Effects of diet on body odour

Do you know the food you intake can cause your body to stink. Yes, there are certain foods that  can cause foul-smelling body odour. Though body odour is largely determined by personal hygiene, genetics, sweat, and overall body health, foods that we intake can also play a major role in body odour.

There is always a misconception that vegetables are pure and do not cause any side effects to the body. Though they are healthy and rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, there are few vegetables that can trigger bad body odour in human beings. Continue reading to know more about foods that cause bad body odour. 

Foods that cause body odor

  • Body odor is primarily caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin’s surface. While sweat itself is odorless, certain foods can contribute to body odor by affecting the composition of sweat and the environment in which bacteria thrive. Here are some foods that are commonly associated with causing body odor:
    1. Spicy Foods: Spicy foods contain compounds like capsaicin, which can stimulate sweat production and cause an increase in body odor.
    2. Garlic and Onions: These pungent foods contain sulfur compounds that can be released through sweat and breath, leading to a strong and distinct body odor.
    3. Red Meat: High-protein diets, particularly those rich in red meat, can lead to the production of certain amino acids that bacteria break down into smelly compounds.
    4. Processed Foods: Foods high in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates can cause imbalances in the gut, which may lead to an increase in body odor.
    5. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can cause the body to sweat more and lead to an unpleasant smell as the body metabolizes the alcohol.
    6. Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are healthy but can contribute to body odor due to their sulfur content.
    7. Fish: Some types of fish contain choline, which, when broken down by the body, can produce a fishy odor.
    8. Curry and Cumin: Spices like curry and cumin can lead to strong-smelling sweat when consumed in significant amounts.

    It’s essential to note that while these foods can contribute to body odor, other factors, such as personal hygiene, genetics, and overall health, also play a role. Maintaining good hygiene practices, like regular bathing and using antiperspirant or deodorant, can help manage body odor caused by food intake.

Hope this blog on the causes of body odor and the effects of diet on body odor was interesting and informative.