5 Natural Remedies for Gastrointestinal Halitosis

Halitosis is an imbalance in the stomach, you can use remedies that help balance the pH in order to reduce the excess stomach acidity that causes it.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Written by Carolina Betancourth

Last update: 16 August, 2022

Gastrointestinal halitosis is caused by a disorder in the digestive system. It’s bad breath that stems from the stomach and therefore is usually harder to control, since it’s not enough to just get rid of bacteria in your mouth.

And because it causes a strong, foul odor, it can be embarrassing and quite distressing. This is especially true when talking to other people. However, remember that it is best to see a doctor first.

While it doesn’t always indicate any serious health issue, it’s important to find out if it does, or if instead it’s just a symptom of an imbalance in your stomach pH.

Therefore, today we’ll share a few of possible causes with you and then offer 5 effective natural remedies that will help you get it under control in no time.

So, keep on reading to find out more!

Causes of gastrointestinal halitosis

There are several different digestive problems that are related to this type of halitosis. Although you may not always see all of the symptoms, it’s important to keep them in mind as possible causes.

Ulcers

When ulcers are caused by bacteria, they can cause bad breath. Sometimes they are caused by Helicobacter pylori, which normally lives in your digestive system.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach acids go up your esophagus, where they don’t belong.

It alters your mouth’s natural pH and makes your breath smell bad according to this study from the Coronel de Palma Health Center (Madrid). In fact, it also can weaken your teeth and erode them.

Bacterial imbalance

In your stomach, there naturally are healthy bacteria that help create a protective barrier against harmful microbes.

When there is an imbalance, harmful bacteria will grow and trigger digestive issues, including bad breath.

Digestive difficulties

Eating foods that are hard to digest can cause inflammation, intestinal gas, and bad breath. 

Furthermore, waste can accumulate in your liver and colon, producing substances that cause the foul odor.

Natural remedies to treat gastrointestinal halitosis

While gastrointestinal halitosis should be seen by a doctor, these natural remedies can make your digestive system healthier and control your uncomfortable symptoms.

1. Mint

This medicinal plant has digestive properties, according to this study conducted by the University of Urmia (Iran).

Furthermore, it can counteract bad breath and regulate the pH of your saliva.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. of mint
• 1 c. of water

Instructions

• Firstly, boil the water and add the mint
• Cover and let sit for 10 minutes and then strain

Method

• Drink 2 or 3 cups of mint tea per day

2. Parsley and apple cider vinegar for gastrointestinal halitosis

Since it’s rich in chlorophyll, parsley is one of the best remedies for gastrointestinal halitosis, according to this study by the University of Murcia.

Get the most out of it by adding a little bit of organic apple cider vinegar, which will regulate your stomach acid.

Ingredients

• 2 sprigs of parsley
• 1/2 c. of apple vinegar

Instructions

• Soak the parsley in the apple cider vinegar for 10 or 15 minutes

Method

• Firstly, remove the sprigs of parsley and chew them for 3 minutes
• Then, repeat after brushing your teeth

3. Warm water with lemon

Warm lemon water, a classic, is a natural way to improve unhealthy stomach acid levels. However, there’s insufficient scientific evidence linking it as a remedy for halitosis. You can try making:

Ingredients

• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 c. of water

Instructions

• Firstly, add the lemon juice to the warm water

Method

• Drink before breakfast and again in the afternoon

4. Fennel seeds for gastrointestinal halitosis

Fennel seeds have the power to improve your digestion, according to research by the National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (India).

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. of fennel seeds
• 1 c. of water

Instructions

• Firstly, pour the fennel seeds into boiling water and cover
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then strain

Method

• Drink up to 3 cups per day
• Repeat until your gastrointestinal halitosis has gone away

5. Cardamom

This well-known digestive remedy has carminative and anti-inflammatory properties that promote good digestive health, as is suggested by this study conducted by the North South University of Bangladesh.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. of cardamom
• 1/2 c. of water

Preparation

• Firstly, add the cardamom to the boiling water and cover
• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then strain

Method

• Drink one cup after every meal

Other tips

Avoid foods that worsen halitosis such as onions, garlic, milk and spicy foods, and habits such as drinking alcohol or smoking. Improper hygiene or incorrect brushing or flossing can also be behind bad breath.

Prolonged fasting and stress, as well as tooth decay or the use of dentures can also affect your breath. Furthermore, it can be cause by respiratory and liver diseases and certain medications.

Masking bad breath with strong odors isn’t recommended because it’s ineffective, although mint or chewing gum may work as a palliative. On the other hand, since halitosis worsens with dry mouth, drinking plenty of water will help.

Include yogurt in your diet. In fact 90 grams twice a day for six weeks decreases the levels of hydrogen sulfide, among other substances, which generate bromopnea.

So, do you have gastrointestinal halitosis? Try these simple natural remedies and don’t let bad breath interfere in your social life!