For many years, perspiration has been deemed the culprit of body odor. However, it is not the sweat that contains odor; bacteria that feed on the sweat on the skin, usually in the groin area and the armpits causes typical body odor.
Causes of Body Odor
According to some health reports, metabolic disorders and toxins in the body contribute to body odor. When the body rids itself of waste, the metabolism gives off odors. If there is an imbalance in the metabolism, the result will be stronger body odors.
An accumulation of toxins in the home, food and air often is not disposed of efficiently by the organs. In some cases, the liver and intestines are clogged with toxins and as a result, the body excretes strong, sometimes offensive body odors.
Constipation and a deficiency in magnesium and zinc may also be contributing factors of body odor, resulting from dietary imbalances. Those who consume large amounts of meat; foods containing choline such as fish, liver, eggs or legumes; onions, garlic, or curry along with other spices; fried or baked foods containing fats and oils, may experience distinct and offensive body odors.
Other possible causes of body odor include kidney and liver disease, estrogen dominance, fungal infections and refined foods or refined products such as sugar.
Natural Remedies for Body Odor
Herbs such as alfalfa, rosemary and parsley contain natural antibacterial properties which aid in eliminating odor-causing bacteria. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, known for it's ability to kill bacteria in the body when consumed. Rosemary is a natural antibacterial agent most commonly used in deodorants because of it's ability to kill bacteria on the skin. Parsley works similarly to alfalfa in addition to containing zinc which is known for fighting bacteria.
Lifestyle changes such as eliminating products like coffee and tea that contain caffeine may reduce body odor. Since caffeine is a stimulant that increases the activity of the apocrine sweat gland, it is best to eliminate these types of stimulants from the diet.
Wearing loose fitting clothes will also allow the body to breathe as opposed to wearing tight clothes that become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Folk remedies such as rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, apple cidar vinegar or white vinegar under the armpits have been known for their ability to knock out odor. These products reduce the pH under the skin. Many bacteria cannot live where there is a low pH balance.
Homeopathic solutions to body odor include the use of tissue salt known as silicea. Placing three 6x tablets under the tongue each morning and evening is suggested in order to eliminate body odor.
References:
Health Conditions: Body Odor, Health911 Accessed Aug 2010
Weil, Andrew, M.D., Condition Care Guide: Body Odor, Drweil Accessed Aug 2010
Abnormal Body Odor: Introduction, Wellsphere Accessed Aug 2010
Demetria Head - Demetria Head is a Contributing Writer in Detroit, Michigan. Her areas of expertise include Health and Wellness, Visual and Performing ...
