The HCG diet really is an amazing weight loss program, but it has a common issue that’s kind of embarrassing for some- bad breath. Bad breath is common for some dieters, especially during the very low-calorie phase.
The Science Explanation of Bad Breath During Weight Loss
Low-carb diets such as the HCG diet, Ketogenic diet, and any typical low carb diet can cause bad breath. A low-carb diet may be good for your waistline but not for your breath. This has nothing to do with oral hygiene problems, although brushing, flossing, and scrapping your tongue may help. It’s not also about the spices you use, but it’s the ketones.
Ketones are the by-product of fat burning and are excreted through your breath and your urine as well. Usually harmless, but these ketones cause unpleasant breath for some dieters. You call this unwanted issue keto breath, an unwanted side effect of ketosis.
Bad breath during the HCG diet produces a distinct odor in the mouth that’s different from ordinary bad breath. Some describe it as having a metallic taste. Sometimes it can have a strong odor that is similar to nail polish remover. Nonetheless, this is a sign that your hormone is doing its job of stimulating your body to burn unwanted fats. And it’s not bad at all, right?
How long does bad breath last on the HCG diet?
Some dieters on hcg injections never experience bad breath. Well, lucky them. For those who experience bad breath, be it known that it is only temporary. You may notice changes in your breathing during the first few days in the very low-calorie phase. Eventually, the smell will subside as your body gets used to a lower calorie intake. This may take a couple of weeks or until you slowly enter the maintenance phase.
Here are some tips to help you freshen your breath or mask the sometimes unpleasant symptoms of bad breath on the HCG Diet.
- Drink plenty of water while on the very low-calorie phase of the HCG diet. Water will not only keep your body hydrated, or suppress hungry but will also help freshen your breath. Water will also help flush out excess ketones from your body. You can also add a thin lemon slice to your water to mask the unpleasant odor.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Floss, brush your teeth three times a day, use mouthwash to rinse your mouth. All these can help eliminate keto breath and reduce the odor coming into your mouth.
- Use Peppermint Stevia to your drinks. It’s all-natural and has no calories. At the same time, it’s refreshing and may help clear up any unpleasant breath.
- Chew on sugarless mint gum or use breath spray to combat bad breath.
- Some dieters chew a bit of lemon rind or a sprig of fresh parsley for the fresh flavor.
- Be patient. If you are really committed to losing weight, just wait for your body to adjust to the changes. Anyway, your bad breath will improve after a couple of weeks.
