I am a vegetarian in my early forties, a teetotaller and non-smoker. I also practice yoga regularly and drink plenty of water. However, I have bad breath. I don't have cavities and also brush twice a day. What can I do?
 - Y.S., by email

 

As the oral causes of your bad breath are ruled out, look into the other possible causes.

Foods commonly known to contribute to bad breath include onions and garlic, curry, cheese, fish, acidic beverages and coffee. ‘Low carb' diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source.

The end-product of making this energy is ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odour on the breath when exhaled.

Bad breath can also be caused by a decreased flow of saliva, a throat infection, a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis and/or post-nasal drip, bronchitis, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), liver or kidney diseases, lactose intolerance etc. Specific medical treatment to cure bad breath depends upon the cause. As general remedies, try these:

  • Chew on a twig of parsley after meals. Parsley is a natural mouth freshener.
  • Spices helpful for bad breath are cloves, fennel and anise.
  • You could need to clean your tongue as that is the place where odour causing bacteria can hide.
  • Regularly take 10 grams of Kalyanagulam (sugar based) at bedtime.

 

I am in my early forties. Of late I have begun noticing black spots (floaters) in front of my eyes. I experienced this a few years ago and at the time it was not so pronounced. Please advise.
 - R.M., by email

 

Are you referring to the floating black spots in your vision? (not black spots in the white part of the eye.) An eye floater is an appropriate name for these small dark shapes that look like dots, marks and strands that appear before your eyes, because they float through your field of vision. Seeing occasional black spots is quite normal. Floaters, or black spots in vision, are generally a sign of ageing. The little spots are shadows caused by strands of the vitreous, the gel-like filling in our eyes. The vitreous shrinks over time and condenses, producing strings. These strings start to cast shadows that you see as black spots. Although for most people it is a natural occurrence, for others it could signal infection, haemorrhage, inflammation, and eye injury or retinal tears. If you suddenly start to see a lot of eye floaters, consult an ophthalmologist. Have your blood glucose levels checked, keep your blood pressure within range, and get an expert eye examination.

You could also take Triphala (3-5 grams) every day. See an Ayurvedic doctor who will suggest an ideal collyrium (anjana) for your eyes.
 - Available at stores selling Ayurvedic products