How To Prevent Constipation
There are various things you can do to help keep your bowels healthy and avoid becoming constipated. If you are in any doubt, consult your GP or Healthcare Professional before making significant changes to your regular diet. A dietitian will also be able to guide you.
- As a general rule, eating more high-fibre foods can prevent constipation. However, if constipation is a result of Colitis or Crohns disease, increasing fibre intake could have a detrimental effect
- There are two different types of fibre soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in the intestines to form a gel type substance. This helps food move along the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre is not dissolvable and moves through the intestines without being absorbed. This fibre adds bulk to bowel movements and helps to reduce constipation
- Make sure you drink lots of fluids to keep the stools moist e.g. at least 1.5-2 litres of water based drinks per day
- If you are taking any medicines ask your doctor or chemist if they could be adding to your constipation. If possible, try to remove constipating medications
- If really necessary, try using a fibre supplement such as fybogel and possibly suppositories or mini-enemas to help regularise the bowels, but they should not be used long term. Some foods can act as natural laxative for some people, these include prunes, figs, liquorice, coffee/tea, spicy food
- If possible, increase your physical activity as this helps to increase bowel activity
Dental Disease And Bad Breath
90% of bad breath comes from proteins broken down in your mouth. When bad breath is caused by oral problems, it usually smells like rotten eggs. This is caused by the breakdown of cysteine at the front of the tongue or on the gums. Its a sign of poor oral hygiene.
More rarely, dental bad breath can be a fecal odor like odor from the gums or the top of the tongue. This is caused by imbalances within the mouth or from protein breakdown on the gum tissue or tongue.
If you have bad breath, your first step is a dental exam and good oral hygiene. However, the mouth-body connection means that other bad breath smells can tell you about problems elsewhere in your body.
Halitophobia: Fear Of Bad Breath
While most people are at least slightly concerned about how their breath smells, for some people, fear of halitosis grows to become a phobia. Although severe halitophobia is uncommon, estimated to affect less than 1% of adults, it can be a serious problem.
Dentists have estimated that up to 25% of people who come to them with halitosis are afflicted with halitophobia. Left untreated, it can have a huge impact on a sufferers personal life and confidence, causing:
- Social anxiety
Has your dentist identified a general health issue or are you suffering from bad breath?
Let us know your issues with bad breath. Did you find anything that helped?
For more information on Dr. Lins clinical protocol that highlights the steps parents can take to prevent dental problems in their children:
Want to know more? Dr Steven Lins book, The Dental Diet, is available to order today. An exploration of ancestral medicine, the human microbiome and epigenetics its a complete guide to the mouth-body connection. Take the journey and the 40-day delicious food program for life-changing oral and whole health.
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Breath Tests May Diagnose Lung Cancer
Could lung cancer be a cause of bad breath? Pathologists normally perform biopsies and ultrasound scans to diagnose lung cancer, but using breath tests may be a cheaper, noninvasive alternative, according to a 2013 study. Using a preprogrammed “electronic nose,” which detects different profiles of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, researchers from the University of Latvia examined breath samples from 475 subjects, which included a mix of 252 lung cancer patients, 223 patients with different lung conditions and healthy volunteers, 265 smokers, and 210 nonsmokers.
They found that among the nonsmokers, lung cancer was accurately identified in 128 subjects and misdiagnosed in only 5. Among smokers, the electronic nose correctly identified 114 people as having lung cancer, misdiagnosing 5.
Stomach Cancer Is A Serious Cause Of Bad Breath
Routine screening for stomach cancer in the United States is uncommon, largely because the current method endoscopy is invasive. But that may change with the development of breath-test technology called nanoarray analysis, which identifies the levels of certain compounds that are linked to stomach cancer.
Researchers in Haifa, Israel, looked at breath samples of 484 people who had fasted for 12 hours and avoided smoking for at least 3 hours prior to the test. Ninety-nine of the participants had received stomach cancer diagnoses but had not yet begun treatment. The nanoarray analysis accurately distinguished between the different early stages of stomach cancer and also helped physicians identify patients at higher risk of developing the condition.
Although the study was small and preliminary, a larger trial is currently under way in Europe to determine if nanoarray analysis can be used as an effective screening method.
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Ways To Treat Constipation
As you can see, there are many things that can cause constipation. As with any multifactorial health issue, there are many factors which can help.
Once youve ruled out any underlying medical issues or food intolerances, here are some diet and lifestyle strategies that can be very effective at treating constipation:
Hopefully, by now you will agree with me when I say that constipation shouldnt be a taboo subject it affects a lot of people and can seriously impact your health.
Treatment Of H Pylori Symptoms
In some cases, a 1 or 2-week course of antibiotics may be required to cure H. pylori symptoms. This may resolve bad breath. Common antibiotics prescribed by doctors for H. pylori include amoxicillin, tetracycline , metronidazole, or clarithromycin.
Antibiotics should be taken with extreme caution due to the impact on your microbiome. But in some cases are necessary.
Before taking antibiotics you should look for general dietary causes of digestive imbalance.
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Gut Breath: Bad Breath Causes And The Digestive System
Digestive diseases
The digestive system causes many cases of bad breath. Any condition that allows air from the stomach to move up into the esophagus and the oral cavity may cause halitosis. However, bad breath caused by the gut is usually a sign of general imbalance in the digestive system.
Digestive causes may include:
- GERD symptoms or GORD , which causes acid reflux . Any kind of condition that causes stomach acid/heartburn/stomach distress may cause an odor, especially if youre aware of an unusual taste this is nearly always accompanied by a smell.
- Bloating, gas, and burping: any digestive condition that makes you belch can cause bad breath. These include imbalances seen in digestive conditions like IBS, food intolerances or high sugar consumption.
- Bowel obstruction or constipation: when your body is not digesting food, an unfortunate side effect can be bad breath that resembles feces.
Fruity Or Sweet Smell
Ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes, often presents in the breath having a sweet, fruity odor. The reason is because diabetic patients often suffer from inadequate insulin production that causes the burning of fats and results in the production of ketones. These ketones produce a fruity odor that often resembles acetone. This same odor can be caused by chronic kidney failure, also a symptom of diabetes.
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How To Treat Bloating Caused By Copd
Aug 21, 2018 11:00:42 AM / byDuke Reeves
Everyone experiences bloating every now and then, often the result of a big meal or a minor stomach illness. However, bloating tends to be a frequent problem for people with COPD for different reasons, and its a problem that is frequently underestimated.
Bloating tends to be particularly uncomfortable for COPD patients because it can make it much more difficult to breathe. Common COPD symptoms like chest soreness and coughing can also feel much worse when your belly is bloated and tight.
What many patients dont realize is that their COPD bloating symptoms could be directly or indirectly caused by their disease. In some cases, treating underlying COPD symptoms can relieve and prevent bloating or at least make it much more tolerable.
In this article were going to help you better understand the connection between COPD and abdominal bloating and what you can do about it. Well explain how and why COPD bloating happens, how to reduce bloating, and how to better manage your symptoms and feel more comfortable when bloating unexpectedly strikes.
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Stop Bad Breath Linked To Tooth Decay And Gingivitis
When the enamel on your teeth erodes, food particles can get deposited in those holes, called dental caries. Because brushing your teeth can’t remove these food deposits, they can eventually grow bacteria, which is what causes bad breath.
Gingivitis is another medical condition that is a cause of bad breath. When the gum becomes inflamed with bacteria, it can result in severe pain and funky-smelling discharge.
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What You Need To Know About Tooth And Gum Disease Does Constipation Cause Bad Breath
Inflammation of the gums is a common symptom of gum disease. Patients with inflammation and bleeding gums may need to undergo surgery. In this procedure, the gums are lifted and removed to remove plaque and tartar. The gums are sutured in order to fit around the teeth. In severe cases, a bone or tissue graft is used to replace the affected area. In order to prevent the appearance of these symptoms, a balanced diet is recommended.
Periodontal disease can also cause teeth to become loose or shift. The condition can even cause teeth to shift, affecting the bite. Without treatment, these problems may worsen and lead to a total loss of teeth. In extreme cases, it can lead to a severe loss of confidence and self-esteem. As a result, the only treatment that works is to avoid the disease and seek treatment as early as possible. If you suffer from gum disease, see a dentist right away.
There are many causes of periodontitis. The most common is a weakened immune system, which can contribute to the formation of plaque. A poor diet can lead to more serious cases of the condition. Moreover, a poor diet can promote the growth of plaque. If left untreated, periodontitis can result in loose or shifting teeth and can also affect your bite. If you have this condition, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further damage to your teeth.
Diabetes Breath: Bad Breath Caused By Insulin
Diabetics suffer from inadequate insulin production, causing them to burn fat and produce ketones. This means theyre prone to the ketone breath discussed above. Another bad breath cause in diabetics may be chronic kidney failure.
Chronic kidney failure
This may cause breath that smells fishy or like ammonia. Known as uremic fetor, the high amount of urea in the saliva and its breakdown to ammonia causes the smell.
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There are several ways to diagnose periodontitis. The symptoms of periodontal disease can include changes in gum colour and texture, bleeding, and receding gums that expose the root of the teeth. Advanced cases of this disease can lead to the loss of specific dental pieces. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease and osteoporosis. Fortunately, there is treatment available. However, a periodontal specialist is the best person to identify and treat your symptoms.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consider getting a periodontist. The dentist will examine your gums to determine if you have any gum disease. The dentist may also take new X-rays to see if any changes have occurred in your teeth or bones. If the symptoms persist, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, the disease will worsen if left untreated. Eventually, it will cause a crooked smile, which can lead to tooth loss and even a heart attack.
Are Greenies Bad For Dogs
Roetheli, who runs S& M NuTec from Kansas City, Missouri, says Greenies do break down when properly chewed and swallowed by a dog. He told CNN that any product has the potential to cause an obstruction in a dog and that Greenies packaging warns dog owners to monitor their dog to ensure the treat is adequately chewed.
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Gerd May Be A Cause Of Bad Breath
Digestive conditions such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease are bad-breath causes. Both digestive conditions can delay or prevent food from processing efficiently in the stomach. When food doesn’t move through the digestive system, it can start to decay. Small amounts of undigested food may even regurgitate and cause bad breath. Dentists may also detect GERD in patients when they notice an inflamed red throat and acid erosion in the teeth.
But GERD isn’t the only digestive health issue that can affect your breath. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that the H. pylori bacteria that cause stomach ulcers can be a cause of bad breath.
Tonsil Breath: Bad Breath Causes And Your Tonsils
Tonsillitis or tonsil stones may be the cause of your bad breath.
Tonsillitis
Bad breath linked to tonsillitis can occur in acute, chronic and recurrent forms of tonsillitis.
Your tonsils are two small pads of glandular tissue at each side of the back of your throat. They form part of your immune system, making antibodies and white blood cells to attack germs inside your mouth. They are part of your first line of defense against bacteria in food or air.
The symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- White or yellow spots of pus on the tonsils
- A sore throat pain in the throat is sometimes severe, especially when swallowing, and may last more than 48 hours.
- Swollen lymph glands under each side of the jaw
- Bad breath
- Swollen tonsils, sometimes coated or with visible white flecks of pus
- Possibly a fever
Around 15-30 percent of tonsil infections are caused by bacteria usually a streptococcus bacterium . Others are caused by viruses. It can be difficult to establish the cause of tonsillitis, so your doctor may do a throat swab to send for testing.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and wont cure tonsillitis caused by a virus.
Tonsil stones or tonsiliths
Patients that have post-nasal problems often report coughing up small, white smelly stones. These, along with throat mucus, indicate nasal problems that may cause bad breath.
Other researchers have suggested that tonsil stones should be considered when the cause of bad breath is unclear.
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Cavities Or Gum Disease
Ineffective dental hygiene can lead to major tooth decay and cavities. Any decay or gum disease in the mouth can result in very offensive smell coming out of your childs mouth. If youve noticed this smelly breath for quite a while, it may be time to take your child to the dentist. Ask your child if their is any pain associated with their teeth or gums. It may be that a poor dental routine has led to some serious dental issues.
Sinus Breath: Bad Breath Causes And Sinuses
Bad breath can be caused by microbial build, growth or infections your sinuses.
Sinus infection or sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. It may be a short-term, acute inflammation caused by an infection. Other times it can be a long-term, chronic condition, complicated by allergies and/or structural problems in the nose. Long-term sinusitis can greatly affect your quality of life.
Nasal sinuses are located within the cheeks, around and behind the nose. They act to warm, moisten and filter the air entering the nasal cavity. They also help us vocalize certain sounds.
Symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on the severity and which sinuses are involved. They may go alongside bad breath.
Potential symptoms include:
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, jelly-like overgrowth of the sinus lining and look like grapes on the end of a stalk.
They do not always cause symptoms. As they usually grow through the tunnel that connects the sinuses to the nose, they often cause a blocked nose. However, they can also block the airway, which can lead to sinus infections. These infections can cause bad breath due to run-over of post-nasal drip.
PostNasal Drip
Your respiratory system makes a lubricant called mucus. Mucus is a thick, wet substance that moistens your respiratory system and helps trap and destroys bacteria and viruses before they cause infection.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease And Irritable Bowel Syndrome When To Seek Help
Chronic digestive disorders like IBD and irritable bowel syndrome make life complicated. Though they sound somewhat similar and both involve bowel problems, the more serious condition is IBD, whereas IBS is more of a catch-all category.
Some studies have shown that it can take four to five years to diagnose patients with IBD conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, says Dr. Gaidos.
Typically, bloody bowel movements will trigger medical care, and it might be Crohns, but not every Crohns patient has bleeding, she says. IBD may cause intermittent abdominal pain and if its nothing specific, women, in particular, may be diagnosed instead with irritable bowel syndrome and a full evaluation is overlooked.
IBS affects twice as many women as men and is a syndrome that can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. Its cause is unknown and there is no specific test to diagnose it, though a colonoscopy can rule out IBD.
You dont have to tolerate your symptoms… If you have IBD and you used to go to the bathroom 20 times a day and now its 15, dont settle for that.IBD specialist Jill Gaidos, MD
Dr. Gaidos says she always reminds patients that bleeding is never normal. If you pass a hard stool and there is a tiny bit of blood on the toilet paper, that may be OK, but if there is blood mixed in with your stool, that needs to be evaluated, she says.