There's a lot of debate over which type of diet is the best for losing weight.
While some people swear by loading their plates with Paleo-friendly foods, others feel that forgoing meat altogether and vegging out is the best way to keep the scale in check.
If I could eat anything without turning into a whale, I would probably go on Regina Georgia's all-carb diet because let's be real, carbs are delicious.
However, I've always been told that sugar and carbs are waistline enemy number one, so sadly, I've spent the majority of my life following a keto diet that avoids breads and pastas like the black plague.
If you also happen to be on a diet that consists of mainly proteins and fat, I have some bad news for you.
It turns out your low-carb diet can have a pretty terrible side effect. And no, I'm not talking about a severe case of bagel FOMO.
The side effect I'm referring to is some seriously disgusting dragon breath.
So, why do low-carb diets like Atkins, South Beach and the Ketogenic Diet all cause revolting breath?
When your daily carb intake is less than 30 grams, your body goes into a metabolic state of ketosis. When this happens, your body stops metabolizing carbohydrates for energy and instead breaks down stored fat.
This sounds great if you're looking to lose weight, until you realize that this process releases a bunch of ketones into your body, which results in some pretty ratchet breath.
But those smelly ketones aren't the only thing you have to worry about.
Dr. Wayne Aldredge, President of the American Academy of Periodontology, told Thrillist,
The initial period of water loss in the body in the early stages of a low-carb diet can lead to dry mouth, another source of bad breath.
While carbs may work against your weight goal, some experts believe that eating starchy food can improve your oral health.
According to Dr. Aldredge,
Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can create acidic environments in the mouth. The bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease thrive in these kinds of environments, feeding off of the sugar that lingers from the food we eat.
Since this type of beastly breath isn't caused by an overabundance of bacteria, brushing your teeth or taking a swig of Listerine won't cure your foul ketosis breath.
Unfortunately, the only true fix for this is incorporating carbs into your diet, such as carb-loaded fruits and veggies.
But if you're absolutely set on keeping carbs out of your meal plan, you can drink more water, chomp on mint leaves or chew sugar-free gum to take the edge off your stank breath.
Just try not to get too close to anyone while talking.
Citations: YOUR LOW-CARB DIET IS GIVING YOU DISGUSTING BREATH (Thrillist)
