Strong body odour can be an embarrassing problem. Commercial deodorants and sprays may improve the situation temporarily, but do not address the underlying problem. To manage the problem permanently we need to first understand the causes of body odour.
Maintain good hygiene
Our skin sweats to excrete waste, and when sweat dries on the skin it can smell. Therefore, depending on one’s lifestyle and level of activity, regular baths or showers are important to maintain good hygiene. When washing, focus on troublesome areas such as the armpits and feet. Dry your body well. If your skin is dry, it is harder for bacteria to breed on it.
Avoid anti-perspirant
Using antiperspirant deodorants blocks the pores thereby preventing toxins from coming out. In the long run, this can result in a build-up of toxins which can cause body odour. Armpits have an important function in getting rid of toxins, therefore it is important to keep them unclogged by using natural aluminum-free deodorants.
Use saunas and steam baths
An important function of the sweat glands is to excrete toxins from the body. The sauna aids in this as it allows your body to really sweat. It opens up your pores and allows toxins to come out through the skin. Having weekly steam baths or saunas detoxifies your body, thereby improving your natural scent.
Wear natural fibres
Natural fibre clothing like linen, cotton, and silk allow the skin to breath thereby minimising moisture in which bacteria thrive. Keep your clothes clean and change them daily. Allow your feet to breath by wearing sandals when possible, and going barefoot as soon as you get home.
Watch your diet
What you eat largely affects your body odour. Chlorophyll rich foods such as spinach, wheat grass, leafy greens and kale, are natural deodorisers which keep you smelling fresh. This is the reason many brides go on a detox before they get married. Pungent foods such as garlic, onions, spices, and caffeine, may cause bad odours to seep from your pores after you eat them. Limit your intake of these foods to not more than once a day, and remember to stay well hydrated.
Don't smoke
If you smoke, the smell of tobacco can seep from your pores and cause your sweat to smell.
Shave your underarm hair
Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments and can cling to underarm hair. Being clean shaven can help reduce odour.
It is normal to sweat under your armpits, however, if your body is healthy and clean, you shouldn’t smell. If after trying all these you still experience extreme body odour, seek medical advice.