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Recently, scientists announced that they have unraveled the secrets of body odor (Scientific Reports, July 27, 2020). We have long known that some of the bacteria that live on the skin of the armpit were responsible, but these researchers have nailed it down. The bacteria is Staphylococcus hominis, which has apparently been part of our skin microbiota for many millions of years. Long ago, it acquired an enzyme that breaks down odorless components of sweat into stinky thioalcohol compounds. The big question is how do you change your armpit denizens so they no longer produce a horrible body odor. But what if it isn’t just the underarms that smell bad?
Could Diet Change Horrible Body Odor?
Q. My husband has horrible body odor. He showers every day, but he still smells terrible. It’s not only his underarms; it’s his whole body. I think it’s coming from the inside. Could certain foods be causing it? Please help.
Could the Problem Be Trimethylaminuria?
A. We don’t know why your husband smells bad. However, there is a condition called “trimethylaminuria” in which a person’s sweat, breath and urine smell like rotten fish (Drug Discovery Today, July 2020).
This condition is rare, and scientists have not done much research on how to treat the horrible body odor it produces. The smell can be controlled in part by avoiding fish, poultry, eggs and red meat in the diet and washing with a low pH cleanser such as AlphaHydrox moisturizing body wash, Cetaphil, CeraVe foaming facial cleanser or Sebamed.
In mice, a garlic compound called allicin helped reduce the buildup of TMA that causes the bad smell. We don’t know if eating garlic would help humans, however.
You may need to find a health professional who is familiar with trimethylaminuria diagnosis and treatment to see whether this is responsible for your husband’s problem. He should see his primary care physician for a referral; that person will first want to rule out serious liver disease or diabetes, which can also cause horrible body odor (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, April 2020).
Douglas
I suggest that if you have body odor try what worked for me: Start now with a multi-bacteria probiotic. About 12 – 15 months after I started on one in late 2012 I noticed, and confirmed by a close friend, that virtually all my body odors had disappeared, including foot odors, underarm odors and even intestinal odors.
JohnB
Have read that chlorophyl supplements can help. As far as differences between western cultures and the Chinese, an avid Chinese traveler told me that it comes down to too much dairy in American diets. Chinese folks don’t do dairy or very little.
Jenn-Jenn
I cured a longstanding issue with underarm body odor by taking an ox bile supplement (the amount in direct relation to how much fat was contained in each meal) for several months, then also doing a number of liver cleanses following Andreas Moritz’s book, followed by several binders, and daily sauna for 30 minutes. I did not change my diet at all and I personally require more protein than fats/carbs. Body odor is a direct result of a liver that needs detoxing.
Jeri
A friend was touring with a group, and one of the women in the group noticed that some of the Chinese were avoiding her. My friend quietly asked the tour guide why that could be, as the woman was being polite and not standing out as a result of behaviors. The tour guide whispered back “Many Americans smell bad because they eat so much meat.” My friend realized that she had also been eating far more meat than usual and had a similar problem but not as severe. Once she cut way back on red meat, it took about two weeks for her sweat odor to go back to normal.
Laura D
For me, chlorophyll capsules @ 3 per day knock out body odor and assure an effective regulated digestive and elimination process. I use Nature’s Way Chlorofresh 90 Softgels. I’ve used this for several months and can attest to the safety and efficacy of this particular product. Give it about five days to take effect. Works like a charm. I am not being compensated for my comments.
Joln
I recently discovered that extra virgin coconut oil is an extremely effective underarm deodorant. I had been using a natural aloe roll on, after years of aluminum-filled stick deodorants. The transition from stick to aloe took a week or longer, as it is my understanding these commonly used products are DESIGNED TO CAUSE BODY ODOR WHEN SUDDENLY STOPPED. Once I made the transition to natural, I never looked back. The best thing about the coconut oil, is it melts in instantly and is so moisturizing. I use it all over for just that, as it is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungual.
Ines
I never had strong body odor even when doing heavy yard work and didn’t sweat under my arms…only in my face and on my head. Once I hit my late sixties I noticed a slight “old smell” which I can’t get rid of from my “pits,” even immediately after showering. Not a clue what it’s from. There’s been no major dietary or medication change.
Penelope
Can people try a vinegar/water spray? Since Vinegar kills bacteria, it can act as a deodorant.
Carole
I had a problem very much like this a few years ago. It was ruining the quality of my life. Neither my PCP, dermatologist or GYN were of much help in diagnosing the cause. My detailed lab results from my annual physical were all in the normal range.
I found help from different internet sites including a suggestion to soak clothing in vinegar especially synthetic undergarments and exercise clothing. Certain foods identified as culprits: asparagus, cruciferous vegetables, curry, cumin and shrimp being identified as particularly bad actors.
After adjusting soaps, lotions, my diet, washing clothing regularly using vinegar etc., the problem was reduced but not eliminated. I then took a look at the supplements that I was taking and noticed that one of them had a fishy scent that I had not paid attention to before.
Eliminating the hair and nails supplement made the biggest difference. I still rarely eat asparagus but, I do eat shrimp occasionally and use cumin as a seasoning from time to time. I have less hair these days but, these changes have pretty much eliminated the odor problem for me.
Charlie
Maybe the body is trying to get rid of a sulphur-related compound.
A boss smelled like very, very strong garlic. Discreetly I located the source as him and asked. He was dismayed that I still could smell the odor after he had already taken two showers. The source of the odor? He had drunk a small amount of DMSO which is sulphur-related.
Could it be that some people can’t process sulphur as well and the body dumps the “excess” through the skin?
Sheila
Due to a recent bout of shingles, I had to begin taking daily baking soda baths. I wonder if this would help people experiencing problems with body odor. I add 1/2 cup of baking soda to my bath water, and it has helped heal not only my shingles but also some infected hangnails I had.
Bobrinehuls
As this article and the links point out, personal hygiene is not always the culprit when someone smells bad, although that is what the average person assumes. And another potential cause not mentioned could be a large sebaceous cyst.