Ketosis breath solutions: 4 natural home treatments
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, has gained popularity for its potential weight loss benefits. However, for those embarking on this low-carb, high-fat eating plan, there's a common side effect known as keto breath.
Keto breath is characterised by a fruity or sweet smell, and it occurs when the body starts burning fat for energy, a process known as ketosis. This transition can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days, with full adaptation to using ketones as a primary fuel taking several weeks.
For most people, keto breath resolves within a week or two after starting the keto diet. However, for some, it may persist longer. To minimise keto breath, maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and chewing mints or mint gum can help. The minty odour can mask the smell of keto breath, and increasing saliva production can help stop bad breath-causing bacteria from growing.
While keto breath is a temporary side effect, it can be a sign that your body is adapting to the keto diet. Researchers believe it takes time for the body to fully adapt to being in ketosis, during which keto breath may persist.
In addition to keto breath, people who switch to the keto diet may experience a number of adverse effects, known as the "keto flu." Symptoms of keto flu may include nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, constipation, and insomnia. These symptoms typically go away after a few weeks.
While the keto diet may be effective for reducing weight quickly in the short-term, long-term side effects can include fatty liver disease, kidney stones, and abnormally low levels of protein in the blood. It's important to note that these risks are not universally experienced, and individual results may vary.
Less well-established evidence suggests that the keto diet may improve acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, and some neurological issues. Some research also indicates that the keto diet may be beneficial for reducing the risks of diabetes, reducing cardiovascular issues, and treating epilepsy.
In conclusion, while entering ketosis is quicker, both full adaptation to ketosis and reduction of keto breath can take a couple of weeks to a month. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and be patient as your body adjusts to the keto diet. As always, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan.
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketosis-timeline#section1 [2] https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-keto-diet-timeline
- The keto diet, known for potential weight loss benefits, can result in a temporary side effect called keto breath, characterized by a fruity or sweet smell.
- Keto breath occurs when the body starts burning fat for energy during ketosis, a process that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days to start, and several weeks to fully adapt.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and chewing mints or mint gum can help minimize keto breath.
- Research suggests that it takes time for the body to fully adapt to being in ketosis, during which keto breath may persist.
- Besides keto breath, the 'keto flu' - a group of symptoms including nausea, headache, tiredness, and insomnia - may occur when starting the keto diet, but usually go away after a few weeks.
- Long-term side effects of the keto diet can include fatty liver disease, kidney stones, and abnormally low levels of protein in the blood, although individual results may vary.
- Less well-established evidence indicates that the keto diet may improve acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, and some neurological issues, and be beneficial for reducing the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and treating epilepsy.
