How to Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally: 6 Home Remedies

Body odor, which is a natural phenomenon, can be a significant source of discomfort and embarrassment for an individual. Whether it's due to sweat, bacteria, or other factors, no one wants to be the person who emits an unpleasant odor. Luckily, there are countless hacks on how you can regain confidence in your fragrance. Here's a guide on how to go about it.

What causes body odor?
Body odor mainly originates from the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the surface of the skin. While sweat itself is odorless, when it comes into contact with bacteria, especially in areas that have sweat glands such as the underarms and groin, it produces an unpleasant odor. Certain foods as well as medications and medical conditions can also contribute to body odor.

Maintaining good hygiene is the key
Practicing good personal hygiene is the first line of defense against body odor. There are several ways you can achieve this. Make sure you bathe regularly with an antibacterial soap that helps remove sweat, bacteria, and odor-causing substances from the skin. Additionally, pay special attention to sweat-prone areas such as armpits, groin, and feet.

Choose the right deodorant
Applying the right antiperspirants can help reduce sweat production. Deodorants work to mask or neutralize your odor. Try using products that contain aluminum-based compounds. Natural deodorants that are free of harsh chemicals like parabens and aluminum are also an effective option available for people with sensitive skin.

Why clothes matter
Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton and linen allows sweat to evaporate easily and reduces the chances of bacterial growth and odor. One should not wear tight-fitting clothing as it traps sweat against the skin. Change clothes after you sweat and wash regularly with a quality detergent to remove bad bacteria.

Certain foods can contribute to odor
Foods such as onions, garlic and spicy dishes can contribute to body odor when their pungent compounds are excreted by a person's sweat glands. Conversely, if you increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it can improve your overall body odor.

Shave or trim your body hair
Excess hair on your body can trap sweat and bacteria. You may want to consider shaving or trimming hair in sweat-prone areas such as armpits and groin to reduce bacterial growth and odor.

Say no to stress
Stress can cause people to sweat excessively, causing them to develop body odor. Adopting stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or engaging in a hobby can help keep stress levels low and reduce sweat production.