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While sweating is healthy and natural as it helps get rid of toxins and maintain body temperature, no one wants to smell like it all through the day. Did you know? It is not the actual sweat but the lingering bacteria on your skin that causes odour? The best deodorant, thus, is something that can kill the bacteria while being gentle on your skin. While the most convenient option is using an antiperspirant, followed by a perfume, we share with you five simple ingredients, easily found in your kitchen that will help you beat body odor naturally.
What Causes Body Odor?
Body odor is primarily caused by the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
Sweat Glands:
The body has two main types of sweat glands — eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are responsible for regulating body temperature through sweat, while apocrine glands are concentrated in areas like the armpits and groin. Apocrine sweat contains proteins and lipids that, when broken down by bacteria, produce an odor.
Bacterial Breakdown:
When sweat from apocrine glands mixes with bacteria on the skin’s surface, the bacteria break down the sweat, producing unpleasant-smelling compounds, particularly in areas like the armpits, feet, and groin.
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase the production of sweat and alter its composition, leading to stronger body odor.
Diet and Food:
Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, can cause body odor as their compounds are released through sweat. Additionally, a high-protein diet or drinking alcohol can also contribute to stronger body odor.
Poor Hygiene:
Infrequent washing or not properly drying the body after sweating can lead to an accumulation of bacteria and sweat, resulting in body odor.
Health Conditions:
Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or trimethylaminuria (a disorder that causes a fishy odor), can lead to unusual or stronger body odor.
Medications:
Certain medications can affect the body’s sweat production or its composition, potentially leading to an increase in body odor.
How to Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally with These Home Remedies
Here are five simple and natural ingredients to help you stay fresh all day long:
Vinegar
If you have ever wondered, ‘How to cure body odor permanently?’ you’re in the right place. Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is excellent when it comes to combating body odor. Its acidic nature creates an environment where odor-causing bacteria are not able to survive. To make this home remedy, dilute vinegar with water (equal parts) and apply it to your underarms or other odor-prone areas with a cotton pad. Allow it to dry completely before wearing your clothes. The vinegar scent will disappear, leaving you feeling clean and odorless.
Lemon
Like vinegar, lemons are greatly acidic and feature natural antibacterial properties. The citric acid in lemons neutralises odors and prevents bacterial growth. To use this home remedy, cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on your underarms. Allow the juice to dry before covering it with clothes. You could also combine lemon juice with a bit of water and use it with a cotton pad. Remember not to apply lemon juice to freshly shaved skin, as it can burn. Lemon juice will also make your complexion more sensitive to the sun, so it’s ideally to be used at night or followed by sunscreen if applied in the daytime.
Tea
How to get rid of body odor using tea? Both black and green tea comprise tannins that have an astringent effect. These tannins minimise sweating and also act as a natural deodorant by getting rid of bacteria. To make this DIY remedy, brew a strong cup of tea, and let it cool. Thereafter, apply it to your underarms with a cotton pad. Additionally, you can add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to elevate the antibacterial properties. However, use tea tree oil carefully as it can irritate your skin.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes consist of natural antiseptic properties, which kill odor-causing bacteria. They also minimise pore size and manage excessive sweating. To use tomatoes to combat body odor, slice a ripe tomato and apply it on your underarms. Alternatively, mash a tomato and apply the paste on your underarms. Wash your underarms gently after 15-20 minutes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser. It also absorbs sweat and creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria to survive. To use this remedy, combine baking soda with a tiny amount of water to form a paste and use it on your underarms. While applying this paste on your underarms, be careful not to rub it in with too much pressure, as baking soda is abrasive, particularly for sensitive skin. Moreover, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda into your shoes to absorb odor.
How to Remove Underarm Odor Permanently with Lifestyle Changes
The following are some additional lifestyle tips that will help you get rid of body odor:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:
Drinking a lot of water is essential for regulating body temperature and removing toxins. When you are dehydrated, your sweat becomes more concentrated, which can worsen body odor.
Watch What you Eat:
Your diet plays an important role in your body odor. Some foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, contribute to a more pungent body odor. While you do not have to get rid of these foods completely, reducing their consumption will make a difference.
On the flip side, there are foods that eliminate body odor naturally. Incorporating these into your diet can help neutralize body odor and promote a fresher, cleaner scent. Here are some options:
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps detoxify the body and neutralize odors.
- Green Tea: Known for its antioxidant properties, green tea has antibacterial compounds that can help reduce odor-causing bacteria.
- Chlorophyll-Rich Foods: Foods like spinach, parsley, and wheatgrass act as natural deodorants. Chlorophyll helps neutralize body odor by detoxifying the body and eliminating toxins.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This natural remedy can help balance the pH of your skin, reducing the bacteria that cause body odor.
- Probiotic Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic-rich foods promote a healthy gut, which can, in turn, help control body odor by maintaining balance in your digestive system.
Hygiene:
Regular showering is key to maintaining good hygiene and reducing body odor. While showering, pay extra attention to parts of your body where you sweat more, like your underarms, feet, and groin area.
Use Natural Deodorants:
If you are searching for a natural alternative to store bought antiperspirants, use natural deodorants. Buy deodorants, which consist of ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Remember that natural deodorants do not combat sweating, but they help to neutralise odor.
Watch to Your Body:
Everyone's body is different, so what works for one individual may not work for another. Watch your body and experiment with different home remedies to find what works best for you. However, if you experience persistent or excessive sweating, speak with a healthcare professional to make sure it’s not due to any underlying medical conditions.
These natural DIY home remedies provide an easy and effective way to fight body odor. Try different options to find what is most beneficial to your skin and lifestyle. Moreover, if you have sensitive skin, you should conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin first. If you have any additional questions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
FAQs
How long do natural remedies take to work for body odor?
Natural remedies can take a few days to a few weeks to show noticeable results, depending on the remedy and consistency of use. It's important to be patient and give your body time to adjust.
Can body odor be completely eliminated without deodorant?
Yes, body odor can be reduced or eliminated through proper hygiene, diet adjustments, and natural remedies, though deodorants can help control odor on a daily basis. A combination of both may be the most effective.
Does diet affect body odor? What foods should I avoid?
Yes, certain foods like garlic, onions, spicy foods, and alcohol can contribute to stronger body odor. Avoiding or reducing these can help maintain a fresher scent.
Is lemon safe to use on underarms for body odor?
Yes, lemon is safe to use on underarms as it has natural antibacterial properties. However, it’s important to test for skin sensitivity, as it can cause irritation for some people.
How often should I shower to prevent underarm odor?
Showering at least once a day, especially after physical activities, is important to keep bacteria at bay and prevent underarm odor. For active individuals, showering more often may be necessary.
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