A certain amount of sweating is normal. But excessive sweating is abnormal and should be cared for. Many people experience with cold, wet hands and feet, especially when under nervous tension. Excessive moisture in the skin always increases the possibility of further infection with fungus and bacteria, especially on the feet, around the genital areas and under the armpits. If the armpits and groins are involved, strong objectionable odors may arise. These odors arise from the breakdown of sweat and cellular debris, due to action of germs on the skin. Sweat glands (apocrine glands) under the arms and in the groin secrete a substance that is the major non-food/drink related cause of body odor. Bacteria, causing odor, quickly attack this substance, which contains protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, often secreted by an increase in sex hormones caused by tension and emotional stress.
Anaerobic bacteria , which take birth when we have lack of oxygen, may be the cause of body odor. As the body's metabolism goes to work, it gives off odors, which is the body's way of ridding itself of waste products. Any imbalances in metabolism will result in stronger odors. Thus, toxins are the main cause of the body odor.
In our daily life we are exposed to toxins in our homes, food, and air that accumulate in the body when the organs of elimination cannot excrete them. The liver and intestines may be clogged up, causing odors to emanate from the body. Another cause for the body odor may be the dietary imbalances, which results in constipation. Deficiency of magnesiumor zinc may be other causes of body odor.
Body odor also depends upon the eating habits. Some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a very distinctive body odor, which can be quite offensive. Some individuals cannot metabolize foods containing large amounts of choline, such as eggs, fish, liver and legume that results in a "fishy" smell.
Depression can be another cause of body odor. When one is depressed, an indifference to self-care can often be observed, not only in terms of bathing, but of clothing, grooming, and hair care as well.
Certain foodsand drinks, such as onions, garlic, curry, certain spicy foods, coffee and alcohol, are also some of the causes of bad odor. Fried and baked goods may contain rancid fats and oils that lead to body odor.
Other causes for the bad odor may be underlying causes of excessive sweating, such as low blood sugar, liver disease, diabetes, parasites, metabolic dysfunction, menopause, or emotional stress(anger, fear, excitement).
- For excessive underarm odor, use a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) Put a teaspoonful in a glass of water and wash the underarm.
- Frequent bathing is good for those who are troubled with skin odors. In some people merely shaving the hair from under the arms may relieve this problem.
- Add three cups of tomato juice in the water and soak for fifteen minutes or longer. It will help to get rid of body odor. This is one of the best home remedies for body odor.
- Take juice of about two dozen radishes, add 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin, and put in a spray-top bottle. This is an effective home remedy for body odor. Use as an underarm deodorant or to reduce foot odor. .
- Clothes should be loose as they allow the body to breathe better than tight clothes. The perspiration escapes and doesn't become a breeding place for bacteria. The type of fabric is also very important. Synthetic fabrics for shoes and clothes don't allow the body to breathe, so natural fabrics are better than synthetic fibres. Change clothes regularly.
- Dietary changes are also very important in decreasing the body odor. Certain foods, such as meat, onions, garlic, exotic spices, and drinks such as coffee and alcohol can lead to body odor. Try removing these from diet for a week or two and see if this makes a difference.
- Tobacco use is a major cause of body odor. If you stop smoking it may take several weeks for the body to rid itself of odor causing substances.
- Rosemary is an antibacterial herb. Put 8 to 10 drops of the essential oil in 1 ounce of water and apply it where needed. One of the useful home remedies for body odor.
- Wash your armpits with alcohol, white vinegar or witch hazel instead of deodorant.
- Apple cider vinegar also helps to reduce under arm body odor when used in place of deodorant because it reduces the pH of the skin. Bacteria can't live in areas with low pH.
- Baking soda acts as an agent that kills the bacteria and helps to absorb perspiration. Cornstarch can also be used or it can be mixed with the baking soda.
- Chewing parsley, alfalfa and other leafy greens also helps to neutralize body odor, because of the deodorizing effect of the chlorophyll.
- Herbalists suggest drinking a cup of sage tea daily reduces sweat gland activity.
- For body odor treatment, fresh sage leaves blended with tomato juice have been found to be very effective.
- Juice of the Turnip also helps to decrease underarm odor for up to 10 hours. Grate a turnip; squeeze the juice through cheesecloth, to get two teaspoonfuls. Apply it under the arms.
- Take 500 mg of wheat grass daily on an empty stomach and drink a glass of water. The chlorophyll will dramatically reduce body odor. This is one of the useful home remedies for body odor.
- Eat 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley with each meal.This is also an effective home remedy for body odor.
- Excessive toxics may be one of the causes, try taking steam baths or sunbaths frequently as part of an overall detoxification program.
- A high-potency B-vitamin (50 mg or higher) when taken with magnesium will help reduce certain secretions that can be a cause of odor.
- Soaking feet in water mixed with either vinegar or Epsom salts can also be effective. A dusting of talcum, cornstarch, or a medicated foot powder directly on the skin and in the shoes can help as well.
- It is studied that body odor can be produced by deficiency of zinc. Good natural sources of zinc are spinach, parsley, collard greens, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, and asparagus. Spinach is the richest source of zinc. Taking juice of all the above foods makes a very good remedy for body odor.
References:
Body Changes (Teen, F) by Joely Carey
Easy for You to Say: Q & A’s For Teens Living with Chronic Illness or Disability (Teen, M, F) by Miriam Kaufman, M.D.
In Your Face: Stories from the Lives of Queer Youth (Teen, M, F) by Mary L. Gray
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