Body Odor

Description

Body odor refers to unpleasant smells emitted from the body.

Cause

The most common cause of body odor is poor hygiene. Perspiration itself has no smell, but if left to dry on the skin, it can decompose and begin to cause a strong odor. Spicy foods such as curry or garlic can trigger perspiration levels, particularly in unhealthy individuals.

Other causes of body odor include nutritional deficiencies (generally zinc), underlying health problems (usually liver disease or diabetic issues), or intestinal problems (for example parasites or chronic constipation).

Feet generally sweat due to the airless atmosphere insides shoes, boots, and sneakers. Wear clean cotton socks and try to let your feet breath when possible. Also, reduce excessive coffee consumption or emotional stress, which can influence perspiration.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Sage is a helpful essential oil for preventing body odor.

Detoxification: To help avoid unpleasant body odor, seek a professional bowel cleanse and body rejuvenation program several times throughout the year.

Diet: A wholesome diet provides the essential balance of nutrient biochemistry and biology within the body. With the correct balance of foods and nutrients, you are less likely to emit unpleasant odors. Eat a whole foods diet that includes at least one to three vegetables and one raw food daily. Increase your filtered water intake to eight glasses per day. In the morning and before bedtime, drink one glass of fresh lemon water.

Juice Therapy: Drink fresh juices, preferably made at home in your own blender.

Homeopathy: Hepar sulph and Sulfur are both helpful homeopathic remedies for treating unpleasant entire body odor.

Lifestyle: Wash your entire body twice daily and consider a professional colon cleansing.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients have proven useful for preventing and reducing unpleasant body odor: Vitamin B1, vitamin B complex, vitamin A, vitamin C, chlorophyll, magnesium, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and Zinc.

Skin Brushing: Skin brushing is a naturopathic remedy that eliminates dead skin cells from the skins surface. The brush itself is made from natural bristles and is used to lightly scrub the skin to allow the skin to, “breath.” Dead skin cells trap odor and bacteria and help cause unpleasant body smells. Brushing should be performed daily for at least five minutes, ideally right before a shower.

Topical Treatment: Apply talcum powder to armpits, toes, and any other area you experience heavy perspiration. Powder helps absorb moisture before it can cause an odor.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional treatments have all proven to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of body odor: Kinesiology, Body-Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, fasting, Naturopathic Medicine, and Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for explanations of these optional therapies.)