It is common to have a bad or pungent breath after eating onion or garlic. But is there a tried and tested remedy to quickly counter it? We went on a (Internet) search for one, and as always social media had a solution. According to kitchen and home guide Manju Mittal, all you need to do is to swish a mix of glycerine and water in your mouth. "In lukewarm water, add glycerine. Mix it. Now, swish it in your mouth and throw it out properly," suggested Mittal. Does it work? Onions and garlic have a strong smell because they contain specific sulfur-containing compounds. When these ingredients are chopped or peeled for cooking purposes, allium - a type of enzyme is released. It further converts compounds like amino acids sulfoxide into sulfenic acid. "These acids are the main suspects in generating a strong, pungent smell, which can be bothersome and unpleasant for some," said Riya Desai, senior dietitian, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. Glycerin has glycerol, a compound that is a colourless and odourless liquid with a sweet taste. "Glycerin helps to keep the mouth moisturised as it is a humectant and can withhold water and in return keep the mouth healthy. It also helps prevent bacterial growth and improve gum health. Glycerine-based mouthwashes or toothpaste can be very helpful," said Desai. However, Dr Shabana Parveen, clinical nutritionist at Artemis Hospital Gurugram, stressed that the use of glycerine mixed with water as a remedy is less conventional than other known methods. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. What to keep in mind? One should exercise caution while gargling with glycerin water, as mistakenly ingesting glycerin can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach pain. "Glycerin can be beneficial, but might not be suitable for all," said Desai. Instead, one should brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes, floss properly, or even gargle with mouthwash to eliminate the strong odour. Dr Parveen said drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and washes away food particles, thus eliminating bad breath. "If you are bothered by acidic or bad breath caused by onions or garlic, then avoid eating them frequently or not at all. Having bad breath after eating strong-smelling foods is normal and should not be taken that seriously," said Desai. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
