How to Deal With Bad Breath
Mucus is a waxy substance that serves as a lubricant between the mucous membranes of the lungs and the skin and mucus membranes and the respiratory tract. Both serve as important part of the protective immune system.
They trap tiny particles from your respiratory tract through the airways – including bacteria and viruses. Each time your body produces about one liter of them every day, mucus and phlegm also make up an additional one liter of mucus.
Although phlegm is considered a waste by the body, it actually serves as natural immunity boosters that keep the body's immune system from being overwhelmed by foreign substances. When there is too much mucus in the airway, it prevents bacteria from invading the lungs and other body organs. Also, it serves as an antiseptic and mucus serves as a lubricant.
However, as mucus production increases, phlegm production is reduced. This is why most people suffer from a runny nose and cough. But phlegm does not just come from coughing: it can also be caused by colds, flu or allergies.
Mucus is made up of proteins, water, amino acids and salts. Mucin-like substances (also called an immunoglobulin) are found in the air that can be taken by swallowing them. As mucus is discharged from the mouth or nose, these immunoglobulin particles are then carried to the lungs where they may be attached to mucus-producing bacteria. It can then start to do its job of fighting infections. If left alone, the bacteria may multiply and cause inflammation of the mucus lining.
There are ways to help control mucus production and keep it from draining away. You can do so by exercising regularly, quitting smoking and taking a lot of rest. All of these things can decrease the production of mucus.
In order to reduce mucus production, it is also helpful to avoid alcohol and spicy food. And, if you happen to have chronic sinusitis, it would be best to go in for natural antihistamines such as Cayenne pepper.
Aside from preventing mucus production, it can also be used for mucus drainage
The mucus helps to eliminate toxins in the body, which could clog the drain pipes.
If you already have the disease, it is best to try to keep your mucus from draining away by using natural probiotics. These are bacteria that can help prevent infections and lessen inflammation.
If you are looking for ways to get rid of bad breath, mucus is one of the factors contributing to it. The bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the stomach can travel throughout the entire body. And when they do, they tend to affect the lungs and esophagus. Because they have a very bitter taste, they cause bad breath.
You can kill the bad bacteria by washing your mouth with baking soda. Or you can use a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda to cleanse the throat or stomach.
To kill bad bacteria, you should drink plenty of water to increase the amount of good bacteria that are in your digestive system. It also helps to avoid eating foods that are too rich in starch. Starchy foods like rice cakes and breads can clog the drains of your digestive tract.
Drinking lots of water and avoiding carbohydrates can also help in the battle against bacteria. Foods that are high in protein, such as fish and meat are good examples of foods that can help fight bacteria. Taking a multi-vitamin containing zinc and magnesium supplements is also a good idea. They can help in cleansing the intestines and liver to remove the VSCs that cause bad breath.
