Ways To Reduce Body Odor
Getting rid of odor can often be a tricky and delicate thing. Most people don't like to admit that they have a body odor problem to begin with. It is important to understand that body odor is natural, it affects everyone differently and regardless of your situation there are things that can be done to reduce its effects.
Controlling bacteria and sweat are essential when trying to control body odor. Bathing or showering using an antibacterial soap will help to remove both from the surface of the skin. Bacteria causes you to smell when they start to break down sweat. The result of this process are waste particles and acids that have pungent odors to them. In addition, application of deodorant/antiperspirant will help to keep both in check throughout the day. Be sure to check ingredient labels though. Often times aluminum is used to control sweating. If you are trying to avoid that, look for brands or products that do not use it.
In addition, because food can be a source of body odor, limiting foods high in sulfides will help. Avoid large quantities of things like garlic, onions, red meat, and spicy foods. Supplementing certain things with more vegetables for example is not only a good way to reduce body odor, but it's healthy for your body.
Finally, other things that can be done include wearing looser fitting clothes, using natural alternatives such as coconut oil, aloe vera and chlorophyll supplements.
Controlling bacteria and sweat are essential when trying to control body odor. Bathing or showering using an antibacterial soap will help to remove both from the surface of the skin. Bacteria causes you to smell when they start to break down sweat. The result of this process are waste particles and acids that have pungent odors to them. In addition, application of deodorant/antiperspirant will help to keep both in check throughout the day. Be sure to check ingredient labels though. Often times aluminum is used to control sweating. If you are trying to avoid that, look for brands or products that do not use it.
In addition, because food can be a source of body odor, limiting foods high in sulfides will help. Avoid large quantities of things like garlic, onions, red meat, and spicy foods. Supplementing certain things with more vegetables for example is not only a good way to reduce body odor, but it's healthy for your body.
Finally, other things that can be done include wearing looser fitting clothes, using natural alternatives such as coconut oil, aloe vera and chlorophyll supplements.
Learn What Causes Body Odor
Body odor is probably the first type of odor most people think of when the subject of human smell comes up. It is something everyone has to deal with at some level or another. It generally starts to occur around puberty as our apocrine glands start to become active, but in general body odor causes can vary depending on lifestyle habits, diet and genetics.
Here is a list of some of the more common causes of body odor:
Bacteria - Probably the most common known reason. Bacteria cover the surface of the skin and they feed on our sweat. Apocrine sweat glands are heavily concentrated on the underarms. They secrete a thick sweat different from eccrine sweat which is meant as a coolant. Apocrine sweat contains proteins and fats, and bacteria break those components down. The leftover waste are generally acid compounds that tend to stink. It's these acid compounds that we associate body odor with.
Food - What you eat can contribute to how you smell because foods contain several odor compounds that are released as food is digested in the body. Chief among them are what are called volatile sulfur compounds. They have an odor similar to that of eggs. They get absorbed into the body and are released from the skin and sweat.
Medication - Some drugs can have the side effect of causing increased sweating. More sweat means more food for bacteria which in turn means more smelly compounds being produced.
Not Bathing - Simple enough. Bathing or showering using a good antibacterial soap helps to remove surface bacteria that cause body odor.
Here is a list of some of the more common causes of body odor:
Bacteria - Probably the most common known reason. Bacteria cover the surface of the skin and they feed on our sweat. Apocrine sweat glands are heavily concentrated on the underarms. They secrete a thick sweat different from eccrine sweat which is meant as a coolant. Apocrine sweat contains proteins and fats, and bacteria break those components down. The leftover waste are generally acid compounds that tend to stink. It's these acid compounds that we associate body odor with.
Food - What you eat can contribute to how you smell because foods contain several odor compounds that are released as food is digested in the body. Chief among them are what are called volatile sulfur compounds. They have an odor similar to that of eggs. They get absorbed into the body and are released from the skin and sweat.
Medication - Some drugs can have the side effect of causing increased sweating. More sweat means more food for bacteria which in turn means more smelly compounds being produced.
Not Bathing - Simple enough. Bathing or showering using a good antibacterial soap helps to remove surface bacteria that cause body odor.
Natural Deodorants To Keep Odor Free and Healthy
Nobody likes body odor. Most of us go to great lengths to ensure that we smell good, or at least don't smell at all. Roll-ons, sprays, wipes, creams, you name it we've tried it. For the most part people are satisified with whatever odor control method currently being used, or otherwise you wouldn't be using it.
However, have you ever thought what you're actually putting onto your body?
Many of the deodorant products we use today contain some pretty nasty chemicals. Aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, silica and talc are just a few common ones you'll find on most labels. These additives serve important functions such as antibacterial agents, softeners, sweat pluggers and what not, but they also carry potentially harmful health effects. Aluminum for example has been found in breast tumors. It's also linked to illnesses of the brain and nervous system.
There are alternative natural deodorant products out there that carry less or no risk at all of some of these health concerns. It's important to find one that uses natural ingredients. Burt's Bees and Tom's of Maine are two popular deodorant manufacturers that make such products.
Whatever method you chose, it will be a very beneficial decision now and in the future.
However, have you ever thought what you're actually putting onto your body?
Many of the deodorant products we use today contain some pretty nasty chemicals. Aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, silica and talc are just a few common ones you'll find on most labels. These additives serve important functions such as antibacterial agents, softeners, sweat pluggers and what not, but they also carry potentially harmful health effects. Aluminum for example has been found in breast tumors. It's also linked to illnesses of the brain and nervous system.
There are alternative natural deodorant products out there that carry less or no risk at all of some of these health concerns. It's important to find one that uses natural ingredients. Burt's Bees and Tom's of Maine are two popular deodorant manufacturers that make such products.
Whatever method you chose, it will be a very beneficial decision now and in the future.
