Greek yogurt doesn’t need any introduction, at least not anymore. This is because it has become a popular choice for people who like healthy food because of its high nutrient value.
Greek yogurt can be used by people who are on a weight loss diet because it’s available in low-fat and sugar-free versions.
It’s great for those looking for a high-protein dairy option or who are looking to add extra calcium to their diet. Plus, it’s delicious!
It has come to our attention that some people struggle with a dry mouth after eating Greek yogurt, so we want to address that problem in today’s article.
Why Does Greek Yogurt Make My Mouth Dry?
First of all, it’s not in your imagination – Greek yogurt can indeed make the mouth feel dry. Here are a few reasons behind the phenomenon. Check out two potential reasons below:
1. Protein
To begin with, some Greek yogurt manufacturers use protein powder in the product. This protein powder is used for boosting the protein content of the yogurt plus it gives the yogurt a thickened texture.
However, this added protein can result in a chalky sensation in the mouth, which is often associated with a dry mouth.
For this reason, we suggest that you opt for Greek yogurt with a lower protein content to prevent the issue. Check the label. If it says “high protein” or something similar, avoid it.
You can also read the list of ingredients printed on the packaging.
2. Whey
The second reason behind the dry mouth is the lack of whey. Whey is the watery part of milk that separates out during the fermentation process.
In the majority of cases, Greek yogurt manufacturers strain out most of the whey from the solid parts. It is done to improve the water-holding capacity and enhances the firmness of the yogurt.
In fact, this is what makes Greek yogurt what it is – a thicker version of ordinary yogurt. However, when the Greek yogurt manufacturer removes whey from the yogurt, it also removes the moisture, which gives a dry mouth feel.
Tips To Prevent Dry Mouth With Greek Yogurt
Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind dry mouth when consuming Greek yogurt, let’s see what can be done to prevent it.
While it’s not possible to eliminate the issue altogether, you will be able to prevent dry mouth with the following tips;
- It is important for you to stay hydrated. You need to regularly drink sips of water throughout the day. If you start off slightly dehydrated before eating Greek yogurt, it will make the problem worse. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and even more in hot weather.
- Secondly, you should try chewing gum or just suck on the hard candy. It is suggested to use sugar-free candies and chewing gums to make sure there are no compromises on your diet. Sugar-free products will keep the carbs and calories under control. These candies and gums will stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth, which is one of the best ways of keeping the mouth wet.
- It is better to give up on acidic, alcoholic, and caffeinated juices. In particular, you should avoid drinks and beverages with citrus fruits because they leave a drying effect.
- Instead of eating the yogurt plain, try adding chopped fruit to it. This will add moisture, sweetness, and extra nutrition.
- You need to stop using chewing tobacco and cigarettes! While these items are bad for your general health, they can also worsen the dry mouth issue. Please, try to quit smoking because it’s one of the essential things that you can try to improve the mouth’s moisture content and your general health overall.
- If you live in an area with dry air, try installing a humidifier in your room, particularly during winter nights. It will help keep the room humid so you don’t struggle with dry mouth or throat.
- You could try brushing your teeth right after eating Greek yogurt. Not only will you be looking after your teeth but the toothpaste will start saliva production in your mouth and relieve the dryness.
- Last but not least, if you find you’re struggling with dry mouth with other foods besides Greek yogurt, consult your doctor or dentist because he/she will be able to offer dental products that are specifically designed to treat dry mouth.
On a concluding note, it’s common for some brands of Greek yogurt to create a dry mouth feel, but staying hydrated and adding fruit to the product can help with this issue!