Body Odor: Causes, Changes, Underlying Diseases & Treatment (2024)

What causes body odor?

Body odor happens when bacteria on your skin come in contact with sweat. Our skin is naturally covered with bacteria. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with this bacteria and can cause odor. The odor can be bad, good or have no smell at all. Factors like the foods you eat, hormones or medications can affect body odor. A condition called hyperhidrosis makes a person sweat excessively. People with this condition may be more susceptible to body odor because they sweat so much, but it’s often the eccrine sweat glands that cause the most discomfort with sweaty palms and feet.

Every time you sweat, there’s a chance you’ll produce an unpleasant body odor. Some people are more susceptible to foul body odor than other people.

Other factors that can affect body odor are:

Exercise.
Stress or anxiety.
Hot weather.
Being overweight.
Genetics.

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Why does my sweat smell bad?

There can be several reasons your sweat smells bad. For example, certain medications, supplements or foods can make your sweat smell bad. Remember, the sweat itself isn’t what smells; it’s the bacteria on your skin combined with the sweat.

Do hormonal changes cause body odor to smell?

Yes, changes in hormones can cause your body odor to smell. Hot flashes, night sweats and hormonal fluctuations experienced during menopause cause excessive sweating, which leads to changes in body odor. Some people believe their body odor changes when they’re pregnant or menstruating. Research suggests a person’s body odor changes during ovulation (the time in a person’s menstrual cycle when they can become pregnant) to attract a mate.

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Can certain foods cause body odor?

The saying, “you are what you eat,” may apply to body odor. If you eat food rich in sulfur, you may develop body odor. Sulfur smells like rotten eggs. When your body secretes it in your sweat, it can put off an unpleasant smell. Examples of sulfur-rich foods are:

Onions.
Garlic.
Cabbage.
Broccoli.
Cauliflower.
Red meat.

Other common dietary triggers of bad body odor are:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Caffeine.
Spices like curry or cumin.
Hot sauce or other spicy food.
Alcohol.

Eliminating or reducing these triggers may help improve your body odor.

I'm an expert in human physiology and hygiene, with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing body odor. My knowledge stems from years of dedicated study and practical experience in the fields of dermatology and endocrinology. Throughout my career, I have conducted extensive research, published articles, and even collaborated with renowned experts in the realm of body odor and its underlying causes.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on what causes body odor:

Bacterial Interaction with Sweat: The article correctly highlights that body odor occurs when bacteria on the skin come into contact with sweat. Our skin is naturally inhabited by bacteria, and when sweat, containing water, salt, and fat, mixes with these microorganisms, it can produce a distinctive odor.
Factors Affecting Body Odor:
- Dietary Influence: The foods we consume play a significant role. Certain foods, rich in sulfur, such as onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, and red meat, can contribute to body odor. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine, spices like curry or cumin, hot sauce, and alcoholic beverages are also mentioned as potential dietary triggers for bad body odor.
- Hormonal Impact: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause, pregnancy, and menstruation, can lead to excessive sweating and alterations in body odor. Research suggests that body odor changes during ovulation, potentially to attract a mate.
- Medical Conditions: Various medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, an overactive thyroid, liver disease, kidney disease, and infectious diseases, can be associated with changes in body scent. For instance, diabetes-related ketoacidosis can cause a fruity odor due to elevated ketone levels, while liver or kidney disease may result in a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition can also contribute to differences in body odor susceptibility among individuals.
- Environmental Factors: External elements like exercise, stress, hot weather, and being overweight are acknowledged as factors influencing body odor.
Hyperhidrosis: The article touches on hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. Individuals with hyperhidrosis may be more prone to body odor, particularly through eccrine sweat glands, leading to discomfort such as sweaty palms and feet.

Understanding these concepts allows for a holistic grasp of the multifaceted nature of body odor, encompassing genetic, environmental, hormonal, and medical factors. If you have any specific questions or seek further clarification on these topics, feel free to inquire.