What causes body odor? Excessive stress, genetics, and drinking are all causes of body odor

Regular bathing and personal care can prevent body odor, but there are some seemingly unrelated reasons that also cause the body to have odor and are difficult to clean. The Huffington Post in the United States once published an article summarizing 7 surprising reasons for body odor.

7 Reasons Why You Have Body Odor

1. Too much pressure

There are many types of sweat, chemically speaking, but the worst-smelling kind is the kind produced when you're stressed. That's because it's produced by a type of sweat gland called the apocrine gland. Apocrine sweat is low in water, and bacteria thrive in the mix of fats and proteins in sweat, which gives it a strong odor. Sweat produced during exercise or hot weather is mostly made up of water and electrolytes, so it doesn't smell as strong.

2. Genetics

The sweat secreted by the feet contains a large number of bacteria. Because the toes are in a dark, warm and humid environment, it creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, especially when wearing socks. But 10% to 15% of people are born with sweatier feet. This particularly humid environment becomes a breeding ground for a specific bacteria (Micrococcus inhabitans), which produces sulfide, a bad smell.

3. Not changing and washing bras frequently

Many lace bras may be made of fabrics that have the function of storing odors. Also, because the bra is in close contact with the body, it is more likely to come into contact with sweat when you sweat, so you need to change and wash it frequently, otherwise it will develop an odor.

4. Love to eat cauliflower

Eating garlic and onions regularly can induce body odor. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables also contain smelly compounds (usually sulfur), which can cause the eater to emit a foul odor all over the body.

5. Suffering from fish odor syndrome

This is a rare disease caused by a mutation in a specific gene. It results in the body's inability to break down a compound called trimethylamine. Trimethylamine is what gives fish their fishy smell; when it builds up in the body, it is released through the breath, urine and sweat, causing the patient to smell like fish. This smell is unacceptable and often leads to depression or social isolation.

6. Drinking

When people drink alcohol, it circulates through the body through the bloodstream, some of it seeps out through the pores, and some of it comes out through the breath, making people smell the stink of alcohol. The type of alcohol has no effect on the odor produced by the human body, as soon as the body starts to break down the alcohol, it smells the same.

7. You may have diabetes

If diabetes gets worse, you may develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Without enough insulin, your body starts breaking down fat for fuel, which causes ketones to build up in your body. This buildup can cause changes in your body odor and lead to body odor. See a doctor right away.

In addition, some studies have found that a low-carb diet can also affect the smell of your breath.