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So, you know that strong smell that lingers after eating garlic? Garlic breath happens because of sulfur compounds in garlic that get absorbed into your bloodstream and then released through your breath. It can stick around for hours, even after brushing your teeth! We need to face it, as nobody wants to walk around smelling like garlic all day. But don't worry, I've got your back! I'll share six awesome ways to quickly get rid of garlic breath, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about the aftermath afterwards!
How long does garlic breath stay in your system?
Garlic breath can linger in your system for quite some time, often longer than you might expect. After eating garlic, the compounds responsible for its pungent odor are absorbed into your bloodstream during digestion. From there, they travel throughout your body, including to your lungs, where they're expelled through your breath.
The duration of garlic breath can vary from person to person, but it lasts for several hours, even up to 24 hours after consuming garlic. This lingering effect is because the sulfur compounds in garlic are volatile and can persist in your body for an extended period.
Despite brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or chewing gum, garlic breath may persist due to these compounds being expelled through your breath over time. While there's no instant fix, staying hydrated, eating other foods, and practicing good habits can help lessen the duration and intensity of garlic breath. The 6 ways to get rid of a garlic breath will be shared in the later sections.
Method 1. Chew fresh parsley
Fresh parsley is not only a garnish; it's a potent breath freshener too! It contains chlorophyll, a natural deodorizer that helps neutralize garlic odor. You can take a handful of parsley, chew it thoroughly, and let its fresh flavor mask the garlic smell. You can also mix chopped parsley into salads or sprinkle it over dishes for an extra burst of freshness.
Method 2. Munch on apple or lettuce
Crisp fruits and vegetables like apples or lettuce act as natural toothbrushes and can help us scrap away garlic particles from our teeth and gums. They also stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away odor-causing compounds. Keep some sliced apples or lettuce leaves handy to snack on after eating garlic-heavy meals.
Method 3. Sip green tea
Green tea is not only a soothing beverage but also a powerful ally against garlic breath. Its polyphenols help neutralize sulfur compounds in garlic and get rid of bad breath naturally. Brew yourself a cup of green tea, sip it slowly, and enjoy its refreshing taste while combatting garlic odor.
Method 4. Gargle with lemon juice
Lemon juice's acidity can break down garlic odor and leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. Mix equal parts freshly squeezed lemon juice and water, gargle with it for a few seconds, and then spit it out. Be cautious not to overdo it, as lemon's acidity can erode tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth with water afterward to protect your teeth.
Method 5. Snack on almonds or pine nuts
Almonds and pine nuts are not only delicious snacks but also effective at neutralizing garlic breath. Their high-fat content helps absorb and mask odor-causing compounds from garlic. Keep a stash of almonds or pine nuts handy to snack on whenever you need a quick breath freshener.
Method 6. Drink milk
Milk contains fat molecules that can help neutralize sulfur compounds in garlic and reduce bad breath. It's soothing for your stomach after a heavy meal. You can pour yourself a glass of milk and enjoy its refreshing taste while combating garlic breath.
