[toc]The whiff of smell when a person passes by or comes near you, emitted by the person is called body odour. Sometimes this odour is unpleasant and strong and is due to the excretion of the skin glands mainly the apocrine sweat glands and bacterial activity.
The bacteria break down the protein into acids to emit this smell which is generally concentrated at armpits and other joints.Body odour is influenced by food, drinks, diseases, lack of hygiene etc.Factors like puberty, exercising, metabolic activity and tendency to sweat in excess add to the problem.
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Though on one hand it is a normal phenomenon, on the other hand when body odour is extremely unpleasant it is a cause of embarrassment. It creates a negative impact and we cannot ignore it as it is a part and parcel of our personality. It can be controlled by simple remedies which you can follow in the comforts of your home.
Various Home Remedies For Body Odour
Wheatgrass
Wheat grass contains chlorophyll which reduces the amount of odour which is emitted from the body. Chlorophyll kills the odour producing bacteria which live without air since they are destroyed by the chlorophyll’s oxygen producing agents.
Wheatgrass also contains fibre which facilitates smooth bowel movements thereby helping the body to eliminate toxins from the digestive system which also cause body odour.Have at least 500 mg of wheat grass along with a glass of water the first thing in the morning so that it will be properly absorbed by the body.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil also called melaleuca oil is an essential oil with a fresh camphor like odour. Do not mistake it for tea oil which is different. Tea Tree Oil may range from a colourless shade to a pale yellow shade in colour.
It has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.Add 3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 ounce of water and apply this with a cotton ball to your underarms or put it in a spray to use it as a deodorant.
Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs the moisture and reduces excessive sweat, the main cause of body odour.Mix a pinch of baking soda with lemon juice and apply it with a cotton ball to your armpits. It works wonderfully as a deodorant.
Cotton Clothes
Always wear cotton clothes as they absorb the moisture from your body keeping your skin dry and clean. Even undergarments should be of cotton as the natural fibers of cotton allow the skin to breathe and prevent a concentration of moisture.Avoid synthetic and tight clothes. Change into clean cotton clothes daily.
Vinegar
Vinegar can be used as a deodorant due to its antibacterial properties.Add a few drops of white vinegar to a glass of water and apply it to your armpits before taking a bath. You may also dab it with a cotton ball, the strong odour of vinegar may linger for some time but it will leave you without a body odour for a longer period.
Apple cedar vinegar solution with water is also useful as it regulates the pH balance of the skin in addition to removing the body odour.
Diet Care
A little bit of care in the diet will help you a lot. Consume a balanced diet with lots of fiber and plenty of water so that the digestive system functions smoothly and constipation which causes body odour is prevented.
Reduce red meat which is difficult to digest and remains in the digestive tract for a long time, also reduce eggs, legumes etc, which your body may not be able to process. Consumption of garlic and onions can be reduced but do not stop it as they are good for health. Avoid having food fried in rancid oil.