Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Body Odor – Natural Remedies For Treating Body Odour
Body odor is a natural occurrence caused by the bacteria on our skin breaking down sweat. While it’s normal to have some level of body odor, there are several home remedies you can try to help minimize it. It’s important to remember that body odor can also be affected by factors like diet, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.
However, everybody has their own distinct odor, which is impacted by factors including age, gender, diet, and health.
What Is Body Odor?
Body odor, also known as bromhidrosis, is the unpleasant or offensive smell that comes from a person’s body. It is primarily caused by the interaction between sweat and the bacteria present on the skin’s surface.
Sweat itself is typically odorless, but when it comes into contact with certain types of bacteria, it can produce an unpleasant smell. Basically, Body odor can have a sweet, sour, or tangy smell.
What Is Armpit Odor
Armpit odor, also known as axillary odor, is a specific type of body odor that originates from the armpit region. It is a common occurrence and is primarily caused by the interaction between sweat and bacteria present on the skin’s surface in the underarm area.
Types Of Sweat Glands
- Eccrine glands
- Apocrine glands
Eccrine glands
Eccrine glands are found throughout the body and produce a clear, odorless sweat primarily composed of water and salt. This type of sweat helps regulate body temperature and cools the skin as it evaporates.
Apocrine glands
Apocrine glands, are concentrated in areas with hair follicles, such as the underarms, groin, and scalp. These glands secrete a thicker, milky sweat that contains proteins and lipids. When this sweat comes into contact with certain bacteria present on the skin’s surface, it creates an environment for bacterial metabolism. The breakdown of proteins and lipids by bacteria leads to the release of various volatile compounds, causing the characteristic armpit odor.
Difference Between Body Odor And Armpit Odor |
|
| Body Odor | Armpit Odor |
| Body odor refers to the general unpleasant or offensive smell that can emanate from various parts of the body. | Armpit odor, also known as axillary odor, specifically refers to the unpleasant smell that originates from the armpit region. |
| It is primarily caused by the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin’s surface in different areas of the body. | It is caused by the interaction of sweat from apocrine glands in the underarms with bacteria on the skin’s surface. |
| Sweat from both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands can contribute to body odor. The interaction of sweat with bacteria produces volatile compounds that lead to the characteristic smell. | Apocrine glands, which are concentrated in the underarm area, secrete a thicker, milky sweat containing proteins and lipids. When this sweat interacts with bacteria, it results in the characteristic armpit odor. |
| Body odor can be present in areas such as the underarms, feet, groin, scalp, and other parts of the body where sweating occurs. | |
Body Odor Symptoms
While body odor can emanate from any region of the body, the following are the places where it happens most frequently:
- Mouth
- Armpits
- Arms
- Feet
- Belly button
- Behind the ears
- Genitals
- Groin
However, when the body odor is been caused by an infection may start to smell bad in your genital discharge, urine, ear wax, or stool. The following signs may also be present if an infection is the source of the body odor:
- Rash
- Itching
- Redness
- Discharge
Let’s examine what produces this odor in the first place now that we are aware of the various body odor signals to watch out for.
Factors That Can Influence The Intensity Of Body Odour
Bacterial activity
Different types of bacteria on the skin can metabolize sweat and produce various odor compounds.
Hormones
Changes in hormone levels, especially during puberty, can lead to increased sweat production and body odor.
Female hormonal changes related to puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause may significantly alter how they smell. Women’s fluctuating amounts of hormones like cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone have been linked to a variety of body smells.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages can affect body odor, particularly those with strong odors like garlic and onions.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional states can trigger increased sweating, which may worsen body odor.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions, like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), diabetes, and certain metabolic disorders, can contribute to stronger body odor.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Body Odor
Rub Lemon on Your Body or Armpits
The citric acid present in lemon, destroys germs. You can squeeze a lemon and use the juice or water from the lemon to treat body odor or armpit smell. This lemon juice can be put in a spray bottle and used as spray for underarms or the whole body. If you don’t have a spray container, you can simply rob it on the body or your armpits and allow it to dry up.
Lemon Juice is acidic and can help lower the skin’s pH, making it less hospitable for bacteria. Apply lemon juice to your underarms and allow to dry before wearing your clothes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Since apple cider vinegar contains acid, it can effectively kill microorganisms. As a result, it could be one of the natural cures for smelly armpits and body odor. You can mix a little water with a few drops of apple cider vinegar. This water can be diluted and then placed in a spray bottle for application to the underarms.
On the other hand, you can just use a cotton swab to apply the prepared mixture to your armpits and body.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Dabbing diluted apple cider vinegar on areas with body odor can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce odor-causing bacteria.
Baking Soda
The baking soda may balance the natural acids in the skin. This lessens the odor emanating from the body or underarms. This may be a rather simple solution to get rid of smelly armpits and body odor. To make a semi-solid paste, combine a small amount of baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to your body or underarms, then let it dry. Rinse it off once it has dried. Its a perfect natural home remedy for body odor or smelly armpits.
Baking Soda -Apply a small amount of baking soda to your underarms after showering. It can help absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help kill odor-causing bacteria. Mix a few drops with water and use it as a natural deodorant.
Sage Tea
Drinking sage tea can help reduce sweating and body odor. Brew a cup and consume it daily.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help reduce sweat and bacteria. Apply it to your underarms or other areas with body odor.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Regularly shower with soap and water to keep your body clean and fresh. Pay extra attention to areas prone to sweating, such as underarms, feet, and groin.
Use Antiperspirants or Deodorants
Antiperspirants help reduce sweating, while deodorants help mask and neutralize odors. Look for natural options without harmful chemicals if possible.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Choose clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo, which allow better air circulation and reduce the likelihood of trapping odors.
Practice Hair Removal
Reducing hair in areas like underarms can help reduce bacteria buildup and decrease body odor.
Chlorophyll Supplements
Chlorophyll is known to have deodorizing effects. You can find chlorophyll supplements in health stores.
Dietary Changes
Reduce the consumption of spicy foods, caffeine, and foods with strong odors. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Remember that these remedies may not completely eliminate body odor, but they can help manage it to some extent. If you experience excessive or persistently foul-smelling body odor, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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FAQs On Natural Remedies For Treating Body Odour
10 Natural Remedies For Treating Body Odour
- Rub Lemon on Your Armpits & body
- Wash Your Body Regularly
- Wash Your Underarms With Baking Soda
- Drink Adequate Water
- Apply Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Armpits
- Use Tomato Juice For Body Odour
- Apply Witch Hazel as an Antiperspirant
- Use Neem Leaves Paste
- Rub Coconut Oil on Your Skin
- Regularly Eat Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds
What causes body odor?
Body odor is primarily caused by the interaction of sweat with bacteria on the skin’s surface. The bacteria break down sweat, leading to the release of odorous compounds.
What are some natural remedies to control body odor?
Natural remedies include proper hygiene practices such as regular bathing, wearing breathable fabrics, using natural deodorants, and incorporating certain dietary changes.
How does baking soda help with body odor?
Baking soda can help neutralize odor by creating an alkaline environment that inhibits bacterial growth. Applying a thin layer of baking soda to clean, dry underarms can be effective.
Does apple cider vinegar work for body odor?
Apple cider vinegar’s acidic properties can help balance the skin’s pH and control odor-causing bacteria. Diluting it with water and using it as a natural deodorant or in a bath can be beneficial.
What role do tea tree oil and lavender oil play in reducing body odor?
Tea tree oil and lavender oil have natural antibacterial properties that can help combat the bacteria responsible for body odor. Diluting a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil and applying them topically may be effective.
How does diet affect body odor?
Certain foods like onions, garlic, strong spices, and processed foods can contribute to body odor. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce odor.
Can drinking more water help with body odor?
Staying hydrated can help dilute odor-causing compounds in sweat and reduce their concentration on the skin’s surface.
Is shaving the underarm hair beneficial for controlling body odor?
Shaving underarm hair can help reduce the accumulation of sweat and bacteria, making it easier to keep the area clean and odor-free.
How does maintaining proper hygiene help in managing body odor?
Regularly showering, using an antibacterial soap, and thoroughly drying the skin, especially in areas prone to sweating, can help minimize bacterial growth and odor.
Are there any dietary supplements that can help with body odor?
Chlorophyll supplements are believed to have internal deodorizing effects by neutralizing odors in the body. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
