Did you know that human body odor actually serves an important purpose? It’s one of the ways that we attract mates (even if we’re not trying).
That said, not all body odors will attract a partner. As a matter of fact, if you have a strong body odor, you might be scaring them away!
We’re here to talk about a few potential causes of your body odor and how you can start trying to smell fresher. Read on to learn about what causes body odor.
First: What Causes Body Odor?
Keep in mind that everyone has a natural odor, so body orders in and of themselves aren’t a cause for concern. That said, when your body odor changes, it’s not a bad idea to look for a root cause.
When you sweat, it shouldn’t smell like anything on its own. It takes on a smell if you have skin bacteria or fungus (which most people do). Don’t panic if you smell after the gym.
Certain foods can also increase body odor. If you eat a lot of spicy food, garlic, or onions, you may find that your body odor changes.
Body odor can also be the result of hormonal changes (even throughout the month for people with uteruses).
Sometimes body odor can be a sign that something is wrong. For example, certain vaginal odors can result from bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections.
How Can You Control Strong Body Odor?
So how can you take control of your body and reduce your body odor?
First, find the root cause. Most of the time it’s just bacteria, but if your problem is hormonal or due to a medical condition, you’ll have to take different steps. You may need to start taking medication.
If you’ve ruled out medical causes, start by bathing more frequently. Some people don’t bathe every day and they’re fine, but others need to bathe once or even twice per day to keep body odor at bay.
Try changing soaps. Soaps aren’t all created equally, so switching brands can make a huge difference. Find one that works with your body.
Consider switching deodorants. If typical stick deodorant doesn’t work for you, try natural alternatives or deodorizing sprays. You can also try applying witch hazel to your underarms after your shower if deodorant isn’t enough.
Try changing your diet to omit smelly foods. You don’t have to give them up entirely, but if you have an event coming up that you want to smell fresh for, leave the garlic and onions out of your meals for a few days prior.
Finally, while you shouldn’t exclusively use perfumes or body sprays for body odor, they’ll add an extra layer of protection. Keep in mind that they just cover up bad smells, so don’t rely on them as a replacement for showers or deodorant.
Don’t Sweat Your Body Odor
So what causes body odor? Plenty of things!
Remember that body odor is nothing to be ashamed of. Once you find the root cause, you can start making changes to get it under control.
You’ll be smelling fresh as a daisy in no time.
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