You have probably taken several measures to avoid bad breath, including regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, and many others, but it all does not seem to be working. The culprit could be right under your nose – the food you eat! Here, we are going to look at some of the foods that cause bad breath and what to do regarding them.
Foods That Causes Bad Breath
1. Garlic
This is usually the first food to come to mind when this topic is mentioned. From experience, most of us have tasted a meal containing garlic and we must have noticed people’s reactions to us when we speak shortly after. And while it adds a good flavour and even taste to food, the aftermath is usually disturbing.
After enjoying your meal containing garlic, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and makes its way to your lungs; so apart from the odour resulting from chewing the garlic, an additional one will be released from your lungs and through your mouth whenever you breathe out.
2. Onions
One of the foods that cause bad breath is onions. Onions are widely used worldwide for their taste as well as nutritional and health benefits. However, along with garlic, it is considered to be among the top causes of halitosis, a fancy word for bad breath. I personally love onions to the moon and back, so getting rid of them completely from my meals might be a very difficult thing to do.
The good news is that you can avoid the bad breath that comes along with eating it by, cooking it a little bit longer than you normally do.
It’s easy, right?
3. Coffee
You might have experienced some level of dryness in your mouth after taking coffee a number of times before. Coffee has caffeine as one of its constituents, and caffeine has an effect on saliva production.
The decrease in saliva that results from drinking coffee means there will be more accommodation for odour-causing bacteria in your mouth.
4. Canned Fish
Yes, canned fish is among the foods that cause bad breath. When seafood begins to oxidize as a result of storage, it tends to become sour.
Eating this without brushing your mouth afterwards might likely leave you with a stinking breath.
5. Protein
Proteins form a very important part of our meals due to their body-building qualities. Nevertheless, it is also among the foods that can cause bad breath, as eating too much of it and too little carbohydrates will lead to the production of an unpleasant smell, known as ketone breath. This occurs when the body resorts to using proteins and fats as fuel due to a shortage of carbohydrates.
Unfortunately, this smell cannot be masked by brushing and/or flossing, so it is best prevented by avoiding excess proteins in your diet and taking adequate water.
6. Sugar
Apart from the white sugar we all know, carbohydrate foods are also converted to sugar in our bodies after eating. A lot of us cannot do without sugar in our meals and beverages. The sugar debris that remains in our mouths after having that sumptuous pounded yam or rice meal or even after licking sweets can encourage the growth of odour-causing bacteria because they feed on it to survive.
Therefore, cutting down on your sugar intake and maintaining very good dental hygiene can keep you safe from the embarrassment that might result.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are acidic in nature and this is just what odour-producing bacteria need to thrive. Whether you eat the fruit raw in your salads or as a sauce for your rice or yam, try as much as possible to drink an adequate amount of water to reduce the acidity, then you can brush afterwards.
8. Peanut butter
This is a paste made from ground dried peanut and spread on bread, toast, crackers and even sandwiches. Its thick nature makes it difficult for saliva to break down so it could stay for hours in your mouth and ultimately cause bad breath.
Rinsing with mouthwash after consuming peanut butter can help keep your breath fresh.
9. Cheese
Whenever you eat cheese, the bacteria in your mouth will act on amino acids contained in the cheese to produce sulfur compounds that can give you bad breath.
This can make your mouth smell like rotten eggs! I am sure you wouldn’t want that. Drinking enough water, flossing and brushing with s fluoride toothpaste can do the trick.
10. Citrus fruits
It is not new knowledge that citrus fruits are acidic. You must have experienced this yourself after tasting some —especially before it is completely ripe. The acid provides a comfortable environment for the bacteria to survive and trouble you with bad breath. This occurs especially when you are suffering from acid reflux conditions like peptic ulcer disease.
Reducing your intake of citrus, chewing sugar-free gum or candy and generally maintaining s good mouth hygiene can protect your breath from going sour.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the foods that can cause bad breath, I hope you will also share the knowledge with your friends and save them the confusion and embarrassment that comes with it.
Do you know of any other food of a similar category? Please do let us know in the comments section; would love to hear from you.
If you are looking for foods that increase breast milk supply, it means you are worried that you are not producing enough. You are most likely worried that your baby is not getting enough milk he deserves. Or you are worried that you are not well nourished for your body to produce enough breast milk.
You are worried and stressed out trying to understand what to eat and what not to eat to increase the milk supply. Mothers want to know they are doing their best for the health of their babies. Certain foods are known to induce lactation and they are called Galactagogues. Below are some of the foods we found useful for you:
Foods that Increase Breast Milk Supply
1. Fenugreek
It is a natural herb that can be used to increase lactation. Fenugreek is known to be an excellent galactagogue for women trying to increase their milk supply. They also have phytoestrogens that are essential in boosting lactation.
To benefit from this herb, drink it before sleeping and it will not only increase your milk supply but also the quality of your milk.
2. Garlic
Apart from being nutritious and a healthy spice we add to our meals, it is also a galactagogue that helps women boost their milk supply. It has been used as a natural lactation aid and for other health benefits.
Furthermore, garlic may alter the taste of milk which may trigger colic in babies. You should try to notice if your baby reacts after you consume garlic. You will know if your baby is allergic or not by doing so.
3. Papaya
Papaya contains lactogenic effects and its leaves can increase breast milk supply. It is a fruit that can be eaten as it is, added to foods when cooking or in soups. The fruit contains phytochemicals and enzymes responsible for breast milk supply. It can improve digestion, enrich you and your baby with vitamins and minerals.
4. Carrots
Carrot is a rich vegetable that provides nutrients. It increases breast milk due to the presence of phytoestrogens that have lactogenic effects in carrots. Carrots are also rich in Vitamin A and potassium, they help to improve the quality of the milk you produce. It can also help you to lose weight as well. You can eat carrots raw, in salads, juices, foods, dessert as it is a delicious orange rich vegetable.
5. Basil
Basil leaves have a soothing effect and are rich in antioxidants. It is common in some countries for using basil leaves to increase breast milk supply since it is a medical herb. In addition, it is added to tea for a calming effect. It is also added to foods when cooking to boost milk supply in nursing mothers.
6. Sesame Seeds (Egusi)
It is rich in calcium, protein, fibre, essential nutrients. Egusi has quercetin a phytochemical that increases prolactin secretion and breast milk supply. You can add it to your salad as toppings, in soups (like Egusi Soup), pasta to increase breast milk supply in lactating mothers.
7. Sweet Potato
It is rich food that has fibre, micronutrients, and has phytochemicals that are responsible for promoting your health. This food is known as a superfood that increases prolactin and breast milk supply. In addition, sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, energy, vitamins, minerals that are required by your body. It can be eaten boiled, fried, in porridge, and salads.
8. Milk
It is a nutritious liquid that has more water content, no fibre, fat, proteins, sugar, carbs, and calories. It is also a rich source of protein. Casein present in milk can lower blood pressure. And it also contains all the best foods that increase milk supply. Apart from quenching your thirst, it is highly nutritious and important to take more liquid like water and milk to increase your milk supply. Try to avoid liquids that will dehydrate you when nursing or eat as asnack.
9. Moringa (Zogale)
Zogale is beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels, weight loss, improving digestion, improving the cardiovascular system, and much more. It is widely used in Africa and Asia. The plant is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, calcium, and iron and can help in increasing breast milk supply when used as a lactating diet. It can be eaten as salads, in soups, foods, and juices to increase breast milk supply.
10. Tofu (Awara)
Awara is a delicious food that can be eaten fried with pepper or eaten after being boiled. It is widely available in Northern Nigeria sold by street vendors. It is made from soybeans and is rich in protein micronutrients. This snack contains phytoestrogen and it can increase breast milk supply. It can also be eaten in soups and salads too.
11. Watermelon
Watermelon is a nutritious fruit that is high in water content. It contains potassium, vitamin C, A, B6, and gluthionine. It also contains fibre and fructose. The water content helps to keep your breast milk flowing when feeding your baby as it has a lactogenic effect. You can eat it as it is or in juices, smoothies, or deserts.
12. Lentils
They are rich in proteins, fibre, magnesium, and folate. It can boost your breast milk supply, lower your blood sugar level and digestion. You can add them to soups, stews, or snacks.
13. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, vitamin B, folate and manganese, and magnesium. Taking green tea can help you, relax your body. When taken in moderation and also boost milk supply the caffeine content in green tea will not affect your baby. If you take too much instead of increasing your milk supply. It can reduce it so always drinks it a few hours after meals for the best effect.
14. Barley
It contains beta-glucan which is responsible for increasing prolactin levels in your body. It is also rich in fibre. The beta-glucan is the sole reason why this polysaccharide is considered as food that increases breast milk supply. You can add it to rice, salads, stews, and vegetable meals to boost your breast milk production.
15. Oats
This food is rich in iron fibre, magnesium, zinc and has a great nutritional profile. Women fall back to oatmeals to increase their milk supply. Since it is rich in iron and low mineral that helps in increasing their milk supply. It can relieve stress, improve digestion and relieve stress, improve digestion. As a nursing mother, you get the nutrients required in a short period of time since it takes little time to prepare. The way it increases breast milk supply is by increasing the oxytocin hormone levels in your body. You can eat it as a meal, in cakes, porridge, cookies or even on bread.
16. Fennel
It is a leafy vegetable that is a galactagogue and has estrogen that helps increase your breast milk supply. It has a lactogenic effect too and contains phytoestrogens. Fennel is a lactation cookie for most women. You can eat it raw or cooked since it is a vegetable. You can add it to soups, stews, cookies, or even teas.
17. Almonds
Almonds are sweet, healthy, and packed with proteins and calcium. It is a good example of foods that increase breast milk supply because of its estrogenic activity. It also contains vitamins and minerals. Let us not forget, it is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking almond milk increases the sweetness, creaminess, and quality of your breast milk as a nursing mother. Almonds can be eaten like nuts, in smoothies, juices, milk can be extracted from it, almond butter, and almond flour too. And it can also be added to food.
18. Flaxseed
This also contains phytoestrogens which are needed in boosting breast milk supply. Flaxseed contains protein fibre and omega-3 fatty acids (especially flaxseed oil). Flaxseed also has a lot of benefits from reducing the risk of cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, blood glucose control, and weight loss. You can take it roasted, in soups, stews, salad dressing, and in warm water.
19. Water
Water is life! Water is very essential to humans. More than half of your body and the earth you live in is water. Breast milk has more water content than nutrients. The best and easiest way to increase milk supply is by taking more water to keep you hydrated and replace lost fluids. Take more water for a steady milk supply.
20. Salmon
This food is important during pregnancy and also during your lactation. Salmon is rich in protein, vitamins, and omega-3-fatty acids. It is low in mercury, boosts milk supply improves your immunity, and provides you with the required nutrients you and your baby need. You can eat it fried in soups, stew, and foods.
21. Green Vegetables
These vegetables add colour to foods and are packed with nutrients mostly calcium. They are rich in phytoestrogens too, which is important in boosting breast milk supply. They also contain fibre and micronutrients. You can add them to your foods, stew, soups, or salads.
Conclusion
There are certain foods that increase breast milk supply and help your body boost milk production and constant flow of breast milk. They are rich in phytoestrogens, recognised as galactogogues, and are rich in essential nutrients.
What are the foods that boost your milk supply when you were nursing? Kindly leave your comments below to let us know what your go-to foods were.
The immune system of your body has its own defence mechanism in fighting diseases off. It is important to keep our immunity in check. There are foods that boost the immune system and these foods improve the immune function of your body. They help to fight in a certain way. These foods have vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required for proper immune function. Here are 15 foods we found for you:
Foods That Boost Your Immune System
1. Citrus Fruits
People take vitamin C once they feel sick. The reason is thatvitamin Cis essential in boosting our immunity. This vitamin increases the white blood cells production in your body. And they are important in fighting infections in your body.
Citrus fruits have a high vitamin C content. You can get your vitamin C daily dose since they are juicy, delicious and available. You can make smoothies or take them as they are, sliced or in water.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a lot of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. It is one of the healthiest foods you should consume cooked. This is a healthy addition when you are pregnant, and it can boost your memory.
It contains nutrients that boost the immune system and help you fight off infections.
3. Almonds
Almonds are tasty and they help you fight the flu. And also, boost your immunity. It has vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. Also, almonds have healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.You can snack with about half a cup of almonds to meet up your daily dose of vitamin E.
The important food spices every woman has in her kitchen cabinet. Used for making fried rice for its bright yellow color. Also, used by brides for glowing. It is a well-known spice for its anti-inflammatory function and other health benefits.
Papaya is a fruit that has lots of vitamin C. You can get your daily recommended daily dose of vitamin C in a medium size. It has an enzyme Papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains potassium, magnesium, folate, magnesium, folate, which are important in boosting your immunity.
Taking too much zinc can actually inhibit the immune system function of your body. You can add it to your dishes or make a soup with it.
7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the foods that boost the immune system because they contain vitamin B riboflavin and niacin, and also selenium. Vitamin B help to boost your immunity while selenium helps you to fight off flu. They also contain polysaccharides that boost the immune functions of your body.
Garlic is the most common ingredient found in every woman’s kitchen. This is because of the flavour it adds to food, it helps to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is at its best when taken in its real form, not the extracted form or in powdered form.
Garlic lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and softens harden arteries. It has immune-boosting properties due to the allicin in it. It is a remedy for cold in many homes.
9. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most used ingredients by women. They use it in dishes, drinks, teas, and snacks. This is because of its taste and flavour let’s not forget its health benefits. It is also a good source of antioxidants and boosts your immunity. Ginger helps to reduce inflammation in your body, helps when cold, sore throat, nausea and vomiting.
10. Spinach
Spinach is also known as Alayyahu in Northern Nigeria. it is one of the most available vegetables in the North. it can grow in your backyard in large quantities without stress and needs little to no effort in its upkeep.
This nutritious vegetable has folates, fibre, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It helps to improve your immunity as it has nutrients that aid in the division of cells and DNA repairs. it is best to cook it lightly to keep its nutrients.
11. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a delicious and nutritious drink that is available in Nigeria. There are a lot of factories producing it. Like SAN yoghurts, Rufaidah yoghurts, Habib Yoghurt, Sahara yoghurts, and many more.
The reason it is considered as food that boost the immune system is that to produce yoghurts, live and active cultures are used in the mixture. This culture helps your immune system in fighting diseases. Yoghurts have vitamins, calcium and are rich in probiotics that help to reduce cold. Nut try to avoid yoghurts if you are diabetic.
12. Watermelon
A refreshing fruit that is delicious, nutritious and contains water in it. it is a good source of water, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and glutathione. This fruit has low calories and is used in gyms as a smoothie weight loss diet.
Chicken pepper soup is the most common remedy for cold. Let’s not forget the tastiness of a crunchy drumstick or how soft and tasty a peppered turkey is.
This is because it helps in lowering the inflammation and reducing the cold. Poultry has vitamin B6, have gelatine, chondroitin that help in improving your immunity.
14. Kiwi
Kiwi is not available like other fruits in Arewa. It is a fruit that contains folate, potassium, vitamin K and C; it helps your body fight infection. Also, it increases white blood cell production in your system.
15. Green Tea
Tea is one of my go-to drinks for finding peace and inspiration. This is because it has a soothing effect on our nerves. Tea has flavonoids that are an antioxidant. Certain teas have L-theanine an amino-acid compound
There are certain foods that boost the immune system and help your body fight diseases off. They help in reducing inflammation, DNA repair, cell regeneration and improving immune function.
What are the foods that improve your immunity when you are down? Kindly leave your comments below to let us know what your immune boosters are.
