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Everyone wants to smell nice and have a signature scent they are recognized by. Bad body odor not only is a sign of bad body hygiene but can also create a bad impression.
Body odor is emitted from the mouth, urine, sweat, skin, and other body fluids. Reasons for bad body odor include: (1)
- Components of the diet (such as high-sugar and processed foods with preservatives and additives)
- Types of bacteria present in body fluids
- Compromised function of the liver, intestines, and kidneys
Foods to Help Cure Bad Body Odor
Since diet plays an important role in how you smell, consuming certain foods will help.
1. Citrus fruits
Lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits contain strong bioactive compounds that are antibiotic but also smell nice! (2)
By removing bad bacteria, citrus fruits can reduce bad smells from the body.
How to use:
- Prepare a body spray by boiling citrus peels in 1 cup of water.
- You can also directly rub some lemon juice diluted with water in your armpits daily until your body odor improves.
2. Fermented foods
Bad odor from the body can also be due to a reduced colony and biodiversity of gut bacteria. A leaky gut is characterized by the movement of digestive metabolites into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. (1)
Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and natto contain strains of lactic acid bacteria that can control and improve the diversity of gut microorganisms and reduce the likelihood of a leaky gut, (3) and ultimately improve body odor.
How to use:
Include 1 serving of fermented foods in your daily diet to reap their benefits.
3. Green tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants, and its polyphenols have been shown to have deodorizing and antibacterial effects. (4)
Drinking green tea can also cure halitosis (bad breath), (4)(5) and application of green tea to the skin (the liquid or residue of tea leaves) can kill bad bacteria on the skin and thus reduce body odor.
How to use:
Prepare a mist by brewing green tea in a cup of water, and use it as a natural deodorant.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another potent skin care ingredient that has been used in the Ayurvedic medicinal system for ages. It contains lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that can reduce odor-causing bacteria. (6)
In addition, oil pulling using coconut oil can reduce odor-causing bacteria in the mouth that can contribute to halitosis. (7)
How to use:
- Rub coconut oil on your armpits as a natural deodorant.
- Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth like a mouthwash to reduce bad breath.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary contains compounds that make it a strong antibacterial and antioxidant agent. This means it not only removes odor-causing bacteria when applied to the skin but also removes toxins from the body that contribute to bad smells. (8)
Rosemary also protects the liver and improves its function, and since reduced liver function can cause bad breath, (1) rosemary can help.
How to use:
- Prepare rosemary tea by brewing a few 2–3 sprigs in 1 cup of water, and drink this tea.
- You can also use this tea for topical application (in the armpits) to reduce body odor.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves contain menthol, which is a strong antibacterial agent that can help reduce body odor. (9)
How to use:
- Prepare and drink peppermint tea.
- Peppermint can be added to salads or used to top dishes and consumed.
7. Sage
Sage is rich in antibacterial agents that reduce body odor from the source. For this reason, it is used in many cosmetic products and natural deodorants. (10)
How to use:
Sage tea or infused water can be used as a deodorizing body spray.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a potent and pleasant scent and is a preferred flavor in cooking and baking. Moreover, it contains antibacterial properties and has a protective effect on the liver.
Both of these abilities can make cinnamon a good addition to the diet to remove body odor. (11)
How to use:
- Cinnamon can be eaten as part of the diet in form of tea.
- Cinnamon can be chewed to freshen breath.
9. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is abundant in chlorophyll, which acts as a potent detoxifying agent that removes toxins from the body and reduces body odor. (12)
How to use:
Wheatgrass powder is available as a nutritional supplement. You can consume it by mixing 1 tablespoon in half a glass of water, fruit juice (freshly prepared), or smoothies.
ALSO READ: Wheatgrass Juice: Nutrition, Benefits, and How to Consume It
10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil cannot be orally consumed, but it is used in many cosmetic products due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. (13)
Its antibacterial nature makes it a useful remedy against body odor when applied to the skin by reducing bacteria that contribute to bad smell.
How to use:
Combine 4–5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and rub the mixture in your armpits to reduce bad odor.
Expert Recommendation
You can prepare your own DIY deodorant by mixing the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 4 drops of tea tree oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp of baking soda or cornstarch (to bind everything together)
Store the mixture in a small tub and use within a week.
Most-Asked Questions
Can body odor be due to illness?
Diseases of the liver and kidney as well as hypothyroidism may cause excessive sweating. When bacteria settle into this sweat, it can cause odor. Therefore, it is essential to identify an underlying illness.
If you notice your sweat smelling bad all of a sudden, it can be a sign of poor health. Consult a doctor immediately.
What are some of the foods to avoid to prevent bad odor?
Alcohol, red meat, and caffeine can all contribute to bad body odor. Avoid garlic and onion as these can cause bad breath. Spicy food and cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli) can also contribute to bad body odor.
High-sugar foods can also change the composition of sweat, allowing bacteria to grow and cause bad odor.
Final Word
Bad odor can be a cause of great embarrassment. Most people try to mask it with the use of perfumes, deodorants, and creams that can cover the scent to a certain extent, but eating certain foods can address the cause of body odor at the root.
Foods that contain antibacterial properties can be particularly beneficial as they reduce the likelihood of bacteria thriving on sweat and causing bad body odor.
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