Gaining victory over body odor.

Body odor is a perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweat into acids - some say it is the smell of bacteria growing on the body, but it really is the result of bacteria breaking down protein into certain acids.

Two types of acid are commonly present when there is body odor:

• Propionic acid (propanoic acid) is commonly found in sweat - propionibacteria break amino acids down into propionic acid. Propionibacteria live in the ducts of the sebaceous glands of adult and adolescent humans. Some people may identify a vinegar-like smell with propionic acid, because it is similar to acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell.

•  Isovaleric acid (3-methyl butanoic acid) is another source of body odor as a result of  actions of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are also present in several strong cheese types

Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans; it is the rapid multiplication of bacteria in the presence of sweat and what they do (break sweat down into acids) that eventually causes the unpleasant smell. The smell is perceived as unpleasant, many believe, because most of us have been brought up to dislike it. Body odor is most likely to occur in our feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic hair and other hair, belly button, anus, behind the ears, and to some (lesser) extent on the rest of our skin.

Body odor can have a nice and specific smell to the individual, and can be used - especially by dogs and other animals - to identify people. Each person's unique body odor can be influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication.

Why Do My Feet Smell?

While body odor is usually associated with the armpits, bacteria can also produce odor in the groin, anus area, upper thighs, and feet, among other places. Thoroughly washing your skin with a wet washcloth and soap -- especially those areas prone to sweating -- can help prevent body odor.

Gaining victory over body odour

1 Stay clean. Bathing regularly eliminates the bacteria that causes body odor, but you can't just use water. Make sure that you also clean everywhere with soap or an antibacterial detergent.

• Focus especially on your underarms and your feet, as those are two of the biggest body odor areas.
• You don't just need antibacterial soap, since all soap works to get rid of bacteria.
• For women and girls wishing to eliminate genital odor, don't wash the inside parts of your vagina with soap. The inside of the vagina is naturally designed to keep itself clean with clear and odorless discharge; it does this job remarkably well on its own. If your vagina starts to smell or itch, schedule a visit with a gynecologist.

2 Stay dry. Bacteria grows in an environment with lots of moisture, food to eat, warmth, and the proper levels of pH and sodium concentration, so you'll need to stay dry to keep it from growing and flourishing.

• After sweating wipe yourself down with a towel. Make sure that you shower, or wash after exercising.

3 Wear the right fabrics. There are certain synthetic materials that don't breathe very well, unless they've been specifically designed for that purpose (like polyester blends). If you're really worried about body odor wear fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk as they soak up moisture and have better breathe-ability.

• You can also wear a cotton or silk undershirt under your clothing to soak up your sweat and body moisture and keep it and the smell from your outer clothes.
• Avoid reusing the same clothing over and over again without washing.

 4 Use an over-the-counter antiperspirant. Antiperspirants form a block using certain chemicals (like aluminum) against sweating and perspiring, which helps to eliminate body odor. Many of these last all day, but you may need to reapply, especially if you've been doing something like exercising.

• Unlike a deodorant, antiperspirants actually eliminate the perspiration, so that you don't sweat and deodorants simply mask your sweat or make it not smell.
• There has been a lot of talk about whether antiperspirants featuring aluminum cause breast cancer, or Alzheimer's, but medical research has never adequately proven a link between the two (or between breast cancer and parabens), so it should be safe to use.
• Shaving beneath your arms can help eliminate body odor and make antiperspirants or deodorants easier to apply.

5 Use a deodorant. Sweating isn't bad for you (unless it's in excess and indicative of a larger problem) so you don't want to eliminate it entirely. Sweating serves the very utilitarian purpose of cooling your body down, but you can manage your sweating so that it doesn't happen at inappropriate times.

• A deodorant covers up the smell, or eliminates it entirely, while not getting rid of the moisture itself.

6 Consult your doctor if body odor is a permanent problem. You might be diagnosed with Bromhidrosis. It is often associated with changes of the hormone level (pubertal or climacteric period), diabetes, hidden inflammations, alimentation changes or preponderance. The most common reason for unpleasant body odor is excessive sweating.

• Doctors can prescribe prescription-level antiperspirants. These can cause skin irritation, so make sure you're only using this if you have an actual medical issue (like Bromhidrosis or Hyperhidrosis).
• Botox can also block sweat glands and eliminate your sweating. Again, you don't want to do this unless you have an actual medical problem, because it is both expensive and painful. The effects may only last for a few months and aren't always a long-term solution.

Long term solutions

1 Eat appropriately. What you eat makes a big difference in your body odor, since the saying "You are what you eat" is pretty much true. There are lots of foods that you should avoid if you want to smell good and certain foods that you should be eating that will help with body odor.

• Some foods to avoid, especially if you're going to be around people: large quantities of red meat, garlic and onions, spicy foods, and heavily processed foods.
• You should also avoid caffeinated drinks as those can add to body odor.
• Some foods to eat are: leafy vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, healthy oils (olive oil, salmon, avocado, etc.), and phytonutrients that cleanse your insides (like parsley, cilantro, celery, mints, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and so on).

2  Promote gut health. Some people who deal with body odor have that problem because their gut isn't working properly and they can't completely digest particular foods. You may need to see your doctor if this seems to be a big issue, but there are ways to boost your gut health naturally and at home.

• Take a probiotic supplement to help boost your intestinal flora quality.
• You might also try taking digestive enzymes with your meals or taking some apple cider vinegar to help aid your digestion.

3 Eliminate stress. Stress stimulates the apocrine glands, which are one of the glands that cause body odor. This means that when you are anxious or angry and under stress you're more likely to be smellier.

• Meditation is a great way to cut down on your stress. Meditate for 15 minutes each day and you'll find that your stress is becoming more manageable (and that you'll be smelling better).
• Yoga is another good way to cut down on your stress. Again, all you have to do is a basic 15 minute routine and you'll feel better.

4 Try a detox. Cleansing your body, especially if your body odor problem comes from your gut or the food you've been eating, can really help to reduce body odor and set you on the right path towards healthy and clean odor.

• There are lots of different types of detoxes, so it is best to talk to your doctor before you attempt one, especially one of the more rigorous ones (especially if you have health problems).

Using Home Remedies

1. Spritz the problem areas with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria or fungi in your problems areas (like your feet or your underarms). Spritz some white or apple cider on those areas and then wipe dry.
• You can also dilute vodka with water and spritz it on your underarms. This was famously described by Joan Rivers as an "old broadway trick" that she herself uses.
2. Use diluted lemon juice. You will have to experiment with the concentration; if it is too harsh, your skin will burn or develop redness and welts. If this happens, wait a couple of days and start again. Taste first to judge the acidity. It is the acidity that may keep the offending microorganisms from growing under your arms.
3. Use a natural sterilizer. You can also try using things like tea tree oil, witch hazel which are natural sterilizers or hydrogen peroxide in place of vinegar.
4. Take a wheatgrass or chlorophyll supplement. These can act as natural deodorizers, so taking one of these supplements each day can help lower or eliminate your body odor and make you smell nicer.
5. Soak your feet in a salt bath. Since feet are one of the problem areas, occasionally soaking them in a salt bath can help reduce their odor. The salt kills the bacteria, which eliminates the cause of the odor.

Remember that smelly feet can also cause smelly shoes. Treating your shoes with an over-the-counter deodorizer can help. Also, wear thick, absorbent socks if you can.

sources: www.medicalnewstoday.com

              www.wikihow.com