The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[VK]

It’s only day two so I think it’s too soon for me to be having “keto breath,” but I definitely need to do SOMETHING to get control of the halitosis situation I’ve developed! I went to the health food store and told the vitamin/herb specialist that I’m on Medifast and that I’m finding my breath disgusting. He suggested peppermint spirits [the essence of peppermint distilled and concentrated] to get a handle on things. He also told me peppermint aids in digestion and can prevent any lactose-induced gurgling I might encounter since I’m using the shakes exclusively. All of what he said sounded good, so I bought a 1 oz. bottle for $18. The bottle clearly says to dilute it by putting 20-30 drops in 4 oz of water, but I just had to try a drop on the tip of my tongue and I had an intense, burning mint experience. That’s what I get for not following directions, but after the sting, I had a really wonderful minty thing going on for about half an hour. Great! So I want to use these drops in my 64+ oz of water that I have to drink daily, but I wanted to check first and see if there’s any problem using this. The health food guy didn’t think so, but I thought I’d ask. I really like the immediate breath freshening of it and it really lasts, so I’m thinking about getting another bottle that I can keep in my purse at all times. Also, I’m having to brush my teeth and tongue rather often to keep that nasty coating off (I know that a keto side effect, but I didn’t expect it so soon!) so if nothing else, my teeth and gums will be in terrific shape once I’m done with the program!
Please let me know if the peppermint essence is okay to use. There’s no sugar or sugar substitute in it, but there is alcohol.

Thanks!
Vonni

[Ellen]

VK,
That peppermint essence sounds interesting. I'm interested in hearing what Nancy says about that, but I imagine that we'll be albe to use it since it has no calories.

I've been experiencing the creeping tongue crud and yep, it does make you want to brush more frequently. I've also been using the Altoids strips and they help, but don't last for that long, so the peppermint essence may be a better solution for days when we have to deal with the public.

Shake on,
Ellen

[explorthis]

I definitely need to do SOMETHING to get control of the halitosis situation I’ve developed!

He also told me peppermint aids in digestion and can prevent any lactose-induced gurgling.

Also, I’m having to brush my teeth and tongue rather often to keep that nasty coating off (I know that a keto side effect, but I didn’t expect it so soon!)

WHOA... digestion? lactose-induced? gurgling? Wow, this just made me hungry, what a great thought...

Is is a man thing = What's a "keto side effect" ? nasty coating on your tongue? How come I have never expierienced any of this? Maybe this is why I don't have any friends, or they run when I breathe on them!!!

Kidding of course..

I (I am prepared for the board 'ops to give me a lashing here) have been eating (chewing rather than sucking" on) "Ice Breakers" - Wintergreen mints. They have no sugar, they do include lots of other ingredients, and I have no idea what any of these are. The one thing I know is substituted for sugar is "ASPERTAME" (no stories on aspertame please, I do not care)

These are way good, and regularly checking my "ketosis" level w/ the Keto-stix, I am in the same range as I have been since about day 10.

Gotta go brush now, I have an inkling I might have some "stuff" on my tongue...

-Mike

[Lois]

Hello!

Have you tried scraping your tongue? There are tongue-scrapers that you can buy (they look like little U shaped stainless steel wire bands) or you can just use the edge of a spoon.

I scrape my tongue when I brush my teeth in the morning, and then again whenever I need to. Do it gently...it shouldn't hurt.

As you de-tox your tongue coating and breath will be better....

hugs,

Lois

[Unca_Tim]

Hi Vonni,
Your breath "may" seem personally worse than it is. Everyone's input here is great advice including the tongue scraper. Look into any of the breath mints, sprays etc. available at your corner store.

Linda Spangle recommends "Breath Assure", so you might try that. One thing she says to watch out for is sorbitol sweetener which can cause cramps, diarrhea and hunger.

Try increasing your water to help with the dry mouth which should subside once your bod gets totally adjusted to the program.

I dont think just a tad of alchohol in the extract should hurt. Especially if you let it sit a while, the alchohol should dissipate. By the sounds of it, I dont think you'll be guzzling the extract.....

Double check the ingredients and post them here, if you're not sure about something.

Keep on keepin' on,
Unca......

[explorthis]

One thing she says to watch out for is sorbitol sweetener which can cause cramps, diarrhea and hunger.

TIM!!! You stud... No wonder I was (can't say it - the "D" word) expieriencing this, over the past 2 days. I just read my "Ice Breakers" container, SORBITOL the first ingredient. (Thewy say the ingredients are listed by order of quantity)

I had had a few more mints over the past few days than I probably ought to have, no wonder!!!

Last night I was laying in bed, poor old stomach did not know what was going on, I am sure I was waking up kids with all the growling I was hearing - SORBITOL - was the cause!!!

Thanks for the heads up, no more of these for me!

-Mike

[Unca_Tim]

Yikes Mike,
You'll have to shop around for something else. Let us know if you find something.

Unca

[Added]PS: YES, we're gonna get at some maintenance stuff Mike. Nancy's working on something for the newsletter coming out on the 10th and we'll get a thread started here.... [/Add]

[VK]

I have an electric toothbrush with tongue scraper attachment and even with that I’m getting the coated tongue thing which is gross. I just keep brushing and scraping though. The peppermint essence is working rather well, and I’m adding it to my water so that’s coming along fine. This is day 3 and I have no problems and no real complaints. I haven’t received my Davinci syrups yet, so I’ve added a drop of almond extract to the shakes and that has really helped to cut the aftertaste that I disliked. I don’t like the bars so I’m on the shakes exclusively and I am not hungry at all. I’ve had two stalks of celery but not out of desperate hunger - just a little snack to keep me full between shakes. If the first 3 days are the hardest, the rest of the program should be a breeze.

[Cuffy]

"Creeping tongue crud". I can't stand it. There's always this crudy feeling in my mouth and throught. I cough all the time trying to get something to come up--you know, like cats who have hairball issues. Nothing quenches my thirds and sugar free candy only helps until it's gone. This problem, along with constant upset stomach and feeling like I need to puke, are driving me crazy. I can't take it anymore. Any advice?

[Nancy]

Cuffy -

You may be lactose intolerant if you feel real gaggy.

Have you had stomach problems with milk or ice cream before?

Some people have flu like syptoms the first few days while their body is detoxifying.

Yup, there is such a thing as the dreaded tongue crud. It does get better as time goes along but I still use a Sonacare to keep my fangs shiny and nice, I brush my tongue 2 x day and scrape it and I drink lots of water.

Drink lots of water - it's the best thing you can do for yourself - Medifast is dehydrating and a dry mouth contributes to the skunk breath.

As long as the peppermint essence is sugar free it should be fine...as long as it doesn't have Sorbitol...

besides giving you a growly tummy Sorbitol causes gas...great!

We'll have to change your name from Guido to Toots La Rue!

Hey, Toots - what's with the keto stix? What's the reason?

I know I have discussed this before - you can do a search, here's a link to one thread http://www.makemethinner.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1415&highlight=breath