Have you ever been somewhere and gotten a whiff of bad body odor, only to realize, in embarrassment, that it's coming from you? You know you've taken a shower and put on clean clothes, but for some reason, you feel like you just can't beat the battle of the smell.
As your body changes, how much you perspire and whether it causes body odor also changes. Keeping up with your body and its needs can be exhausting, especially when you feel like you're losing the battle. Don't just give up. Listed below are 8 ways you can help your body eliminate the odor you so dislike.
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1. Diet. What you do or don't eat can actually affect your body odor, according to Prevention. Avoiding things like garlic, onions, and curry may cut down on how much you sweat and how strong the odor is. Often these items can be carried into the sweat, making it far more pungent. Caffeine is another item to cut back on if you're concerned about sweat and body odor. Something you might want to add is a few drops of peppermint oil onto your tongue after you eat. In theory, this is absorbed and excreted through your sweat as well.
2. Shave. WebMD recommends shaving your underarms to help eliminate odor. The hair makes a great breeding ground for bacteria as it traps moisture. By removing the hair, you may be able to cut back on the bacteria growth and the smell.
3. Hydrogen peroxide. Since the smell isn't actually caused by sweat but by the bacteria, WebMD says you may be able to get rid of the bacteria by applying a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Combine 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup water. Wipe this solution on your armpits, groin and other areas that tend to develop an odor problem.
4. Lemon juice. Prevention states that an acidic environment may help prevent the growth of bacteria as well. Swiping some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar onto the offensive areas may be all you need to do to get rid of the bacteria. Be sure to check for any cuts as these acids will irritate the skin. Best Health also mentions that witch hazel will do the same thing.
5. Baking soda. To help absorb the sweat and odor, Best Health recommends sprinkling a little baking soda or corn starch in the areas.
6. Antiperspirant. Most people apply their antiperspirant in the morning after their shower. WebMD says that applying it at night, before bed, is actually when you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.
7. Clothes. The Mayo Clinic says to use natural fiber fabrics for your clothes if sweat and odor is a problem you fight. These fabrics tend to breathe better, which means your skin can dry out, reducing bacteria growth and odor. Cotton, wool, silk - all of these should move to the top of your list.
8. Stress management. Stress causes your body to sweat in response. Best Health recommends finding ways to help your body cope with stress. Yoga, meditation or even exercise can be a great way for your body to relax and reduce its odor naturally.
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By implementing these simply items into your life, the next time you catch of whiff of bad B.O., you can heave a sigh of relief knowing it's not coming from you.