What Causes You To Have Bad Breath?

Surprisingly enough this topic comes up more often than you think. Usually discrete or hidden, how many times have you offered or asked for a piece of gum or cautioned someone about eating too much garlic. How many times during any given day do you do 'the breath test'? Subconsciously we all worry about bad breath; after all who wouldn't? It can be the difference of making a good first impression or a really bad one. It can be the difference of feeling confident or wanting to hide in the corner.

Bad breath sucks.

Most of us know that a stinky mouth can be caused by poor oral hygiene and the build up of bacteria. However did you know that is only one of several reasons that you might have a case of halitosis at any given time during the day? Today we'll look at some of the other causes of bad breath and some of the things that can be done to prevent it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

 Bacteria is certainly a source of oral stink. People often assume that this is due to poor dental hygiene. In some cases it is, but most of us are good about brushing and flossing. In truth, other things influence the presence of microbials in the mouth besides oral care. Sugar for example actually affects the acidity levels in your mouth. Normally we have a neutral pH level in which everything works in balance. When that balance starts to tip, this can lead to an environment in which bacteria are able to grow more rapidly.

Another example of something that affects bacteria growth are medications, both prescription and OTC. For many types of medications one of the most common side effects is dry mouth. What happens is that saliva production is reduced causing the mouth to get pasty. Saliva plays an important role in bad breath control. It works as a natural rinse as well as an antibacterial. It helps to clean the mouth and remove dead cells, bacteria and food particles.

Speaking of dry mouth, other things that can cause it include smoking and alcohol consumption. Smoking results in another bad breath contributor; mucus. Mucus production is increased in people who smoke. Mucus contains proteins which bacteria feed on.

Another cause of bad breath is related to diet. Food is delicious, necessary and an enjoyable part of the day. However, many foods that we eat are high in compounds called sulfides. These little stinkers get released during digestion and are absorbed into the body. From there they make their way into our organs and blood, eventually getting released through our skin, sweat and mouth. They aren't bad or harmful to you, but they do have a foul odor.

The final thing we'll mention as a reason for breath odor is due to illness and poor health. Many people feel how you smell is a reflection of what is going on inside of you. Diseases, especially those of the kidneys or liver cause toxins and other things to build up and accumulate. They are eventually released throughout the body and make their way out through your mouth (among other places).

How To Reduce Bad Breath Odor

 Maintaining proper oral care is one of the best things to do. It not only helps to eliminate bad breath, but also prevents gum disease and other health issues. Brushing and flossing help to remove bacteria, dead cells and left over food particles that contribute to bad breath.

 Also, limiting alcohol consumption as well as foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, beans and spicy foods can help. That isn't to say that one should stay away from these things completely, but rather to eat them in moderation along with vegetables and starches.

 Mints and gums are useful, temporary solutions, but be sure to use ones that don't contain sugar.

 Chlorophyll supplements are extremely effective against bad breath odor. They are all natural and work internally to absorb odor compounds. They also work day and night which can be very convenient, especially when you don't have a toothbrush on hand.

To learn more about what causes bad breath, this site has more information.

What Are Parabens And Why Are They Harmful?

By definition, parabens are a class of chemicals used as both a preservative as well as an antibacterial agent in many hygiene and cosmetic products.  It is relatively cheap to produce and a big factor as to why it's used so frequently.  Common paraben ingredients under this classification include butyl, ethyl, heptyl, methyl and propyl. 

In recent years much controversy has surronded the use of parabens in products such as deodorants, shampoos, soap, shaving gels, creams and the like.  Parabens are thought to have estrogen like effects on human cells.  Estrogen of course is a primary catalyst in the development of certain cancers including breast cancer.  In addition, a study done in 2004 showed higher than normal amounts of paraben concentrations in breast cancer tumors which were retrieved from the area closest to the armpits. 

Other health concerns associated with parabens include allergic reactions and skin damage.  Typically though only a small portion of people experience any type of skin irritation when it comes into contact with it. 

Interestingly enough not all parabens are bad.  For example, methylparabens are found naturally in blueberries and thought to have antioxidant properties.  However, any paraben found in commercial products are created synthetically and contain no known health benefits. 

For more information on parabens you can read more here. 

Finding a natural deodorant which does not use parabens can be difficult.  If this is something you are concerned about, be sure to read the ingredient label of whatever you are thinking of buying.  Along with the specific ones listed at the begining of this article, generally anything ending in -yl can be classified as a paraben. 

5 Best Natural Feminine Hygiene Products

While it might not be a subject that comes up in everyday conversation, taking care of those lady parts is something all women think about.  Finding a good, reliable Feminine Hygiene product can be daunting; especially if you're in the mood for something all natural. 

We've put together a list of our top 5 products that we feel are not only effective and reliable, but also natural. 

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Wash - This spray wash is made using only organic ingredients that are certified by the Organic Food Chain.  A simple spritz and wipe will have you feeling fresh and smelling great for several hours thereafter.

Body Mint Lady - A favorite of ours for a number of reasons.  First and foremost the Body Mint line of products use a chlorophyllin formulation and do not have any harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients.  This internal deodorant is a spin off of their original version.  It differs in that Lady is formulated for women and designed to target feminine odor specifically.  Oh, and it also has the added benefits of vitamin D and calcium.

Waterworks Natural Cleansing and Odor Elimination Kit - This FDA cleared cleaning kit is a revolutionary douching alternative.  It uses a natural and gentle solution to cleanse the inside of a woman without distrupting her pH balance.  Developed over a 6 year period, Waterworks is lightweight and resusable.

Fresh Petals Feminine Odor Spray - Using a proprietary blend of organic sea plant extracts and ionized water, Fresh Petals contains no fillers, dyes, perfumes or allergens.  It works by keeping a woman's pH balance normal and thus keeps bacterial growth under control.  It does not have a scent, but rather works to restore a woman's natural scent.  Results are immediate and using the product is simple and easy.

Pure Touch Feminine Wipes - This gentle wipe is made with natural ingredients and fortified with aloe vera, vitamins E, C & A.  It contains no parabens or harsh chemicals and works wonderfully after 'activities' or during the menstrual cycle.  Easy to use, Pure Touch is formulated for a woman's body and can be used during any time of the day. 

Body Mint: Nature's Breath Mint

Typically when we  think of a breath mint, we think the minty cool bits found in nice little containers.  Popping one in your mouth and you're instantly rewarded with a brisk sensation of freshness that can take the edge off of a less than desirable breath.  They taste good and they work great... for a little while.  Eventually you end up eating another and another and another.

Body Mint offers a different approach to bad breath treatment.  It's still a pill, and it's still relatively small, but that is where the similarities end.  Body Mint isn't pleasant tasting nor does it give a burst of minty freshness.  In fact, you don't even suck it.  Rather it's a dietary supplement that you take similar to a vitamin. 

Whereas breath mints work on the surface, Body Mint works internally.  Much of our bad breath odors come from stuff going on inside our bodies.  Whether it be from foods that we eat or just our bodies chemistry, there are odor compounds that are responsible for that smelly breath.  These compounds start from inside of us and make its way to the surface through openings such as the mouth. 

Body Mint works to neutralize these odors by absorbing them in the body thus nullifying them before they can get out.  The secret to Body Mint's ability to do this is its specialized chlorophyllin formula.  The reciepe is proprietary information, and has been perfected over a three year period.  Because it is a chlorophyll supplement, it contains no harsh chemcials and is made from natural ingredients. 

http://bodymint.com/what-makes-body-mint-different/

The magic doesn't stop there.  Because it absorbs all odor internally, that means it is also effective for body odor.  That's right; it's also a deodorant.  Imagine, a breath mint and deodorant all in one little tablet.