Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

2

Hi peoples, (first time posting)

I've searched around, and can't seem to find anything that's applicable.

I've been doing very-low-carb (0g-6g average) paleo for about a month now. Recently, about the past two weeks, I've experienced a dry pasty mouth. My diet hasn't changed dramatically, I am getting plenty of water, I don't feel dehydrated. I don't have chapped lips, dry skin, bad breath, etc. Just a dry pasty mouth, and that's it.

I don't suffer from any kind of dietary conditions, have no diseases (that I know of). I don't think it's an electrolyte imbalance (but I'm no expert - it might be). I also breathe through my nose (now that detoxing has mostly eliminated seasonal allergies). So I'm really confused what could be causing this.

Do any of you have any ideas?

flag	asked Jul 17 at 1:44 asiago 23●4

Kathleen · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-17 04:57:46Z UTC

Drinking too much water can cause a dry mouth.

Also, with such a low carb diet, you are likely eating a significant amount of protein. Protein is a diuretic, causing your body to excrete water, along with electrolytes. Given that you are drinking about twice the "recommended" 6-8 cups per day, and eating a low-salt diet, I would think that there's a good chance that you may have an electrolyte imbalance or deficiency.

Past experience has shown me that if I am ever thirsty, but water doesn't quench my thirst (usually I'll develop a dry mouth when this happens) that what I actually need is salt... Lots of salt... and some juice (for the potassium).

Personal experience also taught me that the fewer carbs - and the more protein - I eat, the more salt I need. Without it I get dizzy and light headed. I'm not sure the science behind it, but I remember reasons about protein increasing your requirement for salt on Charles Poliquin's website.

Glither · Answer 2 · 2012-07-17 05:13:18Z UTC

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Low carb can be associated with mucus deficiency.

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2010/11/dangers-of-zero-carb-diets-ii-mucus-deficiency-and-gastrointestinal-cancers/

answered Jul 17 at 5:13

Glither
3,647●5●26

	Yuppity, yup, yup, yup. This can have further health issues associated with it, so uh, take heed. – Happy Now Jul 17 at 5:26
	Got it, the suggestion in the end of the article fits in line with what I had planned anyways. Thank you. – asiago Jul 17 at 23:15

Chinaeskimo · Answer 3 · 2012-07-17 02:36:50Z UTC

Are you sure you are drinking enough water? it has been so hot out. Also...

Carbs are high in moisture, so when you eliminate carbs, you lose most of the water in your diet. This could be one reason.

Some other possibilities I can think of are:

1) you eat a lot of salt

2) some kind of medicine, even OTC can have these side effects

2) at night when you sleep, you breathe through your mouth

There are special mouthwashes that contain xylitol and may ease dry mouth in the meantime...

melimel · Answer 4 · 2012-07-17 03:21:27Z UTC

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Ketosis is well-known to make your mouth dry, along with causing changes to how your breath smells. You could chew gum; it hydrates the mouth and freshens the breath. I don't know of a paleo substitute for gum, though.

answered Jul 17 at 3:21

melimel
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Red Robin · Answer 5 · 2012-07-17 05:00:18Z UTC

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Check the ingredients in your sausages. One of the main reactions to sulfites is dry mouth. Also, MSG has a widespread reputation for eliciting a variety of symptoms, ranging from headache to dry mouth to flushing.

answered Jul 17 at 5:00

Red Robin
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Dry Pasty Mouth

5 Answers