The Latest Hollywood Diet May Cause Bad Breath

Heavy protein diets have been popular amongst Hollywood stars for years. This type of diet gained popularity with the Atkins diet, which requires sticking to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food regimen. Jennifer Aniston has been an avid follower, although she has never publicly commented on the subject, reports the Daily Mail.

Now it is the new Dukan Diet that is the current craze amongst well-known celebrities. According to The Sun, singer/actress Jennifer Lopez and opera singer Katherine Jenkins are all reported to be on the Dukan Diet. This diet program is named for French nutritionist Dr. Pierre Dukan. How does it work? It calls for long periods of time of consuming solely protein -- not even vegetables are allowed.

Eating only protein-based diet can cause bad breath, among other unsavory side effects. A person consuming only protein (which most likely includes animal products) would most likely have very unpleasant breath.

Protein is one of the most common causes of bad breath. When these protein molecules are broken down, they release particles called ketones and ammonia. These unpleasant particles are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel into the lungs, where they are exhaled -- causing halitosis.

People in the spotlight and people who consider themselves overweight are willing to go to extreme lengths to lose extra pounds or maintain a low weight. They are willing to forgo having fresh breath for looking slim. But is this necessary? Some experts still insist that it is possible to lose weight sensibly by eating a balanced diet.

Are these Hollywood A-listers compensating for their bad breath? No one knows for sure. If following a high-protein diet and rapid weight loss are crucial, the best thing to do is to use oral care products that are known for treating halitosis. If you're going to look good, you also want to smell good.