Body odor can be an unpleasant issue, and it is influenced by various factors including diet, health conditions, and personal hygiene. Foods such as garlic, onions, cumin, and curry are notorious for their impact on body odor. When the body breaks down these foods, it produces sulfur-like compounds that not only manifest on your breath but also through your pores. Ohio State Health & Discovery explains how what we eat can affect how we smell.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are known for producing gas. The release of sulfur-like compounds during the breakdown of these foods in the body can result in a distinct odor exuding from one’s pores. In some cases, individuals with trimethylaminuria, a rare condition, develop a fishy odor after consuming seafood, adding a unique dimension to diet-related body odors.
Dr. Michele Green suggests that specific foods, including the aforementioned garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can lead to distinct body odors. Moreover, Northwell Health provides insight into seven factors that may cause a sour body odor and how one can address this issue.
Aside from dietary influences, altered smell perception can be attributed to various causes such as COVID-19, sinus infections, hay fever, nasal polyps, or certain medications like atorvastatin and amlodipine. Harvard Health discusses the phenomenon of smelling odors that are not present in the environment, providing a comprehensive overview of this sensory issue.
Adolescent body odor is another aspect worth noting, as it can be particularly challenging. The smell can set into clothing, particularly underarm areas, and persist despite washing. The website Parenthetical sheds light on this topic, highlighting the difficulties of managing body odor during the teenage years.
If you experience frequent gas or additional symptoms such as abdominal pain or weight loss, it could be indicative of a more serious health issue. Harvard Health advises consulting a doctor to rule out digestive disorders such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.