No one wants to stink, which is why deodorants and various fragrances are very much in demand nowadays. In particular, companies often focus on the social benefits of wearing certain perfumes or swiping deodorant on your armpits.
If you’re a socially-forward person, smelling good is a definite plus especially to the opposite sex. In addition, putting on a certain scent can be considered your “signature” scent that can add to your overall appeal.
On the other hand, we all have our own “odor signature”, or you can call it your “personal” scent minus the perfume and deodorants. How we naturally smell depends on our genetics, state of health, personal hygiene, and the food we eat. Weird as it may sound, but our natural scent can be affected by the food we consume, apart from the other factors mentioned.
For starters, the body has two types of sweat glands: the eccrine glands which are responsible for odor-free sweat after an intense workout; and the apocrine glands which are present in the underarm that causes that stinky body odor. However, the effects of a person’s diet with his natural scent vary from person to person.
Nevertheless, these are some foods you may want to reconsider bringing on too much, for it may cause body odor:
1. Foods Containing Sulfur
These include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, and onions. Apparently, these vegetables release sulfur while in the process of digestion and make its way to your sweat glands that causes body odor. On the contrary, these foods should not be avoided altogether because it brings about positive benefits that are crucial for better health. However, regular consumption can contribute to stinky body odor.
2. Alcohol
It’s no wonder you smell of beer or whiskey after a night of alcoholic bingeing. It is because of acetic acid, which is the final product after the alcohol is metabolized in the liver. The acetic acid is then released through your sweat, thus causing bad body odor (and bad breath as well).
3. Red Meat
Who cannot resist a juicy steak as a dinner in a fancy restaurant? Yes, it may taste sumptuous; but not only it can put you at risk of cardiovascular diseases, it can also cause body odor, too. According to research, the meat fat is responsible for messing up with your sweat glands that ultimately cause stinky body odor.
4. Fish
While fish is technically healthier than red meat, it also contains choline that is responsible for that signature “fishy” odor, and ultimately, cause body odor on you as well. So before you eat that fish on the table, think again.
5. Spicy Foods
Many people like spicy foods with ingredients such as garlic, onions, or curry. While it can literally and figuratively spice up your meals and boost your metabolism, it can also affect the way you smell. Moreover, it is said that spices such as curry or cumin can affect a newborn’s body odor.
6. Coffee
This is kind of a bad news for coffee-lovers out there. Aside from giving that classic “coffee breath”, it can also create an unpleasant smell that can accumulate in your body. The result is body odor. To deodorize you can go for tea instead.
7. Junk Foods
Anything processed and refined, with too much sugar, white flour, hydrogenated oils and many more, can be harder to digest. Moreover, these can get into your intestines and produce a bad odor that can be released through our breath and sweat.
8. Dairy Products
Eating dairy can be beneficial when eaten in moderation. Too much of it, however, can lead to bad breath and even body odor.
9. Low-Carb Diet
Contrary to popular belief, carbs are not all bad. However, many people tend to limit their carb intake and consume more proteins. Too much protein can release ketones into the bloodstream, which can cause body odor as well.
10. Fried Foods
Oil-laden foods can turn rancid in time. It can cause indigestion, and lead to smelly farts that will make you stinky.
We all need food to nourish our bodies with the nutrients, minerals, and energy we need to improve our overall health. However, “too much of everything is bad”, according to a well-known adage. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean we have to avoid eating those altogether. Instead, we can still enjoy our favorite foods, as long as it is in moderation.
