High protein diets can cause bad breath.
It occurs because ketones build up in the blood. Ketones are
chemicals produced by the body when it uses fat instead of
carbohydrates as fuel. Ketones produce an odor. This odor is on
your breath and it is also in your urine and perspiration.
Drinking plenty of water helps ketones to leave the body
through urine while diluting their concentration in the
mouth.
Ketones are also associated with diabetes. It is best to
consult a healthcare professional because you may have
undiagnosed diabetes or a problem in controlling your diabetes.
The ketones can build up in the blood of a diabetic which can
quickly become a life threatening situation.
Why go on a high protein diet? Body builders use high
protein diets to increase muscle mass quickly. Dieters go on
high protein diets to lose weight. Some of these diets may be
fad diets and the person did not realize the consequences of
the diet.
If you are on a high protein diet, it is
possible to add some carbohydrates. There are vegetarian
forms of high protein foods which have healthy proportions
of carbohydrates. An example is beans. They have a lot of
protein and just enough carbohydrates to prevent the
incomplete burning of stored fats.
It is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional
before starting a weight loss program.
To rid yourself of bad breath, you should always seek the
advice of your dentist or doctor.