Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common yet uncomfortable and often embarrassing problem that can affect anyone. While it can stem from various causes, understanding and addressing these issues can help you maintain fresh breath. This article explores natural solutions to keep your breath fresh and your confidence high. Embrace these home remedies to enjoy fresh, pleasant breath every day! Common Causes of Bad Breath Poor Oral Hygiene Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath globally. Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave food particles in the mouth, which bacteria break down, causing unpleasant odors. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up if teeth are not brushed regularly, contributing significantly to bad breath. Certain Foods and Drinks Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spices, have strong odors that can linger in the mouth. Beverages like coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Read more: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Monsoon Dry Mouth Saliva helps cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. When saliva production is reduced, these cells break down and result in bad breath. Conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth) can exacerbate this issue. Tobacco Products Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can leave chemicals that cause a persistent odor. Tobacco also affects oral health, contributing to gum disease and other dental issues that can cause bad breath. Medical Conditions Several medical conditions can contribute to bad breath, including: - Respiratory infections - Gastrointestinal problems - Diabetes - Liver or kidney disease. Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock Dental Issues Gum disease, cavities, and oral infections can all contribute to bad breath. Bacteria that accumulate in cavities or pockets formed by gum disease can produce foul-smelling odors. Medications Certain medications can cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath. Additionally, some medications break down in the body to release chemicals that can be carried on your breath. Mouth, Nose, and Throat Conditions Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses, or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, can also result in bad breath. Read more: What is Autism spectrum disorder? Why is Autism Awareness Important? Poor Diet Low-carb diets can cause a condition called ketosis, which produces fruity-smelling breath due to the breakdown of fats in the body. Home Remedies for Bad Breath Practice Good Oral Hygiene Maintaining solid oral hygiene is crucial for fresh breath. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Clean your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or toothbrush to remove bacteria and food particles. Additionally, flossing daily is necessary to eliminate food particles and plaque between teeth, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring a clean mouth. Stay Hydrated Dehydration is a major contributor to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water is essential as it helps keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria, preventing bad breath. Read more: Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention Use a Natural Mouth Rinse Combat bad breath with homemade mouth rinses. For a baking soda rinse, mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water; it neutralizes odors and kills bacteria. Alternatively, use an apple cider vinegar rinse by mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Both options effectively freshen your breath. Salt Water Rinse This is a simple and effective way to freshen your breath. Mix ½ teaspoon of table salt with a cup of warm water. Swish thoroughly for 30 seconds and spit. The salt helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and eliminate odor-causing microbes. Chew Fresh Herbs Chewing on fresh herbs like mint (pudina) can help mask bad odors and promote fresh breath. These herbs contain chlorophyll, known for its deodorizing properties, making them effective natural remedies for maintaining pleasant breath. Incorporate these herbs into your daily routine for a fresher, cleaner mouth. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight? Spice Up Your Breath Certain spices common in Bangladeshi cuisine can be surprisingly helpful. Briefly chew on a clove, fennel seeds, or coriander seeds. These spices have natural antibacterial properties and leave a refreshing taste. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production. These foods act as natural toothbrushes, effectively scraping away plaque and food particles, promoting better oral hygiene and fresher breath. Incorporate these healthy snacks into your diet to maintain a cleaner mouth naturally. Use Essential Oils Essential oils with antibacterial properties can help fight bad breath. For instance, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. Clove oil can be used similarly to peppermint oil, providing a natural and effective way to maintain fresh breath and reduce oral bacteria. Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Probiotics Probiotics aid in regulating the balance of bacteria within the oral cavity and digestive tract. Probiotic foods like yogurt can promote good bacteria and enhance oral health. Include yogurt in your diet to benefit from its probiotic properties, leading to fresher breath and a healthier mouth. Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups Regular dental appointments play a critical role in preserving oral well-being. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that you might miss with regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist can also identify any potential issues that are causing bad breath. Additional Tips for Fresh Breath - Avoid sugary foods and drinks - Quit smoking - Chew sugar-free gum - Use a tongue scraper - Stay away from alcohol-based mouthwashes - Regular dental check-ups. Read more: Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know Conclusion Bad breath can be a nuisance, but with the right home remedies, you can overcome this issue. Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and using natural remedies can keep your breath fresh and your confidence intact. Remember, if bad breath persists despite trying these remedies, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In such cases, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. By addressing the root causes and adopting these natural solutions, you can enjoy fresh, pleasant breath every day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today received the medal and citation of IDF Global Ambassador for Diabetes.  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen handed over the medal to her at her official residence Ganabhaban this morning, said PM's Speech Writer Md. Nazrul Islam. Read more: Work collectively for a fair economic order: PM at Voice of South Summit Sheikh Hasina was offered the first-ever Honorary title of the Global Ambassador for Diabetes in recognition of her role to ensure affordable access to health care for patients with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases during the opening ceremony of the IDF world diabetes congress held in Lisbon, Portugal on 5 December 2022. Earlier the Prime Minister accepted the title during a call on by IDF President Professor Akhtar Hussain on 24 August 2022 at Ganabhaban here in Dhaka. Read more: If voted to power in next election, will continue Bangladesh’s dev journey: PM tells CPC Vice-Minister The Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal accepted the title on her behalf at the opening ceremony of the IDF world diabetes congress in Lisbon. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, PM’s ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, PM's Principal Secretary Tofazzal Hossain and Senior Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present, while handing over the medal and the citation at Ganabhaban.

Health experts said Diabetes prevention could save vision, and huge money and suggested giving greater attention to the prevention of diabetes to avoid blindness and save money every year. They also emphasized raising awareness of diabetes and its impact on individuals, families, and the national economy. Speakers made the suggestions at a policy dialogue titled, ‘Integrated Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy Services – Reaching the Unreached’ at a city hotel on Sunday. Orbis International, Bangladesh organised the dialogue in collaboration with partner organisations, said a media release. Speaking at the event as the chief guest, Director General of Directorate General of Medical Education Prof AHM Enayet Hussain said there are some challenges, including cultural and educational barriers, in reaching services to the people who are still unreached. Citing several research publications at BMC Health Services, Dr Bishwajit Bhowmik, project director of the Centre for Global Health Research under Bangladesh Diabetic Samity (BADAS) said, “Overall, $297 could be saved annually by preventing a single case of diabetes.”    Also Read: Diabetes patients to get free insulin in future health minister     Presiding over the event, National Professor AK Azad Khan said Bangladesh can set up an example in healthcare service worldwide.   Country Director of Orbis International, Bangladesh Dr Munir Ahmed moderated the dialogue while Line Director for Non-communicable Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Robed Amin, and Line Director for Community Based Health Care Dr Masud Reja Kabir, World Health Organisation Medical Officer (NCD) Sadhana Bhagwat, Orbis International Project Manager Shafiqul Islam, Coordinator of Dr K Zaman BNSB Eye Hospital Mymensingh Saifuzzaman Parag and Bangladesh Post Executive Editor Shiabur Rahman Shihab, among others, spoke at the event.

Most Muslims around the globe fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Although most people are able to do it without much problem, things are not the same for those who suffer from diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes, we recommend you consult your doctor before fasting. Besides, we have some tips on how to continue your Ramadan fasting with diabetes. Continue reading to know what diabetic patients should eat or drink and what to avoid for Ramadan fasting.  What to eat and drink for Sehri during Ramadan If you are Diabetic If you are suffering from diabetes and choose to continue fasting, you need to be aware that you may experience Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose or you may experience Hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.  However, during Ramadan fasting, you need to maintain a strict diet to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. As your fasting has started with Sehri or Suhoor, you must put much concentration on Sehri or Suhoor diet.  Read Yummy Homemade Jalebi Recipes Using Healthy Ingredients Make sure you hydrate yourself because it is the day ahead of you. So, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and eat fluid-rich foods. Besides, you must take starchy foods for energy. Moreover, you need to eat high-fiber content food or wholegrain to remain fuller for a longer time. You should do so as they aid in digestion and prevent constipation. Check below some of the foods and drinks ideas:  Oats If you have diabetes, eat Oats in your Sehri meal. This is whole grain food. With Oats, you can make congee. It is usually made with either water or milk. You will get the required fluids from this meal. Oats are rich in antioxidants and contain a powerful soluble fiber. Oats are helpful to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. If you wish to stay full longer, make sure you take oats regularly in your Sehri. Starchy food  Among the starchy foods, you can choose potatoes which are a good source of energy, fiber, B vitamins, and potassium. Bread, especially wholemeal, granary, brown, and seeded varieties is another starchy food that can be a part of a balanced diet. Besides, you can put cereal products, rice and grains, and pasta into your diet. Read Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting Although both sugary and starchy carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels, these foods can play a role in a balanced meal plan when you take the right amounts. Why you must choose starchy foods:  - controlling blood sugar levels. - lowering inflammation. - reducing the risk of heart disease. - increasing antioxidant activity. - reducing the risk of kidney disease. Wholegrain You can eat chapatis (Roti) or wholemeal toast in Sehri. These kinds of foods will provide you with the necessary fiber. But make sure you avoid eating bread with salty foods like preserved meat or hard cheese. However, soft cheese, banana, or nut butter are suitable for you. Read 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting High-fiber cereals In Suhoor, you can eat high-fiber cereals. These foods are loaded with minerals and vitamins. You can eat cereal with milk. Therefore, you would get fluids and other nutrients like iodine, calcium, and B-vitamins from this meal. Yogurt At all times of the year, Yogurt is a good option for diabetic patients. So, if you want to keep fasting for Ramadan add Yogurt to your suhoor meal plan. It offers nutrients such as calcium, protein, B-vitamins, and protein along with fluid. You can consume Yogurt with a combination of cereal or fruits. Read Ramadan Iftar Ideas: Healthy foods, drinks to break your fast What to eat and drink for Iftar when you have Diabetes When you are fasting with Diabetes, make sure you break the fast by eating low-fat and fluid-rich foods. Your preferable foods must contain natural sugar contents for energy. Besides, you need to drink a lot of fluids. You can take the following foods and drinks for Iftar to break your fast during Ramadan.  Dates and Other Dried Fruits Dates are rich sources of natural sugar that will supply energy. Furthermore, Dates are rich in minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium. Besides, dates are a great source of fiber. Furthermore, dates are enriched with protective antioxidants.  Dates offer multifarious health benefits. It supports gut health and bone health. Dates can facilitate a natural birth. Dates are a great sugar replacement. Read Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan When you are a diabetes patient, you should eat dates as they allow their carbs to be digested a bit more slowly. Moreover, they help prevent blood sugar spikes as they have a low GI. So, dates can be your safe choice as a diabetic. Along with dates, you can also eat dried fruits such as figs, apricots, prunes, or raisins to get nutrients and fiber. Soup For diabetes patients, it is better to break their fast in a light way. In this case, soup can be your best choice. Soups are generally meat-based broths. Vegetarian soups may contain pulses such as beans and lentils or starchy foods such as grains or pasta. It offers nutrients, energy, and fluids as well. Read Savory Lassi: 7 Easy Recipes to Try at Home Besides, soup has better diet quality as it helps to reduce fat and increases protein and fiber intake. Moreover, eating soup may reduce hunger and increase fullness.  Fruits Remember fruits give natural sugars that provide you with instant energy along with vitamins, minerals, and fluid. So, it can be a good option to break the fast. Besides, fruits are high in fiber. They provide huge health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids. If a person eats a diet high in fruits and vegetables, it can reduce his risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes. Read Delicious Watermelon Ice Cream and Cake Recipes to Try at Home However, not all fruits are healthy for diabetic patients. The term GI (glycemic index) measures how food affects human blood sugar. Foods that are low on the GI scale tend to raise blood sugar slowly. Some popular fruits like Dates, Mangoes, Apples, Pears, Oranges, and Bananas are on the lower end (55 or lower) of the GI Scale. On the other hand, Papaya and watermelon have high (70 or higher) GI indexes. According to the American Diabetes Association, both berries and citrus fruits are recommended as superfoods. According to WebMD the healthiest fruits for Diabetic Patients are oranges, blackberries, strawberries, and tomatoes.  Drinks You can also break the fast by drinking low-fat milk, water, smoothies, or low GI fruit juices. Water is the best drink that provides hydration without added sugar or extra calories. Make sure you take milk or fruit-based drinks as they offer nutrients and natural sugars.  Read Cooking Without Oil: How and Why? Which Foods, Drinks Should the Diabetic People Avoid for Sehri and Iftar  As a diabetic patient, try to ensure that your diet is healthy and nutrient-rich as much as possible. However, you should avoid both salty and sugary foods and drinks if you have diabetes.  Bottom Line Fasting has immense health benefits. It is good for diabetic patients too. However, for healthy Ramadan fasting, diabetic patients are recommended to consult doctors. Your Ramadan fasting with diabetes can be smooth and easy with the above-mentioned foods and drinks ideas. Read 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview

Instant noodles made from quinoa rice work well in controlling diabetes, according to a research study done at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). This relatively low-cost instant food can be a welcome alternative to noodles made from wheat, rice, potato, and sweet potato which contains high content of carbohydrates that lead to diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other complex diseases, according to the research done by a student as part of her PhD thesis. The research aimed at finding low-cost healthier climate-adaptive alternatives to the popular carbohydrate-rich instant noodles. Also read: Quinoa: Cultivating the 'mother of all grains' The research was done by Meherunnahar, PhD Fellow of the Department of Food Engineering and Tea Technology (FET) supervised by Professor Dr Mozammel Haque of the same department.

The U.S. saw remarkable increases in the death rates for heart disease, diabetes and some other common killers in 2020, and experts believe a big reason may be that many people with dangerous symptoms made the lethal mistake of staying away from the hospital for fear of catching the coronavirus. The death rates — posted online this week by federal health authorities — add to the growing body of evidence that the number of lives lost directly or indirectly to the coronavirus in the U.S. is far greater than the officially reported COVID-19 death toll of nearly 600,000 in 2020-21. For months now, researchers have known that 2020 was the deadliest year in U.S. history, primarily because of COVID-19. But the data released this week showed the biggest increases in the death rates for heart disease and diabetes in at least 20 years. “I would probably use the word `alarming,’” said Dr. Tannaz Moin, a diabetes expert at UCLA, said of the trends. Read:AP source: US to buy 500M Pfizer vaccines to share globally Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 3.4 million Americans died in 2020, an all-time record. Of those deaths, more than 345,000 were directly attributed to COVID-19. The CDC also provided the numbers of deaths for some of the leading causes of mortality, including the nation’s top two killers, heart disease and cancer. But the data released this week contains the death rates — that is, fatalities relative to the population — which is considered a better way to see the impact from year to year, since the population fluctuates. Of the causes of death for which the CDC had full-year provisional data, nine registered increases. Those included Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, chronic liver disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Some of the increases were relatively small, but some were dramatic. The heart disease death rate — which has been falling over the long term — rose to 167 deaths per 100,000 population from 161.5 the year before. It was only the second time in 20 years that the rate had ticked up. This jump, of more than 3%, surpassed the less than 1% increase seen in 2015. In raw numbers, there were about 32,000 more heart disease deaths than the year before. Diabetes deaths rose to 24.6 per 100,000 last year, from 21.6 in 2019. That translated to 13,000 more diabetes deaths than in 2019. The 14% increase was the largest rise in the diabetes death rate in decades. The death rate from Alzheimer’s was up 8%, Parkinson’s 11%, high blood pressure 12% and stroke 4%. Read:EXPLAINER: The US investigation into COVID-19 origins The CDC offered only the statistics, not explanations. The agency also did not say how many of the fatalities were people who had been infected with — and weakened by — the coronavirus but whose deaths were attributed primarily to heart disease, diabetes or other conditions. Some experts believe a larger reason is that many patients did not seek treatment in an emergency because they feared becoming infected with the virus. “When hospitalization rates for COVID would go up, we would see dramatic declines in patients presenting to the emergency room with heart attacks, stroke or heart failure,” Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a Northwestern University researcher who is president-elect of the American Heart Association. Other possible explanations also point indirectly to the coronavirus. Many patients stopped taking care of themselves during the crisis, gaining weight or cutting back on taking high blood pressure medications, he said. Experts said the stress of the crisis, the lockdown-related disappearance of exercise options, and the loss of jobs and the accompanying health insurance were all factors, too. Increases in Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and West Virginia pushed the four into the group of states with the highest rates of death from heart disease, the CDC data showed. For diabetes, similar changes happened in Indiana, New Mexico, West Virginia and some other Southern and Plains states. The death rate from the nation’s No. 2 killer, cancer, continued its decline during the year of COVID-19. It fell about 2% in 2020, similar to the drop seen from 2018 to 2019, even though cancer screenings and cancer care declined or were often postponed last year. Read:FDA approves much-debated Alzheimer’s drug panned by experts Lloyd-Jones’ theory for the decline: Many of the virus’s victims were fighting cancer, “but COVID intervened and became the primary cause of death.” Earlier research done by demographer Kenneth Johnson at the University of New Hampshire found that an unprecedented 25 states saw more deaths than births overall last year. The states were Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Traditionally the vast majority of states have more births than deaths.

The diabetes journey application and the country’s first diabetes treatment guideline were disseminated Friday among doctors.

Non-communicable diseases now make up 7 of the world’s top 10 causes of death, according to WHO’s 2019 Global Health Estimates, published on Wednesday.

Amid the number of people with diabetes surge, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed need for strengthening health system as many diabetic patients are at “increased risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19”.

Exercise not only helps to preserve muscle strength, keep heart strong, maintain a healthy body weight and stave off chronic diseases such as diabetes it can help boost thinking skills and memory as well.