It has happened to all of us. An unpleasant odor hits you out of nowhere and before you fully understand it, you realize that this odor is coming from you. What can make your sweat smell bad and how can you deal with its unpleasant smell?
Let’s start with the basics: Sweat is essentially odorless. Sweat is a biological fluid, completely natural and absolutely necessary for the body.
Sweat, in fact, is good for us. Sweating is a natural function that helps regulate temperature and remove toxins from the body. While sweat itself is odorless, bacteria use it as a breeding ground and thus multiply rapidly. What causes the unpleasant smell of sweat (bromidrosis) are the products associated with the breakdown of keratin bacteria on the surface of the skin.
But why does sweat smell?
The smell of sweat starts from adolescence due to the increase of hormones called androgens. These hormones are not active until adolescence. That’s why body odor is not a problem in children. Once these hormones are activated, some things that can make sweat odor worse are:
- Heavy physical exercise
- Heat or humidity
- Weight changes
- Changes in hormones
- Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease
- Some medicines, such as antidepressants
- Some fatty foods, oils or foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, curry and onions,
Tips to prevent sweat from smelling
If the smell of sweat is a problem in your daily life, there are solutions that will help you deal with it. If you experience excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), do not hesitate to seek medical advice, as you may need a more aggressive treatment. Also, some medical problems can lead to excessive sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
A bath a day keeps sweat away
Your skin is different from any other and its needs can change from season to season. If you have an active day, if you exercise intensely or if the heat makes you sweat, then a bath may be the best prevention to avoid unpleasant body odors.
The right deodorant
Finding the right deodorant can be challenging, but if your current choice does not suit you, it is time to consider your options. After all, who needs a deodorant that barely keeps you clean until noon? You do not need to try all the deodorants on the market to find the right one for you. Just pay attention to the active ingredients they contain. Also, be mindful of any irritations while experimenting. To smell like a rose, it is not worth itching in the armpits.
Go natural
The fabrics you wear play a big role in how your sweat may smell. A study showed that fancy gym clothes and other artificial fabrics, such as polyester and spandex, are a breeding ground for bacteria. Prefer fabrics with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen or wool.
The right laundry
If your clothes smell like the bottom of your gym bag, do not worry: Add a cup of vinegar to your clothes and they will come out fresh. You can also use up to 1 cup of baking soda to beat bad odors. Just do not mix vinegar and baking soda, as they will neutralize each other.
Pro tip: Turn your clothes inside out before you wash them. This makes it easier to remove stains and sweat from the fabrics, while making your clothes look like new for longer.
The fabric softener may be to blame
If you have ever worn a freshly washed blouse and before you even get to the office, the smell of freshness has disappeared, the fabric softener may be to blame. Fabric softeners sit on the surface of clothing fibers and prevent them from “breathing”. This means that you do not get the air you need to keep odor-causing bacteria away. It also makes it difficult for the detergent to penetrate the fibers and remove sweat, bacteria and body odors.
You sweat what you eat Nutrition also plays an important role in body odor. Sulfur-containing foods, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can affect the way sweat smells. Onions, garlic, curry, and other strong spices are also common suspects for the smell of sweat.