Buzz
Body odor can sometimes be embarrassing, but it's a natural part of life. If you're struggling with body odor, you'll be relieved to know there are several natural ways to combat it. Maintaining good personal hygiene, changing lifestyle habits, and using natural remedies are effective methods for controlling body odor. However, it's important to see a doctor if you experience skin irritation, if your body odor changes, or if you suddenly experience excessive sweating.
Steps
Improve Personal Hygiene
Shower daily to wash away sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Body odor is the result of bacteria reacting with sweat produced by sweat glands, so regular showering is essential. When showering, use a gentle, plant-based soap to lather up. The more lather and the longer you scrub, the more effective you will be at removing bacteria from your skin.
- Not all soaps are antibacterial, and you don't necessarily need antibacterial soap. Try using peppermint castile soap while showering. Peppermint oil has mild antiseptic properties and can help eliminate body odor.
- While showering with soap is the best option, showering with just water is better than not showering at all. It will be even more effective if you scrub with sand or a towel to remove bacteria and oils. This can be especially useful in situations like camping.
Be sure to dry yourself thoroughly. This is particularly important for odor-prone areas of your body: the groin, armpits, and around the nipples. You should also ensure that skin folds (under the breasts, in the groin, and belly) are completely dry.
- Avoid using cornstarch like baby powder. Many doctors believe that cornstarch can turn into 'food for fungi.' You can replace it with unscented talcum powder instead.
Eliminate the breeding grounds for bacteria to reduce odor. For example, shaving your armpits can help reduce body odor. Additionally, you should regularly clean the inside of your shoes, as they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Wear clean clothes made from breathable cotton fabric. Opt for clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool. If you sweat, synthetic materials with 'evaporative' properties can be helpful, but you should switch to natural fibers after showering and drying off.
- Cotton clothing allows your skin to breathe and reduces sweating, helping to keep your skin healthy, dry, and odor-free while wearing cotton garments.
Avoid wearing closed shoes with socks for extended periods. Closed shoes can cause foot odor if sweat builds up due to lack of airflow. This is especially true if you're wearing shoes made of non-breathable material. If possible, opt for sandals, flip-flops, or breathable shoes as much as possible.
Improve Lifestyle
Quit Smoking. Smoking or chewing tobacco can produce harmful free radicals in the body. These habits can also cause bacteria to form on the skin, leading to unpleasant odors.
Drink plenty of water to detoxify your body. Water is an excellent solvent that helps eliminate toxins from your body. It also acts as a neutralizer and reduces the formation of bacteria in the gut. Drinking 8-10 cups of water daily will help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and odor-free.
Consume probiotic-rich foods to control bacterial growth. Probiotics are natural, beneficial bacteria that support the gut and help control the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Probiotics encourage the growth of lactobacilli bifidus bacteria, which improve digestion and reduce toxins in the gut. Foods like yogurt and buttermilk contain probiotics.
- Consuming one cup of probiotic-rich food daily is highly beneficial and should be maintained for at least 6 months. This will help improve overall health, as body odor may simply be a digestive issue!
Remove odor-causing foods from your diet. Some foods can alter the scent of your body. Fatty foods (fatty meats, skin-on poultry, fried foods) and certain spices (curry, garlic, onions) can change body odor. Try eliminating these foods for 2-4 weeks to see if there is a difference.
- Coffee and caffeinated sodas can cause unpleasant odors in some people.
- Other foods and drinks that may cause a strong odor include: alcohol, asparagus, Egyptian fennel, and red meat.
Eat plenty of leafy greens to help control odor. Not eating enough leafy greens can also contribute to body odor. Leafy greens contain chlorophyllin, a natural odor-absorbing substance.
Use Natural Sweat-Blocking Products
Opt for natural sweat-blocking products. If you're not a fan of traditional deodorants or antiperspirants, consider switching to natural alternatives. Popular options like Tom's of Maine and Kiss My Face are widely available on the market.
Make your own sweat-blocking products. There are many recipes available online, but here's one you can try. Mix ¾ cup of arrowroot powder with 4 teaspoons of aluminum-free baking soda. Melt 6 tablespoons of organic cocoa butter or mango butter and 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil in a double boiler. Stir the melted ingredients into the dry ingredients, then add ½ teaspoon of lemongrass essential oil to the mixture.
- Store the mixture in an airtight glass jar. This concoction doesn’t need refrigeration.
Combat body odor with an antibacterial hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water. Dip a cotton cloth into the hydrogen peroxide solution, wring out excess liquid, and use it to wipe your armpits, groin, and feet.
Use apple cider vinegar to kill bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can be used to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Soak your feet daily in a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water. You can also pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it on your armpits.
- Apple cider vinegar is quite potent, and those with sensitive skin may experience discomfort like burning or itching. Therefore, it’s a good idea to test the solution on a small patch of skin before full use, and avoid using it right after shaving your underarms.
Treat your skin with tea tree oil to reduce sweating and body odor. Add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of witch hazel water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as a deodorant, especially after exercising. Witch hazel acts as an astringent and reduces sweat, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.
- Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial qualities and strong yet pleasant scent.
- When applied topically, tea tree oil kills bacteria on the skin, helping to reduce toxin buildup.
Understanding Body Odor
Learn what causes body odor. Body odor (also known as bromhidrosis, osmidrosis, or ozochrotia, or simply BO) originates from the breakdown of proteins by bacteria, the production of acids, the foods consumed, the amount of sweat produced, and overall health conditions.
- People with diabetes, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), those on prescription medications, or individuals who are overweight may be more prone to body odor.
- When we sweat, bacteria on the skin break down sweat and proteins in the skin into two main types of acids – these acids lead to body odor. The two primary acids (propionic acid and isovaleric acid) are produced by different types of bacteria. Propionic acid is produced by propionibacteria and often smells like vinegar. Isovaleric acid is produced by staphylococci and typically has a cheesy odor – this bacteria may also be used in some types of cheese.
Know which areas of your body are more likely to smell. Body odor often originates from skin folds or areas that are covered or prone to sweating – feet, groin, armpits, pubic area, and other areas with hair, belly button, anus, and behind the ears. Other areas may sweat and produce odor, but typically to a lesser extent.
Understand that foot odor is different from other body odors. Foot odor may differ slightly from odors in other areas of the body. Feet have apocrine sweat glands, but many people wear socks and shoes (mostly made of synthetic materials) for extended periods, preventing sweat from evaporating easily.
- Synthetic materials (unlike cotton and leather) tend to trap sweat and prevent evaporation unless specifically designed to allow moisture to escape.
- When sweat doesn’t evaporate, it creates an ideal environment for fungi to grow – and many types of fungi also produce unpleasant smells.
Consider other factors that influence body odor. For example, body odor can change with age. Prepubescent children typically don't produce much odor. Androgens produced during puberty are linked to increased body odor.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention if you experience a rash or irritation from natural products. While natural remedies are generally safe, they can still cause skin irritation, even rashes. Both store-bought and homemade natural deodorants can harm the skin. If this occurs, it's best to consult a doctor to determine if treatment is needed.
- You may notice swelling, itching, pain, or redness in areas where natural products have been applied.
- Ask your doctor if they recommend a specific natural deodorant that suits your skin type.
See a doctor if natural products do not control body odor. Often, personal care routines are enough to manage body odor. However, sometimes lifestyle changes and topical treatments aren't sufficient. In such cases, a doctor may recommend a suitable product for you.
- Your doctor may suggest trying traditional deodorants if natural products aren't effective. If these don't work either, you might be prescribed stronger deodorants.
See a doctor if excessive sweating or body odor interferes with daily life. Everyone sweats and has body odor – it's not just you! However, you may sweat more or have a stronger odor than others. Fortunately, a doctor can help if these issues are affecting your daily routine.
- Doctors can usually identify products that work for you.
- Additionally, your doctor might refer you to a specialist who can help you adjust your mindset about sweating and body odor. This could help you feel more comfortable.
Consult a doctor if you suddenly experience excessive sweating. While it may not be a cause for major concern, a sudden increase in sweating can indicate an underlying issue. It's advisable to discuss this with your doctor to identify the cause and potential treatment options.
- If an underlying condition is found, you may need treatment to address the excess sweating.
Consult a doctor if you notice a change in your body odor. Changes in body odor can sometimes be caused by an illness. While it’s usually not a major problem, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to investigate what might be causing the change and how to address it.
- Your doctor will suggest treatment options for any underlying health issues.
Advice
- Certain types of seafood, such as tuna or swordfish, have high mercury content, a toxin that can lead to unpleasant body odor.
