When food choices are not tolerated well by the body, chemical reactions may occur causing gas, bloating, dermal irritations or odor. Body odor related to food intolerance may be remedied through holistic remedies, herbs or elimination of the offending food. Naturopathic doctors say food sensitivities, while uncomfortable, are not indicators of current allergy response. A food sensitivity, however, can cause dis-regulation in the body, which may reduce immune efficiency and cause physiological stress.
Types
Body odor from food intolerance can manifest as halitosis or bad breath, vaginal/genital odor, excessive underarm odor, sebaceous glad odor, fungal overgrowth and foot odor. Depending on the constitution of the affected individual and the food sensitivity, one or more of these may be experienced. Severe body odor may indicate serious health problems that should be discussed with your doctor.
Odor Fighting Herbs
According to master herbalist Susan Weed, herbs may be effective in curbing offensive body odors. Parsley has been used for thousands of years to curb halitosis, while ginger and basil are used to improve digestion and eliminate gas. Increasing circulatory health related to elimination of noxious odors may be achieved with stimulating herbs and spices like cayenne,garlic, black pepper, turmeric and thyme. Stimulating herbs may cause burning to mucous membranes; use caution.
Significance of Essential Oils
Essential oils use volatile lipids from plants for concentrated therapeutic application. Aromatherapists advocate using essential oil of tea tree and lavender to combat microbial sources of food intolerance related odor. Misting the body with tea tree or lavender infused purified water may curb odor when used daily, according to "Essential Oils Desk Reference." Keep essential oils away from pets and small children to avoid accidental poisoning.
Food Features
Fennel has been used for thousands of years as a food and dietary aid to promote sweet-smelling skin and healthy body odor. For vaginal or genital odor, plain yogurt may prevent fungal resistance and reduce smells caused by overingestion of sugars or carbohydrates. Advocates of a vegetarian diet claim that the slow catabolization of meat products increase the likelihood of body odor while opponents of a vegetarian diet claim that diets high in legumes and fiber increase bloating and gas for increased personal odor, according to "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness" by Larry Trivieri Jr. If you suspect a particular food is causing personal odor, find a substitute that your body doesn't react to.
Considerations
Many medications can cause side effects such as body odor. If you suspect body odor may be resulting from a medication, your doctor may be able to offer an alternative with less offensive side effects. All medications carry side effects; educate yourself about the side effects of your medications.
Prevention/Solution
While modern physicians can offer allergy tests, you are more likely to obtain information about food sensitivities and intolerance from a licensed naturopathic physician. This specialized branch of medicine can offer further information about herbs, homeopathy, supplements and nutritional plans that may reduce or eliminate chronic body odor, according to "The book of herbal wisdom: using plants as medicine" by Matthew Wood. Make sure your naturopathic physician obtained his advanced degree from a recognized college of naturopathic medicine, not an online certification.
References
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness";Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "Essential Oils Desk Reference"; Essential Science Publishing; 2007
- "The book of herbal wisdom: using plants as medicine"; Matthew Wood; 1997
- "Healing Wise"; Susan Weed; 2003
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