Body Odor Causes
What Causes Body Odor?
Body odor is the byproduct of the body's glandular response to stimuli, whether it be heat, stress, or physical exertion. Without this system, the body would be prone to overheating and heat stroke.
The body has two different types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Distributed all over the skin, eccrine glands secrete salt water. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are located in the groin area, armpit, and scalp. Unlike the simple saline of the eccrine glands, the apocrines secrete a fatty type of sweat, which is digested by bacteria that reside on the skin. This process results in the musky scent people recognize all too well.
What Increases Sweat and Body Odor?
Exertion drives up the body's core temperature, causing an increase in sweat production from both types of glands. Nervousness and sexual arousal can also stimulate body odor.
Wearing synthetic fabrics, which don't allow the body to breathe, increases body odor as well. Polyester is notorious for its sweat-producing qualities, as is nylon. To combat this problem, wear natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and linen, especially in undergarments. Fabrics that repel moisture reduce body odor as well as the likelihood of fungal growth due to a lack of air circulation and moisture.
Reduce Body Odor
To reduce body odor, you need a substance that will catch and dry out the apocrine sweat before it breaks down into funkiness. Deodorant or powder do a great job of this, along with a regular bathing regimen.
Diet also affects body odor. To cut down on odor, you may want to switch out diet mainstays for a bit to see if there's a change. Once broken down, food affects the taste and smell of the body, according to Health911.com, which states, Certain foods, such as meat, onions, garlic, exotic spices, and drinks such as coffee and alcohol can lead to body odor.
People with chronic sweat and body odor problems often have to seek medical advice to lessen their dilemma. For severe cases, there are prescription-strength soaps and deodorants that can block sweat production for many hours; however, these can sometimes irritate the skin and cause discomfort.
