How to manage bad breath caused by poor spleen and stomach function

Poor spleen and stomach function can lead to bad breath, which requires comprehensive regulation through dietary adjustments, improved lifestyle habits, emotional balance, moderate exercise, and auxiliary traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies. By restoring the digestive and transforming functions of the spleen and stomach, the underlying causes of bad breath can be reduced. If bad breath persists for more than two weeks and is accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, acid reflux, or unexplained weight loss, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

1. Dietary Adjustment: Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, cold, sweet, and rich foods to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach. Increase intake of spleen-strengthening and stomach-nourishing foods such as Chinese yam, millet, and pumpkin. Maintain regular meals with consistent portion sizes, avoiding overeating or prolonged periods of fasting.

2. Improve Lifestyle Habits: Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late, which can impair spleen and stomach function. Develop habits such as rinsing the mouth after meals and brushing teeth morning and night to minimize food residue and bacterial growth. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce irritation to the digestive system.

3. Regulate Emotional State: Chronic anxiety and depression can negatively affect the digestive function of the spleen and stomach. Maintain a calm and balanced mindset, and use stress-relief methods such as meditation or talking with others to prevent emotional disturbances from triggering gastrointestinal dysfunction.

4. Moderate Exercise: Engage in gentle physical activities such as walking, jogging, or practicing Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) to enhance gastrointestinal motility and support digestion and absorption. Aim for 3–5 sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes, and avoid intense exercise.

5. TCM-Assisted Regulation: Under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, consider moxibustion on spleen-supporting acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12), or take proprietary Chinese medicines that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness. Avoid self-medicating, which may increase bodily burden.

Daily care includes drinking warm plain water regularly to keep the mouth moist, gently massaging the abdomen after meals to aid digestion, and avoiding prolonged sitting, which can impede the flow of qi in the spleen and stomach. Comprehensive self-care supports improved spleen and stomach function and helps alleviate bad breath at its root.