Before-and-after photos taking social media by storm show people’s weight loss transformation with the keto diet. This increasingly popular low-carb, high-fat diet restricts the intake of carbs — putting your body into a state of ketosis, which burns fat instead of glucose and causes you to lose weight.
Lifestyle
Trying the keto diet? Be aware of this embarrassing side effect.
But one common side effect you may not have heard about is the bad breath that comes with this diet. Some describe keto breath as having a metallic taste in their mouth and a smell that’s sweet, fruity or similar to nail polish remover. This is caused by the chemicals your body creates during ketosis, which are released from the body by exhaling.
Don't worry!
Your breath should improve in a few weeks as your body adjusts to the lack of carbs. In the meantime, try these tips for tackling bad breath:
• Drink more water.
• Eat less protein and more complex carbohydrates, such as leafy green veggies.
• Suck on xylitol-sweetened, sugar-free mints or chew sugar-free gum.
• Add natural breath fresheners, such as clove, cinnamon or mint, to your water and tea.
Because fewer carbs means you are having less processed sugar, the keto diet may improve your oral and overall health. Studies show a low-carb diet can help reduce cavities, gum disease and inflammation. Consuming less sugar and fewer processed foods could also lower your risk of heart disease and slow the growth of cancerous tumors.
Some potential downsides to the keto diet:
• Eating lots of saturated fats can increase your cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
• Cutting out carbs can also cut out fiber, vitamins and minerals needed for your oral and overall health.
• Beyond bad breath, the keto diet can cause you to feel tired and weak, develop headaches, lose muscle, and experience digestive issues and even heart damage.
Our verdict: Check with your dentist and physician before starting a new diet. You could consider something less strict by reducing your carb intake without going full keto. If you do decide to try keto, seek other sources of fiber such as avocados and almonds. Studies show the keto diet can help you lose weight, reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health. But be ready for potential side effects, including bad breath.
