How to prevent body Odor?

How to prevent body Odor?

What is Body Odor?
Body odor is one of those subjects that nobody really likes to talk about. It is not pleasant when there is a distinctive whiff of stale sweat in the air. Although, sweat is basically odorless, the smell can be quite awful. At some point everyone has felt a bit sweaty, especially on a hot summer’s day, after a strenuous workout or when having to speak in front of an audience.

There are two types of sweat glands in the skin and they are known as the apocrine and eccrine glands. Apocrine glands develop in areas where there is an abundance of hair follicles such as the underarms, genitals and scalp. Eccrine glands develop over most parts of the body and open directly onto the skin’s surface. Both these glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which controls most of our involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and sweating.

It is a known fact that men sweat more than women. Children rarely have body odor because the glands in the armpits and genitals only become active during puberty. With the onset of puberty, the sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones and protein and the oil production of the skin in the armpits and genitals also increases.

Sweat is part of the body’s way to cool down. Although sweat does not smell, the bacteria that normally lives on our skin feeds on it and breaks it down into aromatic fatty acids and chemicals that cause the unpleasant odor.

Certain areas of the skin such as the armpits and genitals tend to give off more of a body odor because these glands produce oily substances and proteins that bacteria feed on. Sweat found on any other areas of the body is salty water which bacteria find difficult to flourish in.

 Ways to prevent body odor

1. Wash directly after a work-out or sporting activity .

2. Use antiperspirants, deodorants and talcum powders regularly .

3. Shave or wax under your arms as this area is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria .

4. Wash clothing regularly in hot soapy water with a scented concentrate .

5. Avoid wearing the same clothing you wore the day before as it will retain the sweat smell. 

6. Change socks and undergarments daily .

7. Wear cotton or linen clothes as they are more absorbent than synthetic fabrics .

8. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and rather opt for loose fitting clothes .

9. Incorporate fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains into your diet .

10. Drink lots of water to flush out toxins in the body’s system .

11. Avoid eating spicy or sharp smelling foods (such as garlic, onions, hot peppers or curries) as the odor comes through the pores .

12. Avoid drinking hot drinks such as coffee or tea.

13. Maintain good personal hygiene by washing or showering at least 2-3 times a day with hot water and anti-bacterial soap .