Beating sweat and body odour

With the summer peaking, it is not only the itchy and dry weather that is making one uncomfortable but also the sweat and resultant body odors, that make one look for cover.

With the changes in the climate and extreme weather conditions, humidity levels too are rising, leading to excess sweating.

Some people sweat more because of reactions of medicines and others because of underlying diseases like tuberculosis and hypothydroism.

Bacterial activity increases sweat
Body odour is mainly caused by skin gland excretions and bacterial activity. It is primarily due to the result of apocrine sweat glands, which secrete chemical compounds needed for the skin flora to metabolise into odorant substances.

Dr Man Mohan, consultant dermatologist from Apollo Hospitals said, “Bacteria in the body, especially in the body folds, reacts with the sweat which is one of the main reasons for bad odour. Propanoic acid is present in many sweat glands.”

Which is the reason, in summers people are adviced to wear loose cotton clothes, take baths daily and also use antibacterial soaps and creams if they sweat too heavily.

Foods that lead to excessive sweating and body odour:
Red Meat: Red meat requires maximum digestion effort for your body to process. Over-eating will lead to issues liker perspiration and unwanted sweat

Spicy food: A spice overload can lead to excessive sulphur in your food intake, which will be eliminated through the skin’s pores and breath. Ensure that you eat well-balanced meals that aren’t too heavy on garlic, onions or piping hot curries

Junk Foods: Excessive consumption of junk foods will lead to accumulation of fatty cells inside your body which is the chief reason behind sweating

Bad body odour leads to embarrassment
Sweating with bad odour is more common in post pubertal individuals due to the action of bacteria on sweat. Dr B. Vijayasree, dermatologist and cosmetologist at MaxCure Hospitals said, “Factors that facilitate malodorous sweating is due to poor hygiene and also due to foods like onion or garlic and metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. It is important to take measures to reduce it.” Cleansing with antiseptic soaps or using perfumes helps most people to deal with the problem.

1. Foods that increase sweat
Fatty and processed foods
Fast food, chocolate, and other processed foods can make you sweat big time
Excess sodium (salt)
When you consume large amounts of salt, your body will sweat to get rid of the excess sodium
High fat milk
Just replace that whole milk with some low fat or skim to reduce your body’s sweat output
Coffee
First, it’s hot and heat makes you sweat. Second, coffee contains the stimulant caffeine that stimulates your central nervous system

2. Foods that help to control sweat:
Water: With diet, one of the simplest ways to curb excessive sweating is by drinking plenty of water
Fruits and vegetables: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can keep your sweat in check. Fruits and vegetables definitely make this list
Lemon juice: The acidic property of lemon juice helps lower the skin’s pH level that helps immensely to fight against body odour-causing bacteria