This is the Year of Prevention and Maintenance. : Body Odor, Have You Ever Struggle With This?

Health Tip - Body Odor ( Bromhidrosis)

Body Odor refers to the unpleasant smell that is released by the body.

Body Odor is caused by the breaking down of sweat cells as they come in contact with the bacteria on the skin.

Human Body : Illustration of the anatomy of the female human body isolated on a white background

Body Odor is a sign that something has gone wrong in the digestive system or somewhere else in the body.

The most common body parts that are associated with Body Odor are:

Hair
Feet
Upper thigh
Groin
Skin
Armpits
Genitals
Pubic hair
Belly button
Ears

A symptom of Body Odor is giving off an unpleasant smell.

Some times the release of a body odor is caused when a person is extremely nervous or anxious.

Though sweating is the most common reason for Body Odor, there are other reasons why your body may release a foul smell.

Causes of Body Odors:

Sweating
Bacteria present in the sweat
Strong medicines
Alcohol
Smoking
Prolonged illness
Diseases (kidney or liver)
Stress
Skin problems
Gastrointestinal problems
Weak metabolism
Fungal infection
Bacterial growth
Deficiency of zinc mineral, cavities, toxins
Poor hygiene
Heredity factors
Certain foods and beverages
Menopause
Yeast Infections (discharge)
Low levels of male hormones
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia
Fever
Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism

Body Odor smells vary from person to person

What causes a Fishy Body Odor in individuals?

A condition called Trimethylaminuria

A fish smell in an individual is caused by a build up of trimethylamine (the same compound that causes a fish to smell).

This is released through sweat, urine, reproductive fluids, breath, giving off a strong smelling fishy odor.

Some people have this strong natural odor all the time, while others have a moderate smell.

This condition is more prevalent in women, with a suggestion that the female sex hormone is the blame?

Female Human Anatomy : Medical image of some women in poses without skin.

The Fishy Body Odor condition worsens around:

Puberty (increased hormones)
Around menopause
After taking oral contraceptives
Before and during menstrual periods

There is no cure for the Trimethylaminuria Condition but you can avoid certain foods that contain trimethylamine:

Milk of wheat fed cows
Seafood (eat fresh water lower levels)
Choline:

Eggs & Garlic (high sulfur foods)
Peanuts
Peas & beans
Soy products
Liver & kidney
Lecithin & lecithin-containing fish oil supplements
Brassicas- brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage & cauliflower

Please take note that limiting and/or omitting your intake of these foods may result in nutritional deficits.

Other Causes of Body Odors:

Red meat and Toxic foods
Medications
Poor nutrition
Poor digestion
Hormonal changes
Diseases:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Infections
Obesity
Uterine Cancer
Metabolic Disorders

How To Eliminate and Prevent Body Odor:

Shower or Bathe Daily (with a wash cloth)

Use Creams or Lotions (to enhance not cover up)

Do not use Antiperspirant/Deodorants (except in cases of excessive sweating)

Most people do not know this but Perspiration by itself has no odor. Underarm odor is caused by bacteria and their excrement.

Try! This for one month just wash your underarms with nothing but water and a clean cloth. If the sweating drives you crazy then use an antiperspirant.

Did you know that soaps and deodorants actually make you smell worse?