Body odor can be a sensitive topic, but it’s a common concern that many people experience. Certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, can produce gas and affect your scent, as can the breakdown of garlic and onions, releasing sulfur-like compounds. Moreover, a condition known as trimethylaminuria can result in a fishy smell after consuming seafood.

Altered smell can also be due to several causes, including COVID-19, colds, sinus infections, hay fever, nasal polyps, or the use of certain medications like atorvastatin, amlodipine, or erythromycin, and even a side effect of general anesthesia. Body odor that persists on clothing, particularly underarm areas, can be especially troublesome. This can happen even when the person is clean, as the bacteria that cause odor are reactivated by body heat.

Drinking alcohol can increase body odor as it produces acetate, which is excreted through breath and sweat. To minimize this effect, it’s recommended to drink less alcohol and stay hydrated with water. Certain B-vitamins, like vitamin B-3 in high doses, can cause flushing and other symptoms, and may also affect body odor.

During perimenopause, changes in hormone levels, such as a decrease in estrogen and a relative increase in testosterone, can alter your natural scent. Regular bathing and the use of quality deodorants or antiperspirants can help manage these changes.

Halitosis, or bad breath, is often a result of foods we eat, certain drinks, and smoking, but it can also arise unawares to the individual until pointed out by others. The vaginal area also has its own natural scent, which can vary from person to person and change with sweating, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or after sexual activity.

To learn more about the complexities of body odor and how to manage it, visit the comprehensive guides provided by Harvard Health, Parenthetical, Ohio State Health & Discovery, and MIT Medical.