Is there a Link between the Atkins Diet and Bad Breath?

There are two possible reasons why those on the Atkins Diet often complain of bad breath.

Firstly. The Atkins Diet is known for its high intake of  meat, fish and seafood, eggs, and dairy, all high protein foods. The bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath thrive on the tiny pieces of debris left in the mouth after eating a meal high in protein.

Basically, the more protein in the diet, the more bacteria live in the mouth, the more volatile sulphur compounds are released by the bacteria, the more bad breath.

Secondly. The Atkins Diet, being a high protein diet, with very little fruit or fibre in the diet, is often accompanied by constipation. One of the symptoms of constipation is bad breath due to the re-absorbtion of toxins from the faecal matter in the colon.

Return to More Reading

Return to Bad Breath Cure