Monday, December 8, 2014

Eliminate Toxins From Your Body - 7 Things To Use

7 Things You Can Add to Your Water That Aid in Digestion and Eliminate Toxins From Your Body

Water is so essential to the body, and it processes, the benefits of drinking clean and sufficient water regularly and unbounded. Water can do everything for your body including aiding in digestion and cleansing your body of toxins.

Drinking water all by itself is a way to help flush the body of toxins on a daily basis, but with a few added ingredients you can get even more benefits from it. This is something you can do every day, or as part of a more broad detoxing strategy. Each one of the ingredients listed here will provide slightly different benefits, so be sure to choose according to the particular goal you have.

1-Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
Lemons and limes are a good source of Vitamin C, which is a very important antioxidant because it helps neutralize free-radicals in the body. Lemons are also good for alkalizing the body as well as aiding in digestion because their make up is very similar to our own digestive enzymes.

2-Cucumber slices
Cucumber adds a crisp and refreshing taste to your water, and even add for a nice little snack while drinking. This helps eliminate toxins from the digestive system and is extremely hydrating for the body.

3-Strawberries
Strawberries are a great way to add a familiar flavor to almost anything. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4-Fresh Mint leaves
Mint improves the flow of vile and can help with activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes that help absorb the nutrients from your food. Mint is also very calming and soothing and can be used to settle an upset stomach.

5-Apple cider vinegar is a handy detoxing aid, and it’s good to keep a bottle of it in the cupboard. You can instantly improve the quality of a glass of water by adding a bit of ACV to it. Apple cider vinegar can help balance the Ph balance of the body. It is also wonderful for eliminating toxins and killing bacteria, maintaining a healthy weight and improves overall digestion.

6-Ginger Root
Ginger is also another wonderful remedy for indigestion, cramps, nausea, and gas. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral root that boosts circulation and may also kill cancer cells.

7-Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another traditional herb that is also anti-fungal and anti-viral and is used to relieve indigestion. It many also be good for circulation, metabolizing fats during digestion, and regulating blood-glucose levels by slowing the time it takes for food to go from the stomach to the small intestine.

Friday, November 28, 2014

3 Tips to Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Are you having an issue with sleeping?

Do you often lie in bed and wait for sleep to come and it doesn't?
Do you turn and toss while in bed and yet sleep would be far away?
Do you suffer from sleep deprivation?

Then this article written by Craig Ballantyne is actually for you.

It's short and straight to the point

Don't just read it,  go do what it says

By Craig Ballantyne

You MUST get more deep sleep. 


Here's how: 



FIRST, sleep in a cool (67 degrees Farenheit), pitch dark room. 



SECOND, avoid ALL electronics for at least 30 minutes before bed. I stop using all computers and my phone an hour before bed. 



And when I travel, I take two secret weapons. While this sounds goofy and makes me look SILLY, I wear an eye-mask and earplugs to bed when traveling because hotels are too bright and loud and that's  the THIRD tip




Let us know what you think!!!!



Cheers

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

It's the Mid-Week

Hello My Friend

It's the middle of the working week and the day has started well
Despite all news to the contrary, it is still a good world made by God for the habitation of His creatures.
Remember that no matter what, health is much more important that any other thing in this world
because without health, he who accumulates, only does so for others to enjoy.
So take good care of your health and every other thing shall be added unto you.
Have a good day today
Cheers

Monday, September 15, 2014

Welcome to Monday

Hello My Friends

I am visibly excited to welcome you to Monday the beginning of the working week. My excitement stems from the fact that in His infinite mercies, God saw it fit to wake us up again from sleep.

You and I know very well that while asleep, we are like them that are "dead" but because of His grace upon our lives, He made us wake up this morning.

All glory, honour, dominion and adoration must go to Him and let's not be quiet about this miracle of our lives but go all out to broadcast it to the four corners of the earth.

Now that you are in Monday, what are you going to do with it?

That's a question for you to answer.

Do say something about it.

Have a very splendid Monday

Dr. - JTF

Monday, April 28, 2014

Going Bananas




Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.

After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.

No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Muscle Cramps
In two Mintues Cramps is gone that power full And amazing Fruit

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana.
This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills eat a banana.
The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia :
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beatblood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration hasjust allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability
to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power.
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey..
The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside
of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to
gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips.
Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs.
The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.
It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: 
Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.
In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain,
as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from
the effects of nicotine withdrawal.


Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.
These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Shine on our shoes
Quick shine on our shoes??
Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.

Strokes:
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out.
Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A banana a day keeps the doctor away!’

Sunday, April 6, 2014

8 Ways To Fight Aging



Aging is a concern for lots of us. Sure, many people (namely celebrities), go under the knife, and undergo some type of cosmetic procedure; but, this is not the only solution out there. In fact, there are many things you can do, which do not require spending thousands of dollars, to avoid aging.

There are several simple things you can do, when searching for the best ways to fight aging. In fact, most of them are things you can start doing at a young age, which will help keep you looking young, help keep you feeling young, and help you avoid the common signs of aging, most people want to avoid. Regardless of how old you are, it is never too early to start with some of these techniques, when you are trying to avoid aging.

1. Wear sunscreen -
Believe it or not, the sun causes major damage to your skin; and, for most people, sunscreen is just a way to protect your skin from cancer. But, this is not the case. Too much exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, sun spots, dryness, and uneven skin tones; if you are outside more than 10 to 15 minutes a day, sunscreen can help. Using something that is SPF 15 or stronger, is best for your skin. In addition to helping fight aging, sunscreen is also going to help with even tan lines, and avoid that tomato red skin shade.

2. Eat well -
Seems simple enough, right? But, for most of us, our days are hectic. When we can’t make lunch, we stop at the fast food restaurant. If we have a busy day at work, we might pick up dinner on the way home. These things are not only unhealthy, but a poor diet, and lack of balanced nutrition, will lead to early signs of aging. 

Five servings of fruits and veggies each day, getting in the required vitamin sources each day, and 8 glasses of water each day, will surely help keep your body looking younger, and will help you feel younger as well. You should try to limit fat consumption to 35% of daily calories, and try to get in at least 15% of calories from rich protein sources. Doing this will help fight aging, but will also help fight different illnesses and ailments which are common in individuals who have a poor diet, such as diabetes.

3. Sesame oil -
Massaging sesame oil in to the face, arms, and areas of the body where wrinkles are common, can help fight the signs of aging as well. The oils not only help get your blood pumping and flowing, but will also help with hydrating the skin. Many people are not aware of how dehydrated their skin is; this in turn results in a much older appearance. The oil also helps to naturally cleanse away dead skin cells, so this will help with the ashy appearance, and will help provide a balanced, all natural skin tone, which looks healthier, and is healthier.

4. Hydration -
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is not only recommended to help your systems, and internal organs function, but is also a way to fight the signs of aging. Water is required for nearly every body function, this includes perspiration, which removes the harmful toxins from our system. Drinking sufficient amounts of water will also help provide that plump appearance, moisture, and soft supple skin that you strive for, without having to purchase the $200 cream at the health and beauty shop. When you are dehydrated, fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced, and are far more visible; when your skin is hydrated, not only does the appearance of your skin look better, but it also helps to reduce these lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging, which are bound to take place as we age.

5. Exercise -
Although you might hate doing it every morning, exercise helps to release toxins from the body, helps to reduce stress levels, and helps to balance your mind; all of these things will result in a younger looking appearance, and will result in a healthier looking body. Regular aerobic exercises greatly reduces the signs of aging; studies also show that exercise helps balance bone density, stamina levels, and muscle development as we age. Individuals who exercise more often, appear younger, and those who exercise for a majority of their lives, will not only fight the signs of aging, but will also feel much better, healthier, and tend to lead longer, and happier lives as well.

6. Fish oil -
Not only does it help you get in your omega 3 fatty acids for the day, but these anti-inflammatory products are the best anti-aging products available to you on the market today. They help improve heart health, they help with hair growth, skin hydration, and other beneficial functions to the human body.

7. Increase antioxidant intake -
Dozens of studies have shown that the release of free radicals (which is one of the consequences of exercise), can be slowed down, when you increase antioxidant consumption. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, and this in turn helps fight the signs of aging which are all too often associated with free radicals. Diet and supplementation should be taken, in order to help you get the sufficient intake of antioxidants on a daily basis. Including berries as a part of the diet, is also a simple (and tasty) way, to ensure you are getting sufficient antioxidant levels in your system on a regular basis.

8. Cut back on alcohol intake -
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and it also depletes the essential vitamin levels, and essential minerals which are found in your system. This does not mean you can’t drink, it simply means when you do drink, try to do so sparingly, and drink a couple of glasses of water for each alcoholic drink you take in. This will help limit the consumption of alcohol, and will also help avoid the nasty hangover that you tend to experience, after a long night out.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Why We Take Vitamins. Why We May Be Wrong!





One-third of Americans (and an even higher percentage of Canadians) takes vitamin and mineral supplements each day. Reasons include:

1. Our new understanding of the body's requirements for particular chemical nutrients. For example, Vitamin C helps reduce free radical damage in cells.  It's easy to take Vitamin C in capsule form and to assume that it will give you the same benefits as a glass of orange juice. 


2. Our food supply is not as nutritious today as it was in the past.  This is due to large-scale farming which focuses on quantity, shelf life and profit rather than quality and nutrition. 


3.  Our modern lifestyle makes eating a balanced diet more difficult.  Increased stress has also boosted our need for certain nutrients.
We now assume that a vitamin pill will fill in these ‘gaps’ in our nutrition.  It may seem like a simple solution, but they often don't do enough.  And sometimes they just DON'T WORK.  Why is this?



A report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association concludes that the formula for optimal health isn't in the supplement aisle of a health-food store but in the FOOD AISLE. The American Dietetic Association is the largest organization of professionals that deals directly with your diet. It also has access to the most data and research in the field. So why do they state that foods are better than supplements?


5 Reasons To Use a Food Based Approach
1. Vitamin supplements are limited to what is written on the label. If it lists 20 chemical isolates, that is all you get. In comparison, every whole food has thousands of different micro and macro nutrients. This is why the better (and the more expensive) the supplement, the more factors it has in it.  But the best supplements are whole foods.  An orange, for example, has not only vitamin C but bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, folic acid, fibre, magnesium potassium and many other valuable nutrients. 
2. Foods contain nutrients we don’t fully understand.  Nutritional science is still young. Each day it discovers new phytonutirents which have profound influences on the body. More importantly, nutritional science is only just discovering the relationships between the various nutritional factors: how one factor influences another and how different ratios of nutrients affect the body.  The ‘facts’ of nutrition may change tomorrow, so why should you depend on them today?



3.  Each person has UNIQUE nutritional requirements. These requirements will change over time and in different environments.  If you take this into account and try to prescribe isolated vitamins and minerals it becomes very complicated very quickly. The ‘gaps’ are constantly changing.  You would need expensive professional help to pinpoint the best nutrients for your body.  And they can only determine what your body needs at a single point in time while your needs will change from one day to the next. 



4.  The body absorbs foods best.  Mere decades of nutritional research cannot compete with millions of years of natural evolution. The body evolved to eat real foods. Isolates found in artificial supplements are poorly absorbed and are often eliminated by the body before they can be used.  Many isolates are not recognized by the body as food, and may even be interpreted as toxins. Although certain higher quality supplements offer superior absorption, again, they usually do so just because they are closer to real food.  Unfortunately, they still can't compare with whole foods. Why not give your body what it deserves and eat food instead of pills?



5. Foods have LIFE.  There is something about the aliveness of food that makes it instinctively attractive. Fresh food is always more attractive than leftovers.  People have recently discovered the value of raw foods. This value can be measured in terms of enzymes and specific nutrients, but also in qualities that are harder to measure like energy and vitality.  All of these qualities are important for our physical and mental well-being.  


Friday, March 14, 2014

7 ‘Good’ Habits That Are Bad For Your Health



7 seemingly healthy habits that can be bad for your wellbeing

Think you know what’s good for you? You may be surprised. Take a look at these seven seemingly good habits that can actually be bad for your health.

Drinking water

While we are probably all familiar with the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, more recent research has suggested that there is actually no scientific evidence supporting this recommendation and that drinking excessive amounts of water can actually be dangerous by lowering the concentration of salt in your blood. Health-conscious water drinkers should also be wary of the trend for drinking bottled water, as studies have suggested that the chemicals (phthalates) from plastic bottles can leach into water and disrupt hormone levels.

Talking over your problems

Talking through your problems can be a great way to gain some perspective and get things off your chest. However, studies have suggested that, after a certain point, rehashing and dwelling on problems can actually be bad for your health. According to research, revisiting and analyzing the same problems with friends (“co-rumination”) can lead to anxiety, stress disorders and depression. Next time a problem arises, by all means talk it over with a friend, but try to focus on problem-solving rather than simply dwelling on the issue.

Sipping on mocktails

You may think that by swapping cocktails for mocktails you are doing your health a favour, but this may not actually be the case. While cutting down on alcohol is beneficial for your wellbeing, mocktails are often high in refined sugar which research suggests is just as damaging and addictive as alcohol. For a safer swap and a shot of nutrients, make sure you stick to mocktails made from pure fruit juices instead of those made from syrups.

Early morning workouts

While a daily workout is great for your health, studies suggest that getting up for early morning exercise may not be as ideal as it seems. A study by a researcher from Brunel University, Middlesex, found that heavy training sessions early in the morning can compromise the immune system and put athletes at increased risk of bacterial and viral infection. While a morning jog or gentle exercise session is unlikely to put you at risk, it may be better to save heavier workouts for later in the day.

Taking nutritional supplements

We all know that vitamins are good for us, but relying on nutritional supplements can actually be bad for your health. Separate studies have shown that high doses of vitamin supplements including iron, magnesium and vitamin B6 raise the death rate of older women, while taking vitamin E can increase men’s risk of prostate cancer. While certain people may be required to take vitamins (those with low levels of vitamin D, for example, or vegans who may be deficient in vitamin B12), for most people a better approach is to opt for a varied diet full of fruit and vegetables which will give you all the nutrients you need.

Slathering on sunscreen

Official advice for many years has warned about the dangers of skin cancer, causing many of us to take measures to cover up in the sun at all times. However, while it is extremely important to protect your skin, experts have more recently advised that little and frequent sun exposure is good for us, preventing vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to rickets, osteomalacia and depression. Official advice in the UK, where rickets has recently made a comeback, is to spend 10 minutes in the midday sun without sunblock each day before covering skin up.

Switching to low fat foods

When getting started in healthy eating, it is tempting to opt for low fat foods in order to help keep off excess pounds. However, cutting out ‘good’ fats such as omega-3 fatty acids could be detrimental to your health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, walnuts and flaxseeds, not only help to keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, they are also essential for good brain and heart health and can help prevent arthritis.
 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

8 worst habits you need to give up - And reasons why you need to quit



Everyone has bad habits from overdoing it on the booze to watching fantastically mindless, trashy TV. But although some things might seem like a hard habit to break, there are often really good health reasons why we should stop. So with that in mind, here’s our top 8 worst habits that really need to go.

Smoking

This is one of the classic New Year resolutions that so many people make and yet so many fail to break. Research has consistently highlighted just why smoking is bad for you.  Cancer, heart disease and long-term respiratory problems are just some of the health risks associated with the habit. It kills over 100,000 in the UK annually and over 400,000 in the USA. And it’s anti-social. So go on. Say no to nicotine.

Binge-drinking

When you wake up with a hangover, it’s a fairly common reaction to ponder the point of over-indulging on the alcohol front. But as well as adding pounds we don’t need in areas we don’t need them, too much alcohol can lead to a stroke, cardiac arrest, liver problems and heart issues. Indeed a recent study at University College London found that almost half of adults in the UK are binge drinkers. Time to hit the wagon huh?

Too much caffeine

Nothing beats that first cup of tea or coffee in the morning to beat the bleary eyes, but could you live without it?  Although we might think of the USA as the coffee capital of the world, Europeans consume more caffeine than anyone, with the UK 15th in the world charts.  Too much caffeine accelerates the heart rate and leads to insomnia, headaches and irritability. That said it can have a beneficial effect on fat-burning and exercise, so why not think about limiting your intake instead.

Junk food

Practically everyone has had the munchies after a night out and succumbed to a kebab or a burger and chips. The trouble is, that kind of food is full of empty calories. That means your body can’t effectively convert junk food into anything other than fat. So eat before you go out and salmon makes for the perfect pre-party evening meal. Not only is it an amazing source of protein, but it also contains all sorts of other benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Protein also lessens the effects of alcohol, as it takes a long time for your body to digest and minimises alcohol absorption.

Fizzy drinks/soda

Yes they taste good but no, they aren’t good for you. Apart from their teeth-rotting potential, fizzy drinks are packed with sugar, calories and caffeine. There are 139 calories in a can of Coca Cola, which is 14% of a woman’s recommended daily allowance. So yes, have one as an occasional treat, but come on, have a healthy fruit smoothie instead and radiate vitality and a Hollywood smile.

Too much technology

Research has shown recently that children’s thumbs are actually getting bigger because of the amount of time they spend texting and on tablets/android technology. We all do it, check our phones and tablets and play pointless computer games when we could be outdoors getting some fresh air. So ditch the technology. Angry Birds can wait. A gorgeous sunset can’t.

Vegging out in front of the TV

According to a Belgian study, people can consume up to 71% more food when they watch TV. When you do the maths that means that if you watch more than 19 hours of TV a week (and it adds up very quickly), you suddenly have a whopping 97% chance of being overweight. As if that wasn’t bad enough, TV isn’t great for engaging the brain either. Why? Because researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered that for every hour beyond 80 minutes you watch, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases by 30%. Wow. Time to read a book and do something active in the evenings.

Late night eating

Eating late at night is a sure fire way to pile on the pounds. US researchers have discovered that our internal organs have a body clock, which means they are more effective at certain times of the day than others. So, if you eat late at night, when the liver and intestines are not at their peak intensity, you could be asking for trouble and a bigger waistline.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

7 Reasons Why You Have Bad Breath



We all get bad breath sometimes, but if yours is becoming a chronic issue, you need to get to the root of the problem. For the most part, halitosis -- the fancy medical term for stinky breath -- just means you need better dental hygiene, but sometimes it signals a more serious medical condition. Here are some potential causes to watch out for.

1. You're not taking care of your teeth.
Bad dental hygiene causes about 85% of halitosis, according to a 2012 study in the International Journal of Oral Science. "Food that is not properly cleared from the mouth serves as a platform for bacteria to latch onto," says Marc Gibber, M.D. an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) at Montefiore Medical Center. Since germs like wet, warm environments, if you don't clean your mouth properly, it can become a cesspool and start to smell -- bacteria produce the sulfur compounds that give off that infamous rotten-egg stench. Brush and floss twice daily, and don't forget to scrape your tongue, too. "These living-without-oxygen bacteria will collect in the back part of the tongue," says dentist Richard H. Price, an American Dental Association consumer adviser.

2. You're not drinking enough water.
Being dehydrated can make you produce too little saliva, which is a problem because saliva washes away those smell-causing bacteria. "The saliva we produce will keep the cells in the mouth alive," says Gibber. "When we decrease the saliva, the cells will start to die off." Dead, rotting cells stink. Drink water: Nutritionists recommend six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Green tea helps hydrate, too -- and a 2012 Israeli study found the antioxidants in it change some of the sulfur compounds in bad breath.

3. You're dehydrated because of allergies.
People with allergies who can't breathe through their noses end up breathing through their mouth, which is also drying, says Dale Amanda Tylor, M.D., MPH, general and pediatric otolaryngologist in Freemont, Calif. If you have allergies, make sure to treat your congestion -- and also hydrate.

4. You're eating too much of the wrong stuff.
It's a no-brainer that garlic causes bad breath, and we bet you already know to pack your (sugar-free) breath mints when heading out to the Italian restaurant. But did you know that milk products can thicken nasal mucus and lead to a sulfurous smell? "Many professional singers will tell you they try to avoid dairy products so they have a clear voice and don't have that mucus," says dentist Martha Ann Keels, division chief for pediatric dentistry at Duke Children's Hospital. It can't hurt to go easy on the bread and pasta either. "High-carbohydrate foods promote more bacteria because they're high in sugar," says Baldeep Singh, M.D., clinical chief of internal medicine at Stanford Hospital & Clinics. "Eating fibrous foods may help."

5. You have a sinus or tonsil infection.
"Infection can fester in the sinuses," says Singh, which leads to bad smells. Go to a doctor who can prescribe you antibiotics. Clearing out your sinuses with a Neti pot or Neilmed sinus rinse in a squirt bottle can often help too, says James N. Palmer, M.D., an otolaryngologist and director of rhinology at the University of Pennsylvania. Multiple tonsil infections or cases of strep throat can result in tonsil stones, which are calcium stones that feel like little pebbles in the back of the throat -- and emit a strong odor, says Gibber. The best treatment is an old-fashioned salt-water gargle because the high salt content kills bacteria, says Palmer. Add a tablespoon of salt to six ounces of warm water and gargle with it every morning for two or three days. After the salt rinse, eat yogurt with live active cultures -- good bacteria.

6. You have acid reflux.
People with heartburn are "burping up stomach acid, and that's on their breath," says Keels. It produces an acidic, vinegary smell. "A lot of people just think of reflux as heartburn, indigestion," says Tylor. "[But] it can even go as high as the sinuses or the ears." How to prevent it? "Everything good is bad for reflux -- alcohol, citrusy things, cinnamon, chocolate," says Tylor.

7. You have a more serious condition, like cancer.
In very rare cases, extremely bad breath can be one of the warning signs of cancer in the nose, ear, neck, or throat. "It's what we call amongst ourselves the cancer smell," says Gibber. "It's a kind of sour, cheesy smell." People who have been exposed to radiation, such as those with head and neck cancers, make less mucus -- which makes their breath smellier. But remember that bad dental hygiene is a far, far more common cause of bad breath, so don't panic.