Bad body odor is an unpleasant condition that many people have to deal with. Although typically harmless, sometimes underlying health conditions can be the cause. In fact, body odor is a reflection of your health. Not only does odor mirror what is put in your body, it signals what is going on inside the body. It is important to understand why bad body odor occurs. This knowledge can help you to differentiate between normal and potentially harmful causes.
Bacteria
The Children, Youth and Women's Health Service explains that bacteria is one of the primary causes of body odor. Although sweat alone does not emit much of an odor, combine it with bacteria and bad odor may result. This is especially true for parts of the body that are covered by clothing. In damp places, like the socks or a sweat-drenched T-shirt, yeasts and bacteria can flourish and produce an unpleasant odor. The bacteria may even grow inside the clothing, making it smelly as well.
Medical Disorder
According to Merck, sometimes body odor is caused by a medical disorder such as phenylketonuria. This disorder causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up in excess. When built up in the blood, this amino acid is toxic. In addition, the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service explains that liver or kidney disease may cause an ammonia-smelling body odor. Diabetes is often accompanied by a fruity smelling odor.
Diet
Food is often the culprit for bad body odor. A study published in the Oxford Journals in 2006 found that red meat can cause unpleasant body odor. Columbia University's Health Q&A Internet Service Go Ask Alice! reports that strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions and curry can also alter the smell of the sweat, making it unpleasant. Caffeine, alcohol and an imbalance in magnesium or zinc can also cause excess sweating or strong body odor.
Poor Hygiene
The Children, Youth and Women's Health Service explains that poor hygiene can result in bad body odor. If you do not wash your body regularly, especially the armpits, feet and groin, a bad smell may occur. In addition, poor odor can occur if you do not change or wash your clothes often. Because deodorant can mask and prevent odor, refraining from its use can result in bad body odor.
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