Bad breath is caused by sulfur containing compounds generally found in food and resolves within 24 after the food is fully digested. Chronic bad breath is a symptom of an underlying problem such as poor oral hygiene, poor diet, gum disease, tooth decay, or other more serious medical conditions such as liver disease or diabetes.

Often times bad breath can start in your digest tract and stem from candida, yeast and bad bacteria overgrowth.

If you want to beat bad breath for good you must make the proper dietary changes and improve oral hygiene.

Foods that Cause Bad Breath

Onions and garlic – These are the biggest problematic foods for bad breath, use them in moderation while cooking and do not eat them raw.
Fried foods or other high trans fat foods – These foods take a long time to move through the digestive system therefore producing halitosis.
Sugar – Sugar leads to tooth decay and gum disease contributing to halitosis.
Sticky foods – Avoid caramels or other types of “sticky” food that can stick to teeth and cause decay.
Sweetened beverages – Sugary drinks coat your teeth with sugar and many of us don’t think to brush after we consume them.

Natural Remedies For Bad Breath

High fiber foods – Foods high in fiber help improve digestion and help your body expel toxins.
Water – Drink at least 8 glasses of water to flush toxins.
Parsley – This decorative green leafy vegetable is a natural breath freshener since it is high in chlorophyll.
Citrus fruits and vegetables – These provide vitamins A and C, antioxidants that are necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
Foods high in probiotics – Include kefir, natural yogurt, amasai, kimchi or sauerkraut for natural probiotics and a healthful digestive system.

 Chlorophyll (1 tsp after meals)
Will have the same effect as eating a sprig of parsley.

Probiotic (15+ billion)
Helps increase the amount of friendly bacteria and reduce unfriendly (gas-producing bacteria).

Milk thistle (200-250 mg x2 daily)
Milk thistle helps improve digestion and detoxify the liver.

Peppermint essential oil (1-3 drops daily)
Peppermint oil is a natural alternative to breath fresheners, good for your digestive system and can give breath a pleasant scent.

Coconut Oil Pulling (1 tbsp 5-20 minutes)
Oil pulling with coconut oil is an effective natural treatment for bad breath.  Oil pulling has even more benefits than flossing without hurting your gums.  Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil and lightly swish between teeth for around 20 minutes.