Leaky gut and Bad Breath connection is a common phenomenon, but not a welcome one. Studies suggest that about 50% of the population suffer from bad breath or what we call in medical terms “Halitosis”. Bad breath is the 3rd most common reason people seek dental care. So you can clearly see that it is indeed a matter of concern for all of us.
Most people think bad breath is caused by germs in their mouth. While it is also true, bad breath can also be a reason for other underlying issues like unhealthy gut and leaky gut. This underlying cause could be a problem with the digestive system. Bad breath can be caused by a problem in the stomach, small and large intestines, as well as the mouth because they are all part of your digestive tract or gut.
So what is the connection between leaky gut and bad breath, what are the causes of leaky gut and bad breath, what are the signs or symptoms of leaky gut caused bad breath, how do you treat leaky gut caused bad breath – these are the questions we will find answers for here in this blog.
What is leaky gut?
The term “Leaky Gut” refers to a condition in which food particles, poisons, viruses, and bacteria are able to pass past the intestinal wall and into the circulation. To fight against these invaders, immune cells develop antibodies to attack these foreign particles.
Your stomach is surrounded by a net-like wall with little holes in it. Certain compounds can only travel through these tiny pores, which operate as filters. To keep larger, more dangerous things out of your body, it serves as a protective barrier.
When someone has a leaky gut, it signifies that the gut lining has been destroyed and can no longer effectively act as a barrier to harmful substances. Toxic chemicals like gluten and nasty bacteria may enter your body via the tiny pores in your digestive tract. This can create serious health problems!
Leaky gut syndrome has been linked to a variety of health problems, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory. Regardless, the gut’s role in general health is well-documented.
What is bad breath?
Bad breath refers to an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, but it can also be an indication of more serious health issues. The digestive system may be the source of the problem.
In addition to the mouth, the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines are all parts of the digestive system and can all contribute to bad breath. The microbiome’s job is to operate as a protective shield for the gastrointestinal tract from the rest of the body. It breaks down, develops holes, and loses its effectiveness as a barrier when this barrier is weakened. Gluten, nasty bacteria and undigested food particles are just a few of the potentially dangerous items that might “leak” through. As a result, these irritants and inflammatory substances are released into the bloodstream, where they cause severe damage to your health.
There are many ways to get rid of bad breath, because there are so many over-the-counter products. If your dental hygiene is already excellent, you might prefer something you can make at home. Consider making a warm water mouthwash with a few drops of salt or apple cider vinegar. Tea tree oil may be used as a toothpaste. Suck on a clove, which has both antimicrobial and fresh-smelling characteristics.
However, if your bad breath persists, see a doctor to rule out more severe problems.
Causes of bad breath
Bad breath can be a consequence of many different risk factors. The following are some of the most common types of halitosis or bad breath –
1. Oral Health –
The mouth is the first place to look for bad breath. Your mouth is a place where bacteria can find a home. Bad breath can take hold if the balance is off. Eating the wrong foods or drinks could upset your oral hygiene.
2. Dehydration –
We recommend that you drink enough water. The saliva helps keep the mouth moist. It helps to get rid of plaque in the mouth. If you let the bacteria in your mouth have the chance to thrive, you could have a stinky breath. If you sleep with your mouth open, it can cause morning breath to get worse.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome –
When it comes to the issue of IBS, it’s important to remember that there are different issues that might contribute to bad breath. Malabsorption of the food you eat can contribute to bad breath if your gut is moving too quickly. If you have problems with your gallbladder, food malabsorption may occur as well.
4. Constipation –
A slow gut metabolism could be responsible for you to have a bad taste in your mouth. As waste material moves more slowly through your gut, it is more likely to be attacked by bacteria. As waste sits in your system for a longer period of time, more toxins are absorbed and sent back to your body. Bad breath could be caused by a slow moving gut and a weak liver.
5. Acidity –
Have you ever experienced recurrent acid reflux or heartburn? If so, then it could make you have bad breath and suggest that your stomach isn’t happy. Stomach secretions are important for breaking down the food we eat and for keeping levels of bad bacteria under control.
Connection between leaky gut and bad breath
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a sign of excess fire or heat in the body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is said that this heat comes from the body being exposed to something in excess, which in turn is putting pressure on the GI tract.
In some cases bad breath is linked to the mouth, which is obvious, but in other cases, something may be going on deeper within your stomach. Dysbiosis has been associated with a wide range of different diseases. Bad breath can be caused by the toxins and other unpleasant compounds they produce.
Primary Diagnosis for Bad Breath
If you feel comfortable enough, you can ask a close friend or family member for their opinion, but if you are more comfortable doing it alone, the lick test can work. Leave your hand to dry and have a smell. If it doesn’t smell fresh, that’s a sign that you have bad breath.
It is also helpful to check out your tongue. A thin, white layer is normal, but if you have a thicker white or yellow layer on your tongue, it could be a sign of a gut problem that can lead to bad breath.
Signs of Leaky gut and bad breath
If you have bad breath, it is usually easy to tell. Someone may notice someone has bad breath before they do, so another person may tell them about it. The most obvious sign of bad breath is a bad smell coming from the mouth.
Other signs and symptoms of bad breath include
- Changes in taste,
- Lack of saliva
- Thick and white coating on the tongue
- Persistent acid reflux or heartburn
- Skin diseases
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- IBS
- Urinary Issues
- Fatigue
- Bloating
Types of Bad Breath
Here are five types of bad breath that you must take seriously and may want to get your doctor’s appointment –
- Rotten Egg like Smell – The smell of rotten eggs is indicative of a problem with the digestive system. That is because the gut microbiota break down sulfur. When stomach acids go back up the esophagus, they can be the cause of this.
- Fruit like Smell – A sweet, fruity odor is often present in the breath of people with ketosis. Diabetes patients often suffer from inadequate insulin production that causes the burning of fats and results in the production of ketones. The fruity odor of these ketones resembles acetone. The same odor can be caused by diabetes and chronic kidney failure.
- Mold like Smell – Sometimes bacteria growths, infections, and infections in the sinuses contribute to breath that smells like mold. Mucus from the nose to the back of the throat can be caused by sinusitis. An excessive amount of microbes, foreign particles, and metabolites build up as we breathe in and out, causing awful smelling breath.
- Fecal like Smell – If your breath smells like feces, there is a very high chance that you have a bowel syndrome. The large and/or small intestines can’t process waste when stools start to back up. It is a sign that you may have constipation or leaky gut problems.
- Fish like Smell – The urine is created by removing the toxic chemicals from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, toxins and waste accumulate throughout the body, and this results in a stinky breath smell.
Treatment for leaky gut caused bad breath
There are a lot of over-the-counter products for bad breath. You might want to make something at home if you already have good oral hygiene. You can try these natural bad breath remedies –
- A small amount of salt or apple cider vinegar can be used to make a mouth rinse.
- You can use tea tree oil to brush your teeth.
- Eat a clove that has antibacterial properties as well as a fresh smell.
- See your dentist regularly, at least twice a year.
- Drink a lot of water. Thus you won’t have to worry about your mouth being moist.
- Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables. Hard fruits and vegetables prevent food particles and plaque from entering your mouth
Diet plan for leaky gut and bad breath
To help you with your gut health and bad breath, I’ve put together some of my favorite natural ways to heal your gut. There have been a lot of studies done on this, as well as my own personal journey to better gut health.
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Drink Water
- Fiber-rich foods
- Exercise
- No Alcohol
- Reduce Stress
- No Dairy or Sugar
- Sleep Well
- Visit Your Doctor regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get rid of my bad breath?
⇒ Follow the treatment plan we suggested in this article above and regularly check with your doctors for oral hygiene. That’s how you can get rid of your bad breath.
2. How do I know if my breath stinks?
⇒ If you feel comfortable enough, you can ask a close friend or family member for their opinion, but if you are more comfortable doing it alone, the lick test can work. Take your hand out and have a smell. If it doesn’t smell fresh, you have bad breath. It is good to check out your tongue. A thin, white layer is normal, but if you have a thicker white or yellow layer on your tongue it could be a sign of a gut problem that can lead to bad breath.
3. What is the main cause of bad breath?
⇒ The main causes for bad breath are as follows –
-
- Oral Health
- IBS
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Heartburn etc.
4. What home remedy can I use for bad breath permanently?
⇒ Eat a clove that has antibacterial properties as well as a fresh smell. Drink a lot of water. Thus you won’t have to worry about your mouth being moist. Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables. Hard fruits and vegetables prevent food particles and plaque from entering your mouth. To learn more read Top 8 Leaky Gut Signs and best Effective Home Remedies for Leaky Gut in 2022 article.
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