YOU STINK!!!!

Perspiration (sweat) is defined as the fluid consisting of water with small amounts of urea and salt, that is excreted through the pores of the skin via the sweat gland.  Most people believe that this built-in cooling system is "smelly" but it is in fact odorless.  Bacteria are the real culprits behind body odors.

CAUSES OF BODY ODOR:

Anaerobic bacteria: When the body is derived of oxygen and your metabolism starts to work, it emits an odor and this is your body's mechanism of getting rid of waste products.  Any imbalances may result in stronger odors (eg. the more waste the stronger the odor possibly)

For example: If your liver and intestines are clogged, odors may emanate from the body.  

      Solution: A completed detoxification program by cleansing the liver, colon and kidneys.

Solution:  Drink lots of water, take regular baths, especially after workouts and wash clothing after wearing (it doesn't matter if you wore the clothing for 10 mins or 10 hrs, wash them).

Foods consumed may promote body odor: Onions, garlic, curry and some alcohols, spicy foods and even coffee.  Some people may not be able to metabolize certain foods such as eggs, fish, liver or legumes due to it's chlorine content.

Solution:  Reduce the consumption of these foods and drink lots of water.

Constipation: This may mean different things to different people, but it is generally known as infrequent stool, incomplete emptying of the bowels, hard stool or even "straining".  Some people who eat large amounts of meat or are vegetarian may emit an offensive body odor (because of the person's body chemistry).  Their body does not completely process these foods which may cause constipation and this back up may come out as waste through their sweat glands.

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Solution:  Drink lots of water and have a balance of fresh vegetables and fruit in your diet.  And if all else fails, see your doctor.

Deficiency in magnesium or zinc: It is said that approximately 58% of Americans have an inadequate intake of Magnesium, some other illnesses associated with this deficiency: Diabetes and Asthma.  Zinc is not stored in the body and as such it has to be consumed.  Deficiencies of Zinc can affect various systems in our bodies.  It is a vital for the healing process, DNA production, cell division, sense of taste, smell, sight and is important for our development from fetus to adult.  This deficiency is not common amongst Americans.

Solution: Everyday consume foods rich in Zinc to avoid a deficiency such as: red meat, oysters, shellfish, nuts, beans, whole grains and  fortified cereals.  (you know my take on the last 2 listed here, but for information purposes...I'm listing them).

The sweat glands in the groin area and under the arm pits secrete a substance which contains carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (caused by tense moments or emotional stress).  This is quickly attacked by bacteria causing odor.

Excessive sweating can be caused by these underlying issues:

• Low blood sugar
• Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Parasites
• Metabolic dysfunction
• Menopause
• Emotional Stress
• Fungal infections
• Refined sugar feeds bacteria and fungus on the skin
• Caffeine
• Medications
• Tobacco

Here are some common sense and alternatives treatments, supplements and "Folk remedies" that can eliminate odor issues...

• Bathing daily or more frequently helps to remove the bacteria from the skin.  Be sure to use a wash cloth (more effective than just using your hands), Focus especially on the arm pits and groin area.  If you have severe problem with odor, soak for a few minutes in a tub of water with about three cups of tomato juice.

• Clothing: Wear looser clothing if you are prone to being a "sweaty mess".  Also choosing breathable fabrics can also help tremendously, synthetic fabrics for shoes or clothing don't allow the body to breathe and as such traps the sweat and gives bacteria a great feeding ground for maximizing odor output.  Also washing your clothing after every use will also help.

• Dietary: As mentioned above, reduce the consumption of foods that promote "the stink".

• Tobacco: Tobacco comes through your lungs as well as through your skin, it creates a distinct odor (especially when mixed with other chemicals in/on your body).  You know what to do here...need I say more?

• Witch hazel: wipe your armpits with this solution or alcohol post workouts.

• Apple cider vinegar: This product reduces the pH of the skin and can be used instead of deodorant.  Bacteria cannot live in areas where the pH is low.

• Baby/talc powder: This can be used in areas where perspiration is excessive (eg groin area).

• Parsley/alfalfa: Chewing parsley, alfalfa or other leafy greens will help neutralize body odor (maybe because of the deodorizing effect of the chlorophyll).  

• Rosemary: This can also be used on the body, put 8-10 drops and apply to the area most affected/prone to body odors.

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Place a teaspoon of peroxide in a glass of water and wash your underarms.  Tweak this formula to your body's needs.

• Magnesium/Zinc:  Augment your diet to consume more magnesium or  take magnesium supplements

• Chlorophyll: This can be consumed with each meal, this is an excellent deodorizer or once again augment your meals to include more dark green leafy vegetables.

Also please look at the ingredients in your deodorant/antiperspirant deodorant, they can cause considerable damage.  Today's deodorants contain aluminum chloride, this blocks glandular openings and prevents sweating and is responsible for the yellow stains or discolorations on your shirts/tops.  

 

The bottom line here is, it's no laughing matter.  Serious conditions may be the underlying cause, therefore it should be handled in a sensitive manner.  Although you may not care about the persons feelings, it could one day happen to you.  Don't get angry, either decide to tell them about it PRIVATELY AND SWEETLY (ask their permission to speak to them and please be nice) or say nothing at all (but remember, you would like to know if you smell to prevent a future occurrence)