. The carotenoids in acerola cherry help to protect your eye health and boost the health of your skin, while bioflavonoids help to boost your cognitive function and prevent the onset of other age-related diseases.

   

   A bowl of Acerola cherries. Found in Salve Supplements' Ultima-C Boost

8. Kombucha Mushroom.  One of kombucha's claims to fame is that it helps to increase immune health.  This is in part due to the enzymes, nutrients and friendly microbes present, but also because it is quite high in various antioxidants which naturally benefit the immune system.

   

   Kombucha Mushroom

5 Proven Health Benefits Of Turmeric And Curcumin

Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many high-quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain.

Turmeric with other exotic spices and herbs

Here are the top 5 evidence-based health benefits of turmeric.

1. Turmeric contains Bioactive Compounds with Powerful Medicinal Properties

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.

It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.

Recently, science has started to back up what the Indians have known for a long time… it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties.

These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high… it’s around 3%, by weight.

Most of the studies on this herb are using turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using the turmeric spice in your foods.

Therefore, if you want to experience the full effects, then you need to take an extract that contains significant amounts of curcumin.

Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine… a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

Curcumin is also fat soluble so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.

2.  Curcumin is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound

Inflammation is incredibly important.

It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage.

Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us.

Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body’s own tissues.

It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions.

Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.

It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Curcumin actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level.

Curcumin blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases.

Without getting into the gory details (inflammation is extremely complicated), the key takeaway here is that curcumin is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level.

In several studies, its potency has compared favorably to anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs… except without the side effects.

3.  Turmeric Dramatically Increases The Antioxidant Capacity of the Body

4.  Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases

5.  Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even TREAT) Cancer.

Salve Supplements' Turmeric Salve Fusion

There are many different forms of cancer, but they do have several commonalities, some of which appear to be affected by curcumin supplementation.

Researchers have been studying curcumin as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment. It can affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level.

Studies have shown that it can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer), as well as contributing to the death of cancerous cells.

Multiple studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the laboratory and inhibit the growth of tumors in test animals.

Whether high-dose curcumin (preferably with an absorption enhancer like pepper) can help treat cancer in humans has yet to be tested properly.

However, there is some evidence that it may help prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system (like colorectal cancer).

In one study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day for 30 days reduced the number of lesions by 40%.

Maybe curcumin will be used along with conventional cancer treatment one day. It’s too early to say for sure, but it looks promising and this is being intensively studied.

How Often Should I Detox?

Young woman juicing fruits and vegetable for detoxing

This is a really good question because if you detox for too long or too often you can lose valuable nutrients along with the toxins and leave your body depleted.

For this reason, experts do not recommend doing a ‘full on’ cleanse were you restrict your diet for more than 2 to 4 times a year.

There are also times in your life where detoxing is either not beneficial or should be done under medical guidance.

Examples of this are when you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need to have enough nutrition to support another little person.

Or if you’re recovering from an illness and need to build your body up. 

Diabetics also need to be careful of detoxing because they require a steady supply of energy. 

If you are ill, it is advisable to seek medical supervision for any detoxification process.

These are the some of the most important pointers when undergoing a detox cleanse. 

This is especially true if you use it in conjunction with a healthy, but not restricted diet.

• Boosting the amount of fibre in your diet, both soluble (draws toxins out into digestive tract) and insoluble (encourages them to be eliminated)

• Providing foods that soothe, heal and keep the gut lining healthy.

• Supplying many of the vitamins and minerals through high-quality health supplements and natural foods that our hungry livers require to carry out the process of detoxification.

• Lastly, by providing prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplements that encourage a healthy gut flora.

If you want to do a more ‘full on’ detox, Salve Supplements has a “Cleanse and Detox Pack” programme that will surely complement your detoxification process. Email us at contact@salvesupplements.co.uk for more information about the health supplements included in the programme.