Can milk cause bad breath?

Q. I have seen some questions in your column regarding bad breath. I’d like to share my personal experience.

I used to have bad breath and had seen my dentist and my doctor about it, but found no solution until I discovered that my lactose intolerance was causing the problem.

On a two-week trip overseas several years ago, I happened to consume no milk. I felt better than I ever had in my life, and did not worry about my breath.

When I got home, I started consuming milk as usual, and the problem returned. Avoiding dairy products solved the problem.

A. Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest milk sugar.

Symptoms often include gas, bloating, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

We have not been able to find studies linking bad breath to lactose intolerance in the medical literature.

Nevertheless, we congratulate you on finding a simple solution to your problem.

There is a hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance. People who suspect that their digestive woes are caused by dairy products can request it from a physician.

There are also lactase pills (Lactaid, house brands) that help break down milk sugar to reduce symptoms.

Q. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis around menopause and was prescribed Fosamax. It gave me flulike symptoms every time I took it.

Actonel gave me an ulcer.

My doctor discovered I have celiac disease, which explains why I developed osteoporosis so young.

I am reluctant to keep taking bisphosphonates such as Reclast or Boniva because of reports about brittle bones.

Are there other options?

A. We’re sorry you have had trouble with bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel).

Such drugs increase bone density but can cause bone, joint and muscle pain, blurred vision, heartburn and flulike symptoms.

We are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis with a discussion of risk factors such as celiac disease. It also discusses many other options, including drugs such as Evista, Forteo and calcitonin (Miacalcin), along with nondrug suggestions for stronger bones. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. U-92, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Celiac disease is caused by an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

This results in poor absorption of nutrients that can lead to osteoporosis.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2011 King Features Syndicate, Inc.