Combating Body Odor
Body odor is the smell that emanates from ones body and is unpleasant; sometimes the odor is so strong that it gets unbearable for others. Some people have strong body odor while others are lucky enough exuding not so strong a smell, due to their genetic make up and hygiene levels. The body produces - Eccrine, an odorless and plain sweat that is produced all over the body and Apocrine, a much thicker and odorless sweat but when bacteria sit on it, body odor gets unbearable. But not to panic, combating body odor is not so difficult if proper hygiene levels are followed.
Reasons for Body Odor
Apart from an individual’s genetic make up and improper hygiene levels, there are other reasons for body odor.
- Certain medical conditions of people and the medications they use can lead to body odor.
- Body odor is an indication of puberty in adolescents when their apocrine glands start functioning.
- People with diabetes and urinary infections exude sweet smelling body odor.
- Gastrointestinal problems are another reason for strong body odor.
- People affected with typhoid fever emanate smelly body odor.
- Vitamin C deficiency also leads to body odor.
- Eating certain foods like garlic and onion can give you a strong smelling body odor.
Combating Body Odor
Maintaining proper personal hygiene levels in most important if you want to avoid smelling bad and save yourself from embarrassing moments either at work , home or while you socialize.
Use deodorant body soaps to fight bacteria that are responsible for unpleasant body odor. Make sure you clean underarms and the groin area.
Use talcum powder in your arm pits so that it soaks up the sweat and leaves you feeling fresh.
Use deodorants that suit your body type and ones that contain anti bacterial metallic salts, spray over your underarms before you put on your shirt. Deo sticks and rub on are another option you could go for.
Avoid foods that are too strong like onions, garlic, fish and spicy food, these after a while can leave you smelling strong and unpleasant.
Wash you clothes and inners thoroughly to get rid of sweat and odor.
Take regular showers, twice if your routine involves excess physical activity, sportspersons and people involved in lifting heavy objects are recommended to take showers twice a day.
Use antiperspirants.
Try and eat as healthy as possible, go for fresh fruits and juices.
Go for fabrics like cottons than synthetics, as cotton clothes absorb sweat better.
Stay calm, avoid getting overtly tensed and nervous, you sweat and perspire more under tension and pressure.
In spite of all of these, if you still cannot combat your body odor, its time you saw a doctor or a dermatologist.