Prevent body odour, bad breath with these healthy tips to cure indigestion, bloating

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for bad odour due to its antibacterial properties. Drinking a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or using it as a mouthwash can help neutralise bad breath and body odour (Image: Canva)

After enjoying a meal like onion curry, garlicky pasta, or cabbage, you feel satisfied, but soon notice an unpleasant side effect; bad breath and lingering body odour. Certain foods can cause bad odour due to the way our bodies process them. Onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage are common culprits. These foods contain sulfur compounds, which are released during digestion and then absorbed into the bloodstream. As these compounds are metabolised, they can be excreted through your lungs, leading to bad breath, or through your skin, causing body odour.

According to research, when you consume sulfur-rich foods, the compounds break down into various sulfuric byproducts, including hydrogen sulfide. These byproducts can linger in the body for hours, contributing to the foul smells that make you want to reach for mints or a stronger deodorant.

But it’s not just these specific foods; digestive issues, like indigestion or an unbalanced gut microbiome, can also lead to unpleasant odours. When food isn’t digested properly, it can ferment in the gut, leading to gas and bloating, both of which can contribute to bad breath and body odour.

Here are 7 foods that can help neutralise these odours and keep you feeling fresh:

Yoghurt: Yogurt, particularly the probiotic-rich variety, can help balance your gut microbiome. This, in turn, aids digestion and reduces the risk of odour-causing issues like indigestion. The probiotics in yogurt may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can significantly reduce bad breath and body odour.

Green tea: Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, but it also has natural deodorising effects. The polyphenols in green tea can reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth and neutralise sulfur compounds. Regular consumption of green tea can significantly decrease oral malodour, making it an effective remedy for bad breath.

Apples: Apples are high in fibre and polyphenols, both of which can help reduce odour. The natural fibres in apples can clean the teeth and gums, acting almost like a natural toothbrush, while the polyphenols neutralise sulfur compounds.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for bad odour due to its antibacterial properties. Drinking a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or using it as a mouthwash can help neutralise bad breath and body odour.

Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds are well-known for their ability to freshen breath naturally. Chewing fennel seeds after a meal can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. Additionally, fennel seeds contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties, helping to combat the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odours.

Cloves: Cloves are a powerful natural remedy for bad breath, thanks to their antibacterial properties. Chewing on a clove releases eugenol, an oil with potent antimicrobial effects that can eliminate odour-causing bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, cloves have a strong, pleasant aroma that can mask bad odour while also providing a fresh, spicy breath.

Ginger: Ginger is not only great for digestion but also for fighting bad odour. It contains compounds like gingerol, which can improve digestion and reduce bloating, a common source of body odour. Besides, ginger can stimulate the production of saliva, which helps wash away odour-causing bacteria in the mouth.