Body odour − how to combat it

What is that smell?

Stinky body odours are embarrassing and off-putting to most people, especially those with sensitive noses. Fortunately, the underlying causes of many nose-pinching body odour smells are quick and easy to remedy.

Common causes are excessive strong-smelling sweat, poor hygiene, not washing and bathing often enough, eating certain odour-producing foods and suffering from stress and anxiety and diseases such as diabetes, yeast conditions such as candida, some liver and kidney diseases and other rare genetic disorders. Disease-induced odours need medical attention but the rest can be managed successfully and, more often than not, in a natural way.

Try the following remedies to help reduce the stench.

Keep those armpits clean and unclogged

Armpits have an important health function to fulfil. Sweat cools down the body and the sweat glands in your armpits help your body get rid of toxins. Although sweat is naturally odourless, bacteria that normally live on the surface of the skin digest sweat and may cause an unpleasant odour.

Some natural ways in which to keep armpits clean and dry is to wipe them with white or apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil or witch hazel − however, not immediately after having shaved. You can also apply a natural aluminium-free deodorant. (Aluminium is suspected of accumulating in the nervous system and contributing to certain nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Anti-perspirant deodorants are also suspect as they may block pores and not allow toxins to be excreted.)

Wash away the dirt

You need to wash, take a bath or shower regularly to counteract bad body odour from areas such as the underarms, genitals, hands and feet, scalp and face. A common misconception is that body odour comes only from the armpits. One of the foulest odours known actually comes from dirty, stinky feet! Change your socks daily, air your shoes and replace old shoes.

Watch what you eat

What you eat may cause bad breath and body odour. Over-consuming red meat and processed foods are proven body odour stimulants. Eating enough plant-based foods, such as fresh vegetables, legumes and fruit, is crucial. These healthy, natural foods have natural detoxifying effects that help combat body odour.

Beware of eating too much sulphur-producing foods such as cauliflower and cabbage and too little probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt (or a probiotic supplement) that keeps your gut healthy and sweet smelling. Also be aware that strong-smelling food such as onions, garlic and curry, and caffeine, alcohol and tobacco smells can be excreted through sweat. People who diet excessively often also develop strong smelling sweat.

Exercise the stench away

Exercise produces sweat and sweating toxins out of the body will help combat bad body odours. Do, however, remember to drink enough water throughout the day and especially while exercising. Do also wash, shower or take a bath after exercising.

Stay calm and breathe

Learn how to do deep breathing exercises. To stay calm and relaxed, practise breathing deeply daily. Allow the fresh oxygen-saturated air to circulate throughout your body and help detox your system. Also get enough sleep.

 

Sources

 

Espedes, A. 2015. Foods to eliminate body odor. Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/155243-foods-to-eliminate-body-odor/
Colquhoun, J. 2015. Ten tips to detox naturally. Retrieved from: http://www.foodmatters.com/article/10-tips-to-detox-naturally
Mcclure, S. 2015. What are the causes of underarm sweating? Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/135411-what-are-causes-underarm-sweating/
Mariaca, K. What are the causes of strong smelling perspiration? Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/107755-causes-strong-smelling-perspiration/
Nine ways to naturally treat body odor. Retrieved from: http://www.foodmatters.com/article/9-ways-to-naturally-treat-body-odor