Discussion Board

A breath issue. My husband and I have been on a plant based diet for over 4 weeks and love it. I make sure that we eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, bean, and brown rice, quinoa and other grains. My husband has begun having an unusual breath. It smells almost chemical like mothballs. I know this may sound amusing but we are concerned. We both feel very well, have a history of physical fitness and are really enjoying this diet and are committed to it. I would love to hear any opinions or advice you can provide. Thank you!

Welcome aboard, Dear!

If this continues, he may want to be checked by an MD or dentist since this could be the sign of a disease or condition that merits attention.

Since smells are very subjective, I would not try to "diagnose" this via the Internet!

Please keep us posted!

How odd! My husband used to have the worst case of bad breath. I thought it was just something we'd have to live with. He carried mints and gum with him wherever he went. Soon after we adopted this WOE, the breath cleared up and it now smells wonderfully normal. He was a very big meat-eater and I had no idea that the change in eating would cause such a difference. I am so happy I could kiss him!

(Sorry that doesn't answer your question. I'd get it checked out)

Just a guess but is it possible that you are smelling ketones? Maybe your husband is not consuming enough calories? It is easy to check if there are ketones in his urine, by simply using keto-sticks. If they are in the urine they might also be on his breath. Sometimes it is just a matter of simply eating more calories and it goes away. I used to follow a low-carb diet many years ago and my husband complained about my ketone-breath. It doesn't happen often now (maybe twice?) but if for some reason I skip a meal or two or am simply not eating enough he mentions that I have ketone breath.

I was thinking the same as lacey - ketones smell like pear drops.
If you are eating enough - it can be due to dehydration too.