TV doctor Amir Khan was back on our screens on Friday to dish out some more helpful health tips. A full-time GP, as well as being an author and regular guest on ITV, appeared alongside Ranvir Singh last week.
Ranvir was filling in for regular presenter Lorraine Kelly, who was taking a half-term break. Dr Khan addressed the topic of bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, which is actually caused by bacteria in the throat and tongue that produce sulphur.
The doctor shared some advice to help people keep their breath fresh, especially while out at work. He said: “Food can help … fibre is great so fruit and veg, things like carrots, apples, kale. Fibre can act like a natural toothbrush because it’s quite rough, and it can clean your teeth that way.”
He went on to say that lots of Vitamin C can prevent mouth diseases and added: “I’m [also] a big fan of yoghurt. The bacteria that live in your mouth produce a substance called hydrogen sulphide, it smells like rotten eggs.”
A 500g of natural yoghurt can be bought at Tesco or Aldi for 35p, and Dr Khan says eating yoghurt daily can reduce bad breath by 80%.
Ginger, he said, contains a substance called gingerol which can “activate your saliva to create compounds that neutralise odours in your mouth”, before he advised people to drink lots of water. Dr Khan then urged workers to do one thing after having their lunch.
He said: “If you’re at work, rinse your mouth with water after a meal. You don’t have to brush your teeth, but that will significantly improve your mouth hygiene.”
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITVX