If you have a body odor problem, most likely the culprit is sweat, or more specifically, the mix of sweat and bacteria on the surface of your skin. Controlling that body odor often requires little more than a few changes in your hygiene or diet. In some cases, you might need medical treatment to combat your body odor, particularly if it's caused by a more serious condition.
Hygiene Habits
Good hygiene will solve most body odor problems. Start showering daily. Swap out your perfumed soaps for soaps with antiperspirant and antibacterial properties. The soaps might not smell as nice as your sweet-scented soaps, but they'll stop your body odor at the cause rather than just mask it. Dry yourself well, particularly your feet, after you bathe to prevent odor-causing bacteria from thriving on your body. Try a drying powder after showering, too, or sprinkle corn starch on areas where you sweat heavily. Witch hazel or apple cider vinegar also can neutralize sweat odor.
Diet
What you're eating--or what you're not eating--could be causing your body odor. Strong-smelling foods such as garlic, onions and pungent spices can give you a strong body odor, so cut back on those if your diet is heavy in them. Caffeinated beverages can make you sweat more. Eat plenty of vegetables and whole grains, as improper digestion is linked to body odor. Check your red meat intake. A 2006 study by the department of anthropology at Charles University in Prague indicated a diet heavy in red meat can give you an unpleasant odor. Adding a wheat grass supplement to your diet also can improve your body odor.
Clothing
Choosing the right types of clothing can help you to control body odor. MayoClinic.com recommends that you opt for clothing with natural fibers, such as cotton or silk, to let your skin breathe. Do the same with your socks. Cotton or wool socks will help to absorb your sweat. Shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, also allow your feet to breathe better. Wash your clothes regularly and change your socks once a day, or more often if you are a heavy sweater. If your shoes are damp from sweat, allow them to air out a day before wearing them again.
Relaxation
Stress causes sweat, so finding ways to manage your stress can help you to control body odor. Look into relaxation techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises or meditation. Women should pay special attention to stress levels during their period, as menstruation and the associated stress can compound body odor problems.
Drugs or Surgery
If you can't control excessive sweating, your doctor might be able to give you some options. Certain drugs or botox treatment can treat heavy sweating, or in extreme cases, your doctor can surgically remove certain sweat glands from the body. This can lead to heavier sweating in other parts of the body, however. Visiting your doctor also can help you to rule out other medical causes of body odor, such as a yeast infection, diabetes, liver disease or thyroid problems.
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