Over-the-counter antiperspirants often contain harmful chemicals, including aluminum, and work by blocking or clogging the pores that allow perspiration to escape, says Care2.com. If you prefer not to use these products, you may be concerned about how you'll manage body odor. Fortunately, you can prevent some body odor by observing good hygiene practices, examining and changing your diet and trying safe and natural deodorants to prevent offensive body odors.
Step 1
Take regular baths or showers with a gentle soap. According to MayoClinic.com, body odor is caused by bacteria on the skin. Bathing or showering at least once per day helps to keep the bacteria from running rampant, creating unpleasant odors.
Step 2
Practice all facets of good personal hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth to reduce bad breath. Wash your hair every day or every other day to remove oils and reduce odor in your hair.
Step 3
Change your socks regularly and allow your shoes to air out in between wearings to keep foot odor in check, recommends MayoClinic.com. Try to rotate between two or three pairs of shoes to allow each pair to dry thoroughly in between wearings.
Step 4
Wear clean clothes. KidsHealth points out that even if you bathe regularly, smell can cling to your clothing, making you smell bad. Wear undergarments, socks and shirts made of natural materials such as cotton to reduce sweating that leads to body odor.
Step 5
Change your diet. Reduce or eliminate the amount of red meat that you eat. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that those who eat red meat are more likely to have unpleasant body odor. Cut back on or stop consuming garlic, onions, caffeine or any other foods or beverages that seem to increase your body odor.
Step 6
Use a natural deodorant. Make this yourself at home by dusting your arm pits with a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch, suggests Care2.com. If you do not want to make your own deodorant, buy a natural deodorant from your local pharmacy.
Tips and Warnings
- It may help to keep a food diary to pinpoint which foods, if any, affect your natural body odor. This can also help you keep track of whether there was any change after you discontinued eating the food in question.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Several pairs of shoes
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Natural deodorants
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