We've all had that one day of summer when we forgot to spray on some deodorant and felt embarrassed because of our own BO. Well, for many of us body odour is constant even after taking all measures of hygiene. Blame genetics all you want but your diet is equally responsible for making your odour smell the way it does. Onion, garlic and other foods from the allium family are responsible for causing body odour. However, there are also foods that curb BO, want to know what those are? Read on...
01How Does Diet Impact Body Odor?
Your diet plays a significant role in the way your body smells. Certain foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, contain compounds that can be released through sweat, leading to stronger body odors. Additionally, high consumption of red meat can contribute to a more pungent scent due to the way it breaks down in the body. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water helps to flush out toxins and keep body odor in check. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help support your body's natural detoxification process, potentially reducing unpleasant smells. If you're wondering how to get rid of body odor naturally, focusing on your diet and hydration can be a simple yet effective solution to reduce unpleasant smells without resorting to chemical-laden products.
02What Are the Best Foods to Reduce Body Odor?
Below are the top five foods that will help you fight that unpleasant body odor:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges minimise the accumulation of toxins in the body thereby curbing the growth of odour-producing bacteria. A glass of lukewarm lemon water or fresh orange juice can also be very refreshing for your system.
2. Green tea
Known for its antioxidant properties, regular consumption of green tea can help battle bad breath, body odour and stinky feet. Have two to three cups of green tea with honey every day and notice the difference.
3. Leafy vegetables
An easily accessible food that reduces body odor is leafy vegetables. Eating plenty of green leafy veggies is beneficial in a number of ways. Kale, spinach and watercress contain high levels of chlorophyll that neutralise odour causing compounds. Switch to a green rich diet and experience the change yourself.
4. Fenugreek
The seeds and leaves of fenugreek have odour fighting abilities which it does by eliminating the toxins from your body. Have fenugreek soaked water or munch on a few seeds in the morning.
5. Cardamoms
Looking for more food that reduces sweat smell? These tiny seeds may have ruined your biryani a couple of times but they're in your food for a reason. Adding a dash of cardamoms not only enhances the taste of the food but it also adds to the natural scent of your body.
6. Milk
Milk is known for its ability to neutralize body odor due to its high-fat content and lactic acid. Drinking milk or using it as a topical remedy can help neutralize the bacteria responsible for body odor. For a DIY remedy, mix milk with a little rose water and apply it to the underarms to reduce odor.
7. Garlic
Although garlic has a strong smell, it contains sulfur compounds that can actually help neutralize body odor when consumed in moderation. Eating raw garlic or adding it to your meals can help purify the body by reducing toxins and bacteria that contribute to body odor.
8. Apple
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another natural remedy known for balancing the skin's pH and reducing bacteria. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to areas prone to body odor can help keep you smelling fresh. Drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in water may also help balance your body's internal pH, reducing odor.
9. Lentils, Peas and Beans
Lentils, peas, and beans are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help the body detoxify. These legumes can support digestion and reduce the likelihood of odors resulting from digestive issues. Additionally, they are high in protein and low in fat, which means they won't contribute to the strong odor often associated with red meat.
03How Quickly Can Foods Reduce Body Odor?
The time it takes to notice a reduction in body odor from dietary changes can vary from person to person. Several factors influence how quickly food can impact body odor, including metabolism, diet consistency, and hydration:
1. Metabolism
Individuals with faster metabolisms may notice changes in body odor more quickly, as their body processes food and expels toxins more efficiently. On the other hand, those with slower metabolisms might take longer to see noticeable improvements.
2. Diet Consistency
Consistency is key. If you are incorporating body odor-reducing foods like fruits, vegetables, and hydration regularly, you are more likely to see faster results. A one-off change may not have a significant impact, but sustained dietary habits will bring noticeable improvements over time.
3. Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is crucial in flushing out toxins and supporting the body's natural detoxification process. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute and eliminate substances that may contribute to body odor, so maintaining proper hydration can speed up the process of odor reduction.
04Foods to Avoid for Better Body Odor Control
Certain foods can contribute to stronger, more unpleasant body odor. They often release compounds through sweat and breath, which can linger and cause body odor. Here's a list of foods to avoid and healthier alternatives you can opt for:
1. Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as fast food, snacks, and packaged meals, are typically high in preservatives, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. These can disrupt digestion and lead to an imbalance in your body, which may cause more odor. Alternatives: Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to promote digestion and reduce the risk of body odor.
2. Red Meat
Red meat can lead to stronger body odor due to the way it breaks down in the body, especially when it's digested. It tends to release sulfur compounds that can cause foul-smelling perspiration. Alternatives: Opt for leaner protein sources like chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu. These are less likely to produce strong odors.
3. Onions and Garlic
While healthy in many ways, onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can be released through sweat, causing body odor. Their strong aroma can also linger on the skin and breath. Alternatives: While healthy in many ways, onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can be released through sweat, causing body odor. Their strong aroma can also linger on the skin and breath.
4. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods like chili, curry, and hot peppers can cause your body to sweat more, and the compounds in these foods may contribute to stronger body odor. Alternatives: Use milder spices such as turmeric, cumin, or cinnamon. These can add flavor without causing excessive sweating or body odor.
5. Dairy Products
For some people, dairy products, especially milk and cheese, can lead to a more pronounced body odor due to the breakdown of lactose or the presence of certain bacteria in the gut. Alternatives: Try dairy-free options like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut-based yogurt, which are less likely to cause odor.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the likelihood of body odor by affecting the liver's ability to detoxify the body and by promoting excessive sweating. Alternatives: Reduce alcohol consumption and replace it with herbal teas or water, which support hydration and detoxification.
05FAQs on Which Foods Will Help You Combat Body Odor
Below are some frequently asked questions on the topic of how to to fight unpleasant body odor naturally:
Q: Will eating these foods completely get rid of body odor?
A: These foods help reduce body odor but won't eliminate it entirely. Good hygiene is still essential.
Q: How quickly will I notice a difference?
A: It varies by person, but changes may be noticeable in a few days to weeks.
Q: Can I eat too much of these "odor-reducing" foods?
A: Moderation is key. Too much of any food can cause other issues, like digestive discomfort.
Q: Are there any foods I should avoid?
A: Avoid or limit red meat, garlic, onions, spicy foods, processed foods, and alcohol, as they can worsen body odor.
Q: What if I have a medical condition that affects my body odor?
A: Consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Q: Does drinking more water help?
A: Yes, staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and reduce body odor.
Q: Can herbal supplements replace these foods?
A: It's best to get nutrients from whole foods, though some supplements may help. Consult a healthcare professional first.
Q: Does stress affect body odor?
A: Yes, stress increases sweat, which can worsen odor. A healthy diet helps manage stress.
Q: If I'm already using deodorant, do I still need to worry about my diet?
A: Yes, diet addresses internal factors, while deodorants mask external odors.
Q: How do weather conditions interact with diet and body odor?
A: Hot weather increases sweating and body odor. Diet becomes more important in humid conditions.
Q: What is the relationship between food allergies and body odor?
A: Food allergies, like lactose intolerance, can contribute to body odor. Consult a healthcare professional for advice.
By focusing on these foods and maintaining good hygiene, you can better manage body odor. If it's persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
