Dealing with body odour

What is body odour? Body odour is the unpleasant smell produced by bacteria on the skin that break down the acids in your sweat. The medical term is bromhidrosis. Anyone who has reached puberty can produce body odour, as this is when the apocrine sweat glands develop, which produce the sweat that bacteria can quickly break down. Whenever you smell good, you tend to have more confidence, even when around others. If you, on the other hand, have an unpleasant smell, you should strive at finding resourceful ways to help you get rid of bad body odour fast.

The human body has many systems that are constantly at work, and waste by-products are simply part of that process. The digestive process results in waste, our skin sweats to excrete waste, and the cells in our bodies are constantly replacing themselves. Just as we take in food, we put out waste. Body odour often occurs when inadequate bathing or hygiene fail to properly clean up the 'messes' our bodies make. Sweat contains bacterial activity and allowing it to dry on the skin can produce body odour. But it can also result from systemic deficiencies within the body. In women, menstruation and stress often dramatically increases the degree of body odour. Yeast conditions such as candida can produce a beer-like smell, since yeast can turn sugar into alcohol quickly within the body. 

Foods rich in the amino acid carnitine (found in beef and pork) are known to leave residues in the intestines which have to be worked on by the natural digestive flora. Specific enzymes known as flavin monooxygenases break the residues down to an odourless state ready for excretion. If they are in poor supply, missing, or bowel flora is disturbed, a “fishy” body odour can result.

What's most important is that another function of the sweat glands in your armpits is to excrete toxins from your body. That is why sweating is an important part of maintaining optimum physical health. You have to give your body a chance to get rid of various toxins through a variety of metabolic processes. Those include urination, passing faecal matter, exhaling carbon dioxide and other toxins through the lungs, and, of course, eliminating toxins through the skin. The skin, remember, is your body's largest organ. Dangers can arise when we use 'anti-perspirant' deodorants, as these block the pores and do not allow the toxins to come out. Below are natural ways which will help you maintain an odourless body.

Shave those underarms

You might want to keep your underarms as dry as possible. This is because majority numbers of people with personal odour problem complain that armpit is where the odour comes from. Bear in mind that underarm hair can act as bacteria trapper, which will only make everything worse. Hence, shave or wax them consistently.

Wash Regularly

Bathing at least once a day can help limit the bacteria population on your skin, which is the source of most body odours, according to the Mayo Clinic. When washing, focus on traditionally troublesome areas like your feet and armpits. Dry your body well after washing since bacteria grow best on damp skin.

Make sure you dry yourself completely

 This is especially important in those areas that are prone to body odour: the groin, armpits, and around the nipples. Also ensure that any areas of skin folds (under the breasts, in the groin, at the abdomen) are completely dry.

Check Your Digestion and Gut Health

About 7% of people complaining of body odour do not completely digest particular foods because of enzyme deficiencies or digestive problems. So for regular support, persons with body odour should take a probiotic supplement, as this will help boost intestinal flora quality. Taking digestive enzymes with your meals may also be of benefit. Apple cider vinegar can also be effective in aiding digestion.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has an acidic property that helps reduce your skin’s pH level which ensures that the odour-producing bacterium does not survive. The good thing is that lemon juice is also excellent for people with sensitive skins who can’t tolerate other forms of remedies. You need to rub a half lemon under your arms by squeezing it onto your skin. In the case of sensitive skin, mix the lemon juice with some water and use a cotton ball to apply it. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse off with water. Repeat this once or twice a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the best and natural bacteria-fighting ingredients is the Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC). It helps eliminate your bad body odour by balancing the pH levels of your skin. You can use a cotton ball to apply AVC on your problematic areas and leave it for 2-3 minutes, or mix a cup of it in a lukewarm bath water and leave it for 10 minutes before taking a shower. Research has also shown that you can drink AVC for better results in controlling sweat production.

By: Umaru Maryam Hadejia