Body odor, also called bromhidrosis, is caused by waste products produced by necessary anaerobic bacteria in the body. When the wastes from these bacteria mix with perspiration – which itself is nearly odorless – strong odors can result. A healthy diet rich in appropriate vitamins and minerals can help minimize body odor by helping the body flush away the toxins bacteria leave behind. Certain deficiencies can cause body odor and listed below are a few of those vitamins whose low levels in the body can cause this embarrassing problem but these vitamins levels can be balanced in the body.
- Deficiency of Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral found in every cell. Its key functions include improving the immune system, blood clotting, treating the common cold and balancing insulin and thyroid function. It also helps detoxify the body and handle waste; therefore, a deficiency in zinc can worsen body odor. Food sources high in zinc include beans, nuts, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products
- Deficiency of Enzymes and Riboflavin
Trimethylaminuria causes a strong body odour usually described as like rotting fish, faeces or garbage. The odour is created when the body isn’t able to process trimethylamine. This is a smelly chemical that’s produced in the gut, particularly when certain choline-rich foods are digested. Women are more likely than men to have the condition – possibly because female sex hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen aggravate the symptoms.
Laxatives can speed up the passage of food through your bowel so less trimethylamine is produced in your gut.
- Deficiency of Magnesium
Magnesium may be the most overlooked mineral in our diets, which is unfortunate because the more scientists learn about this powerhouse vitamin, the more they discover how integral it is for everything from energy to memory. It can even help eliminate excess body odor. Eat lots of organic green vegetables. Eat whole grains in sourdough form. Consume other whole foods rich in magnesium. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Stay away from sugar.
- Other Factors
Dietary imbalance is one of the causes of body odor. Because of a person’s body chemistry, some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a very distinctive body odor which can be quite offensive. Some individuals cannot metabolize foods containing large amounts of choline, such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes. The result is a “fishy” smell. If you are one of these people, cut out these products and see if this is the cause of your odor. Certain foods and drinks, such as onions, garlic, curry, certain spicy foods, coffee and alcohol, are also prime causes. Fried and baked goods may contain rancid fats and oils that lead to body odor.
In conclusion, good hygiene is essential in controlling body odor. Shower regularly with anti-bacterial soap and avoid strong foods such as garlic and onions. Using deodorant helps remove odor, and antiperspirants with aluminium chloride helps block sweat pores temporarily. Use antiperspirants in the night and deodorant in the morning, after a shower or bath and prevent excessive body odor.