Body odor can arise from any part of your body and affect anyone despite their age. While brands sell beautiful deodorants with amazing fragrances, their use of harmful chemicals has made people switch to healthier alternatives. In this article, we explore some of the natural remedies you use to get rid of that foul body odor. Check them out below!
What Is Body Odor?
The human body produces a wide range of natural smells called odorants that help regulate various bodily functions. While most body odors do not smell, sweat mixed with bacteria may cause an unpleasant body odor. Body odor can smell sweet, tangy, or sour. However, the amount you sweat does not impact your body odor. Some people may sweat a lot but may have no body odor, while others who do not sweat a lot may give off an unpleasant body odor. Let us take a look at some of the symptoms associated with body odor.
Symptoms Of Body Odor
While body odor can come from any part of the body, it most commonly occurs in the following areas:
Armpits Feet Arms Behind the ears Genitals Belly button Groin Mouth
You may also develop a foul odor in your genital discharge, ear wax, urine, or stool. If the body odor is caused by an infection, it may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
Rash Redness Discharge or ooziness Itching
Now that we know the different symptoms of body odor you need to look out for, let us understand what causes us this smell in the first place.
What Causes Body Odor?
Body odor is produced when the bacteria that live on our skin break down the proteins in our sweat into different acids. Some people tend to think that it is the growth of bacteria on the skin that produces body odor, but in reality, it is this process that produces the unpleasant odor (1). Every individual has a unique odor, which is influenced by parameters like age, diet, health, and gender (2). The bacterial breakdown of the proteins in our sweat results in two acids – propionic acid and isovaleric acid. Propionic acid is produced when propionibacteria break down amino acids. It has a pungent smell and is often associated with vinegar (3). Isovaleric acid is also found in many kinds of cheese. It is produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria (4). The human body also has two types of sweat glands that are present all over our body. They are:
Eccrine Glands: These glands are found throughout the body. The sweat produced by the eccrine glands reaches the surface of the skin via certain ducts. They are usually responsible for maintaining our body temperature (5).
Apocrine Glands: These glands are usually responsible for the foul odor produced by our body. The apocrine glands are usually found in our armpits, eyelids, genital area, and breasts. They are responsible for the secretion of fat droplets in breast milk and the production of earwax in the ears. In the armpits and groin, these glands usually give off an odor and are therefore known as scent glands (6).
Though body odor is a natural phenomenon, it can affect our confidence and personality. Let us learn more about the different medical conditions that may cause body odor.
What Diseases Can Cause Body Odor?
Changes in body odor are normal and may happen due to multiple factors. It could be due to changes in your lifestyle or the sign of an underlying medical condition.
Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety may play a role in causing you to sweat more, which may result in stronger body odor. While hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may not cause health complications, it may cause a person social distress and result in low self-confidence (7).
Diabetes
Diabetes is characterized by inadequate insulin secretion, which may lead to increased levels of acetone in the body. This may result in a sweet smell from the mouth (8).
Infectious Diseases
Certain strains of microbes may result in strong and distinct body odors. Digestive and upper respiratory infections and bacterial vaginosis may cause a strong and sweet smell in the stool, breath, or vaginal discharge (8).
Cancer
Cancer or tumors may show a change in certain metabolic activities, which may result in the secretion of volatile compounds. These volatile compounds, like alkane and benzene derivatives, may result in a strong and distinct body odor (8).
Hormonal Changes
The hormonal fluctuations women experience during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause may cause significant changes in their body odor. Changes in hormones like cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone levels in women have been associated with different body odors (8). Different medical diseases may cause different characteristic odors. Seeing a medical professional can help you understand the cause behind your body odor and get the right treatment. Learn more about getting a medical diagnosis for body odor in the next section.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will conduct a medical examination and take your medical history to understand the cause behind your body odor. For further examination, they may ask you to get some blood and urine tests done to determine the exact cause. Upon diagnosing the cause of your body odor, they will prescribe the appropriate treatment for you. Now, check out 18 home remedies to get rid of this pesky problem.
How To Get Rid Of Body Odor
Home Remedies For Body Odor
1. Oils
Some oils are known to have various properties that help combat body odor (9). A combination of these oils is also often used to address this issue. The best oils for body odor include:
a. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil 1 teaspoon of citric acid powder 1 cup of water
This can be done daily. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known to eliminate the bacteria present in our body, thus helping in getting rid of body odor.
b. Tea Tree Oil
2 teaspoons of tea tree oil 2 tablespoons of water
Follow this regimen daily for best results. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and is also well known for its antibacterial properties (10). Being an antiseptic, tea tree oil can help in warding off the bacteria and fungus present on the skin, which, in turn, prevents the occurrence of foul odor.
c. Lavender Oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil 3 teaspoons of cornstarch 2 teaspoons of baking soda
This is a natural deodorant powder and can be used daily. Lavender essential oil inhibits the growth of the odor-causing bacteria (11). And the floral essence it emanates is a bonus! Cornstarch and baking soda keep the skin dry, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacteria.
d. Peppermint Oil
10 drops of peppermint oil Water 4 tablespoons of coconut or jojoba oil 4 tablespoons of cornstarch 4 tablespoons of baking soda
This mixture can be applied on a daily basis. Peppermint has antibacterial properties and can, therefore, be used as an alternative to store-bought deodorants (12). Coconut oil is also antibacterial and helps in killing the bacteria present on the skin. Cornstarch and baking soda keep the skin dry and sweat-free.
e. Tamanu Oil
Tamanu essential oil Lavender oil OR tea tree oil OR peppermint oil
Apply a few drops of tamanu oil directly to the problem area or mix it with any of the essential oils mentioned above and apply on your skin. This oil is safe for daily application and can be used as per your requirement. Tamanu oil has a deep scent and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that can help combat body odor (13).
f. Sage Oil
Sage essential oil Water
This remedy can be used on a regular basis. The antibacterial nature of sage helps to combat the bacteria present on the skin while leaving a pleasant fragrance behind (14).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar Cotton balls Water (optional)
As this is a natural alternative to store-bought deodorants, it can be used on a regular basis as per one’s requirement. Being acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to kill and prevent bacterial formation, which can, in turn, prevent the occurrence of foul body odor (15).
3. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt Hot water
You can try this treatment 3 times a week for best results. Epsom salt is an antioxidant and is known to detoxify our body. It also helps our body produce a hormone called serotonin, which helps it to relax. These properties of Epsom salt relieve stress and this, in turn, decreases sweat production, thereby eliminating foul odor from our body.
4. Fenugreek Tea
1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds 250 ml of water
You can continue drinking this every morning to detoxify your body. Being an antioxidant, fenugreek flushes out all the toxins from our body. It also possesses antibacterial properties and inhibits any bacterial infection from spreading further (16). Fenugreek tea is thus believed to fight body odor naturally by treating its root cause.
5. Fennel Seeds
1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Consume it every morning until you get the desired result. Some of the components present in fennel seeds are stimulants and promote the secretion of digestive and gastric juices in the stomach. They are also known to act as laxatives and can prevent body odor (17).
6. Green Tea
Green tea leaves Water
Apply this mixture on alternate days as daily application could be too drying for some skin types. The antioxidants and tannic acid in green tea help combat body odor from within (18). While the external application of green tea helps to keep the skin dry and keeps the bacteria in check, daily intake of green tea helps to flush all the toxins out of the body. [ Read: 20 Benefits Of Green Tea ]
7. Tea Bags
4 tea bags 2L of water
Do this at least thrice a week. The tannins present in tea keep the skin dry, thereby preventing sweat formation (19).
8. Baking Soda
1 tablespoon of baking soda Water (optional)
Do this daily for a few weeks. Baking soda absorbs moisture, and hence, it prevents the formation of sweat. It not only kills the bacteria on the skin but also alkalizes the body and neutralizes the pungent odor that our body gives off (19). [ Read: Can Baking Soda Whiten Your Underarms? ]
9. Lemon Juice
1 lemon Water
You can do this daily. The acidic nature of lemon lowers the pH of our body, making it difficult for the bacteria to survive on our skin (20).
10. Tomato Juice
2 cups of tomato juice 1 bucket of warm water
You can follow this procedure 3 to 4 times a week. The acidic nature of tomatoes kills the bacteria present on the skin while its astringent properties minimize the pores and reduce sweat production (21).
11. Milk Of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia Any essential oil (optional)
Do this every morning or night on a regular basis. Milk of magnesia is actually magnesium hydroxide suspended in water. Being an antacid, it is known to counteract the production of acid, and hence, it can help combat body odor. Milk of magnesia is also known to leave the skin relatively dry and odor-free right from the first application.
12. Rose Water
3 tablespoons of rose water 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Apply this daily for best results. As rose water is an astringent, it reduces the size of the pores present on the skin, and this decreases sweat production (22). It also leaves behind a floral fragrance.
13. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol Cotton pads
Take some drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and apply it to your underarms. This can be used on your underarms and other less sensitive body parts daily. The antibacterial properties of rubbing alcohol eliminate all the surface bacteria present on the skin, and this prevents body odor (23).
14. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel Cotton balls
Take a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton ball and dab it on your underarms and other sweat-prone areas of your body. You can use this on a daily basis as a substitute for your deodorant. The astringent properties of witch hazel minimize the size of the pores on our skin, reducing the production of sweat to a great extent. Also, its acidic nature lowers the pH of the skin and makes the survival of the odor-causing bacteria impossible (24).
15. Neem Leaves
A handful of neem leaves 1 cup of water
Daily use is recommended for best results. The antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties of neem help it to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria (25). It also removes all the toxins from within the body, eradicating the root cause of body odor.
16. Arrowroot
Arrowroot powder Arrowroot powder can be used on a daily basis. Arrowroot is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a commonly used herb to treat rashes in babies. It keeps the skin dry, which, in turn, keeps the bacterial formation at bay. [ Read: Top 45 Home Remedies To Treat Skin Rashes ]
17. Parsley
A teaspoon of parsley leaves 1 cup of water
Drink parsley water regularly for best results. Parsley leaves have been known to possess anti-odor properties since ages. The presence of chlorophyll in these leaves is said to eliminate body odor and bad breath internally (26).
18. Cornstarch
Cornstarch powder You can use this daily as a natural alternative to your deodorant. The antibacterial properties of cornstarch help to keep the bacteria in check. Cornstarch also helps in keeping the skin dry, thereby decreasing the production of sweat. When home remedies fail to give you visible results, you can consult your doctor for medical treatments.
Medical Treatment For Body Odor
Medications: Prescription medications or antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to manage the sweat. Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Your doctor may recommend getting Botox injections to control sweating and body odor. A study found there was a significant decrease in body odor after a week of Botox treatment (27). Surgery: Your doctor may recommend endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy if all medical interventions fail. In this procedure, the doctor severs the nerves associated with sweat glands. Many patients report improved satisfaction and quality of life after the procedure (28).
In addition to these remedies, maintaining basic hygiene and bathing daily, shaving the hair in sweat-prone areas, wearing cotton clothes, and eating a healthy diet will help combat body odor at a faster pace. Here are a few tips to guide you.
Tips To Prevent Body Odor
Try to stick to an all-natural and aluminum-free deodorant. Shower daily. Spritz vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the sweat-prone areas. Take green supplements such as chlorophyll or wheatgrass to combat body odor internally. Wear clothing made of cotton so that your skin can breathe freely. Use a natural sanitizer such as tea tree oil to wipe the sweat-prone areas from time to time. Adopt a diet with less spicy food. Detoxify your body regularly by consuming fenugreek seeds and green tea.
In the next section, we take a look at when is the right time to visit a doctor. Keep reading.
When To See A Doctor
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Excessive sweating at night while sleeping Cold sweats The body odor and sweating impact daily activities Skin infections Skin becoming wet with sweat Fruity or metallic body odor
The Bottom Line
What are the best foods that eliminate body odor? Some of the best foods that help in the elimination of body odor are parsley leaves, wheatgrass, fenugreek seeds, and green tea. What foods cause body odor? Sulfur-containing foods like cabbage, broccoli, garlic, and onions can cause body odor (8). Is bad body odor genetic? About one-third of the people who reported body odor issues were found to have a hereditary gene responsible for their condition. Trimethylaminuria is the genetic condition that produces foul body odor in affected individuals (29). However, altering one’s diet can help combat this condition. How can you get body odor out of clothes? In some cases, it becomes next to impossible to get rid of the foul body odor from the person’s clothes. No matter what you do, the stubborn odor just refuses to leave your clothing! In such situations, the following steps will help you easily overcome this issue. • Gather the affected clothes and toss them into the washing machine • Fill it with warm water • Add about two cups of vinegar to the machine and set it to spin for 5 to 10 minutes • Turn off the washing machine and soak the clothing in water for at least 4 hours • Add a bleach-free detergent and turn the machine on • Complete a wash cycle and remove the clothing from it immediately • Dry the clothes in fresh air to get rid of any remaining foul odor What soap is best for body odor? You can buy medicated soaps recommended by a doctor. If you are looking for non-medicated soaps, you can buy ones with ingredients like charcoal or peppermint with antibacterial properties that can help fight body odor. Why does body odor smell like onions? Consumption of onions, garlic, and certain foods produces sulfur-like compounds. This may react with the sweat, giving a scent different from the person’s natural scent (8). Can lack of adequate water intake cause body odor? Yes, as water aids in the release of toxins through sweat. Additionally, if your body is dehydrated, you won’t be able to expel these toxins (bacteria), which can build up and cause unpleasant body odor, particularly in the groin, feet, and armpits. Does caffeine cause body odor? Body odor may be impacted by caffeine. Hot, caffeinated beverages can also make you sweat more and elevate your body temperature, all of which can increase body odor. However, further study is required to support this statement. Can body odor be transmitted through clothes? No, body odor is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another through clothes.
