Often people think that sweating cause body odor, but this is not the case. In fact, to sweat is natural and even healthy. Body odor is the result of bacteria accumulating on the skin and releasing chemicals that eventually cause the unpleasant smell.
Body odor can occur in different areas of the body such as the feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic hair, belly button, anus, and even behind the ears.
Body odor is a very embarrassing problem and it can even make a person suffer from depression and an inferiority complex. There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of body odor, both in men and women.
Main Causes of Body Odor:
Generally, body odor is caused by perspiration. When body sweat mixes with bacteria, it leads to an unpleasant scent.
Foods such as red meat, strong-smelling spices like garlic, onions and curry, along with a high intake of caffeine and alcohol can cause unpleasant body odor.
Body odor may also be caused by various other reasons such as any serious illness, strong medications, fungal infections, liver problems, hereditary factors, menopause, low blood sugar levels, kidney disease, low metabolism rate, hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, cavities, and deficiency of zinc or magnesium in the body, the presence of toxins in the body or even a lack of personal hygiene.
Tips to Get Rid of Body Odor.
Shower every day:
One of the easiest and most effective ways to deal with body odor is to take a shower every day, sometimes even twice a day when necessary. You must wash the areas such as your armpits, feet, back, neck, and private areas thoroughly with soap to remove the accumulated sweat and bacteria. It is highly recommended to use germicidal or antibacterial soap to give your body a fresh and clean smell.
After your shower, take some time to pat yourself dry with a clean towel. This is very important as there is less chance for bacteria to survive on dry skin. If required you can use some powder on the areas that have the tendency to sweat more. Powder will help to absorb moisture and keep your body dry for a longer period of time.
Pay extra attention to your armpits:
To get rid of body odor, it is essential to keep your armpits clean and dry. There is a greater chance of rapid bacterial growth in the armpits due to excessive sweating in the area. It is a good idea to shave your armpits regularly to help reduce body odor.
After cleaning your armpits with water and soap, pat them dry and then sprinkle some powder on the area. Powder acts as an absorbent, preventing excess sweating and odor.
Take proper care of your feet:
When it comes to fighting body odor, it is essential that you take special care of your feet. When feet are covered in socks or shoes for long periods of time, they can become moist—the perfect condition for bacteria to grow rapidly. To alleviate this problem, spray some deodorant or sprinkle some powder on the bottoms of your feet before putting your socks on. You can also use medicated foot powder or antifungal spray to prevent foot odor, and this is a great way to keep your feet dry and fresh all day long.
Ensure you wear fresh cotton socks and go barefoot as frequently as possible. In fact, experts recommend changing socks two to three times a day if they get sweaty. This will help to keep feet dry and help to reduce odor and irritation.
Consider regular exercise:
When toxins accumulate in the body over a long period of time this can result in body odor. To remove toxins from your body, the best option is regular physical exercise. When you exercise for about half an hour your body begins to sweat, helping to detoxify your body. Once you finish exercising, take a shower. Do not wear the same clothes again without washing them.
When exercising always use the right kind of shoes or it may lead to foot odor.
Change your clothes daily:
Make sure to change your clothes frequently to control body odor. Once you shower, do not wear the same clothes—opt for freshly washed clothes. Change your underwear and socks at least every day as these garments absorb sweat and odors and will contribute to body odor. It’s a good idea to take an extra pair of clothes if you may not make it home for a change in reasonable time.
Wear the right kind of clothes:
Wearing clothes made of the wrong material can be the reason behind body odor. It is essential to pay attention to the clothes you choose, especially during warm weather or if you have the tendency to sweat more.
Choose clothing that will allow your skin to breathe, which will result in more efficient evaporation of sweat. Choose clothes made of natural fibers such as wool, silk or cotton. These materials can easily absorb moisture from your body and help to keep you dry for a longer period of time.
Avoid clothing made of materials such as polyester, rayon and silk—they are not as breathable and can cause you to sweat more. Try to wear loose-fitting clothes.
Use a good quality deodorant:
After stepping out of the shower and drying off, you must use a good deodorant to control excessive perspiration and body odor. Remember that deodorant will just minimize the smell of body odor, but it will not help to remove the toxins from your body.
Based on your preference, you can either use a heavy duty roll-on deodorant or go for a strong spray-type deodorant. If itching, allergies, and skin discoloration occur after using a particular deodorant, stop using it and look for some other alternative.
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