If you’re in Phase 1 of Live It NOT Diet!, you’re going to notice a change in your breath (or perhaps someone else will) when you enter ketosis. Some notice it more than others, but the ‘keto breath’ is pretty distinct in that it smells a little bit like paint thinner. You might still notice this in Phase 2 and 3 as well, but it will likely be the most prevalent in the 2nd or 3rd week of Phase 1.
In any case, it should be embraced as it means you’re burning fat!
If the bad breath you’re experiencing is different than keto breath, it’s usually a sign of something else going on in your gut. In most cases, it’s the result of poor digestion, and implies that food is hanging out and fermenting too long in your stomach.
Normally, we’re supposed to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCL) and a variety of digestive enzymes to break down the food we consume, but many of us have damaged guts and now operate with an underactive stomach and undersecreting organs.
Step 1 – Try The Digestion (HCL) Test
If you still have hot breath after following the protocol, it could be that your diet is a little on the ‘acidic’ side. There’s nothing wrong with that, as our body is perfectly capable of maintaining homeostasis in either direction. Although the buffering effort taken to address the high-acid load may be what’s causing the ‘hot breath.’
We’ve already discussed the way the kidney’s address an acidic environment (by buffering it with bicarbonate), but our body can also expel excess acid by breathing it out. Basically, we use respiration to lower acidity by breathing faster and expelling more carbon dioxide, or increases acidity by breathing slower and deeper and taking in more oxygen.
Step 2 – Try Eating Less Dairy & More Vegetables
The other common problem, is that you’re over-caffeinating and under-watering. Meaning, it has nothing to do with digestion, and everything to do with stale dehydrated breath.
Step 3 – Remember The Rules on Coffee
Specifically, “Drink 2 Waters For Every 1 Coffee/Tea.” And similarly, get in the habit of starting your day with 1-2 glasses of water (before you reach for the caffeine).
Stay Lean!
Coach Mike
RELATED ARTICLES:
Live it NOT Diet! FAQs - Bloated After Meals?
Moving From Healthy to Healthier In the New Year
5 Small Nutrition Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
Apple Cider Vinegar Each Day Keeps The Doctor Away
Beyond Live It NOT Diet! - Test Your Digestion (The HCL Test)