Fresh breath after onion? Discover the 6 super effective natural remedies!
An essential ingredient in Italian cuisine and many other culinary traditions, onions are prized for their distinctive flavor and health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its consumption can cause a common but annoying drawback: persistent halitosis.
This phenomenon is due to the volatile sulfur compounds present in onions, such as allyl mercaptan and allicin. Once ingested, these compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the lungs, where they are released through respiration, causing the characteristic unpleasant odor. In addition, some of these compounds may be excreted through sweat, further contributing to the lingering odor. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies to counteract this and freshen breath after consuming onion. Let's find out about them together!
1. Drinking whole milk
Consuming whole milk during or after a meal containing onion can significantly reduce unpleasant breath. This effect is attributable to the fat content in milk, which helps neutralize the sulfur compounds responsible for the lingering odor. A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that drinking whole milk reduces the concentration of sulfur compounds in the mouth, helping to mitigate bad breath. In addition, casein in milk can bind to these volatile compounds, further mitigating the lingering odor. (Source: nutrivals.com)
2. Use of sodium bicarbonate for oral hygiene.
Baking soda is a versatile natural remedy that is widely used for its odor-neutralizing properties. Due to its alkaline nature, it is able to change the pH of the mouth, creating a less favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria responsible for bad breath. (Source: salus.co.uk)
How to use baking soda for halitosis?
- Oral rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Use the solution as a mouthwash, rinsing for about 30 seconds before spitting. This method helps neutralize oral acidity and fight odor-causing bacteria
- Tooth brushing: Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush and use it to brush your teeth. This approach helps neutralize the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
3. A cup of green tea after meals
Green tea is known for its richness in polyphenols, natural compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. These polyphenols can help reduce volatile sulfur compounds responsible for halitosis, neutralizing unpleasant odors. Drinking a cup of green tea after a meal can therefore help freshen breath and counteract bad breath caused by onion consumption (Source: microbiologiaitalia.it).
4. Chewing herbs
Herbs such as basil, mint, and coriander are known for their refreshing and deodorizing properties, thanks to the essential oils they contain. These oils can help neutralize the lingering odor of onion. Chewing fresh leaves of these herbs after consuming onion can be an effective strategy to combat bad breath.
5. Gargling with lemon juice
Lemon juice is recognized for its antibacterial properties and ability to regulate the pH of saliva, making it an effective natural remedy for bad breath. To take advantage of these benefits, you should prepare a solution consisting of water and lemon juice:
- Preparation: Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in one cup of water.
- Use: Gargle with this solution at least twice a day, or until breath feels fresh.
(Source: fanpage.com)
6. Rinses with essential oils
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils are known for their antibacterial and refreshing properties, making them effective in fighting bad breath. Adding a few drops of these oils to a glass of water and using it for oral rinses can provide an immediate sense of freshness.
How to use these essential oils as a natural mouthwash:
- Dilute 1-2 drops of essential oil in a glass of water.
- Perform oral rinses for about 30 seconds.
- Avoid swallowing the solution.
These remedies help but do not completely solve the problem
Bad breath after consuming onion can be an unpleasant and embarrassing situation, especially in social or professional settings. Although natural remedies can help reduce and mask the odor, it is important to remember that they cannot always eliminate it completely, as the sulfur compounds in onions are absorbed into the bloodstream and released through breathing.
If halitosis persists despite proper oral hygiene and the use of natural remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dentist. In some cases, in fact, bad breath could be a sign of underlying health problems, such as oral infections, digestive disorders, or other conditions that deserve attention.
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