How to get Rid of Body Odor
Unpleasant body odor is an issue that some people struggle with. Pungent, obnoxious odor coming from your body may be the reason why you are running low on self-esteem. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of body odor. We will also define what it is and give more understanding of how you can address it.
What is Body Odor?
To put it simply, this is the smell our body gives off. Usually, these scents are odorless and cannot be detected by the human nose. However, adding certain factors into the equation, this usually odorless scent can become a strong, unpleasant smell. This gives the term “body odor" its association with smelliness.
However, keep in mind that body odor is not entirely yours’, nor anyone’s, fault. Although its cause is often associated with one’s sweat, body odor is actually influenced by five main factors: age, genetics, medical condition, diet and hygiene.
Where Does Sweat Come From?
The human body has millions of sweat glands and they are divided into two types. One of them is the eccrine glands. These glands are mainly found in the skin and usually produce sweat containing water and salt.
The other type is called the apocrine glands. These types of glands only start to develop on your body during puberty. Although they are also located on the lesser extent of the skin, they are more present in areas with abundant hair follicles such as the armpit and the groin. Note that the sweat they secrete is packed with protein and fat-based chemicals.
Although secretions from both glands are usually odorless, the sweat produced by the apocrine glands is a good source of nutrients for bacteria and other microorganisms. Body odor is the by-product of this entire process.
How to Get Rid of Body Odor
Getting rid of body odor completely may take a lot of work and will require adjustment to your lifestyle. On the other hand, reducing and managing it can bring satisfactory results.
We now know that the smell comes from the by-product of sweat and bacterial activity in your body. Therefore, addressing the issue through these channels is a good start in improving your body’s smell.
Good Hygiene
This is the simplest way of controlling unpleasant body odors. Using antibacterial soaps helps control the growth of microorganisms in your body. With showering regularly, they can create an environment in your skin which will make it difficult for bacteria to thrive.
Using products such as deodorants and antiperspirants also creates the same effect. Since they limit the amount of sweat your body produces, it also limits the source of nutrition for microorganisms.
Adjusting Your Diet
Everything you eat is broken down by your digestive system before being absorbed into your bloodstream. Notably, scientific studies tell us to watch out for the following foods as they are a great contributor to body odor:
- Red meats
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Sulfur-rich foods like onions, garlic, cumin and asparagus
- Junk foods
- Alcoholic beverages
We are not saying you should completely avoid them. Limiting your intakes of these is beneficial for reducing body odors. Just remember to be mindful of how much of these you consume, especially if you are trying to manage your body odor.
Consulting With a Physician
If you have already tried several ways to control your odor and end up with no progress, it may be a good time to start consulting with a specialist.
Certain medical conditions may contribute to having body odor. These can cause your sweat to have different compounds than regular sweat.
Over sweating is commonly found in people experiencing menopause or thyroid-related disorders, while kidney disorders, liver disorders, or diabetes-related disorders may change your sweat’s normal smell and consistency.
Here are good indicators that you should seek medical advice about your body odor:
- When over the counter deodorants and antiperspirants are not working for you.
- If you start noticing odd smells on your body that were not there before.
- If you start sweating more than you usually do.
- If sweating is starting to disrupt your regular schedule.
Overview
You can also consult with a doctor if your body odor becomes a persistent problem that cannot be easily managed. Physicians can start a detailed health plan for you and even provide you with prescription medicines if needed.
Body odor is unique for everyone. Therefore, what works for one may not be effective for someone else. As you age and make several changes to your lifestyle, being mindful of your hygiene and your food intake can prove to be a good foundation of keeping unpleasant body odor in check.