Everyone has suffered bad breath or body odour at some point in their life. These common complaints can be uncomfortable, unpleasant, and sometimes embarrassing. The causes of these odours come from the toxins released by undigested food or from bacteria in the mouth. When food is not digested properly, it is broken down into its component parts. This breakdown produces gas and odours. A healthy gut, with an appropriate balance of digestive enzymes and friendly bacteria, will digest food more fully, reducing unpleasant body odour and flatulence.

The key to a healthy gut is lots of fibre. Eat more fruits and vegetables for easier digestion, and less meat and fried food. If you do decide to eat meat, eat a slice of pineapple or papaya beforehand. These fruits contain digestive enzymes that help to break down food. Beans are known for producing gas. Add lemon juice to beans before serving, or apple cider vinegar while cooking to neutralize the gas-causing potential. Remember to give yourself time to properly digest a meal, since eating on the run can put pressure on your digestive system, and drink lots of water. Water flushes the digestive system.

Several different herbs can prevent or treat bad breath. The key to eliminating bad breath is killing the bacteria that cause it. Cardamom is a potent antiseptic that kills bad breath bacteria. Try chewing cardamom seeds to eliminate bad breath. Another effective and common remedy for bad breath is parsley, found on many restaurant plates. Parsley is high in chlorophyll, a powerful breath freshener. Munch a sprig of parsley after a meal or a cup of coffee to eliminate bad breath.