9 Ways To Balance Your Armpit Bacteria and Seriously Minimize Body Odor
Strong or offensive body odor is an embarrassing problem that affects many, and being a sensitive topic, is not openly discussed.
Although commercial chemicals and artificial-scent sprays may help to temporarily control body odor, they often don't address the underlying cause. You may want a more natural remedy to manage the problem, and there are several natural remedies can help treat undesirable body odor and provide a fresher and cleaner scent. Understand some of the causes of body odor and discover some natural and highly effective approaches to treat this common problem.
What Are The Causes Of Body Odor?
The human body has many systems that are constantly at work, and waste by-products are simply part of that process. The digestive process results in waste, our skin sweats to excrete waste, and the cells in our bodies are constantly replacing themselves. Just as we take in food, we put out waste. Body odor often occurs when inadequate bathing or hygiene fail to properly clean up the 'messes' our bodies make. Sweat contains bacterial activity and allowing it to dry on the skin can produce body odor. But it can also result from systemic deficiencies within the body.
In women, menstruation and stress often dramatically increases the degree of body odor. Yeast conditions such as candida can produce a beer-like smell since yeast can turn sugar into alcohol quickly within the body. Medical tests at Imperial College in London has shown that some people with body odor have ‘friendly bacteria’ imbalances.
Foods rich in the amino acid carnitine (found in beef and pork) are known to leave residues in the intestines which have to be worked on by the natural digestive flora. Specific enzymes known as flavin monooxygenases break the residues down to an odorless state ready for excretion. If they are in poor supply, missing, or bowel flora is disturbed, a “fishy” body odor can result.
What's most important is that another function of the sweat glands in your armpits is to excrete toxins from your body. That's why sweating is an important part of maintaining optimum physical health. You have to give your body a chance to get rid of various toxins through a variety of metabolic processes. Those include urination, passing fecal matter, exhaling carbon dioxide and other toxins through the lungs, and, of course, eliminating toxins through the skin. The skin, remember, is your body's largest organ. Dangers can arise when we use 'anti-perspirant' deodorants, as these block the pores and do not allow the toxins to come out.
Combating The Problem
Apply Natural, Aluminum-Free Deodorants
Various herbal and crystal deodorants are marketed as "all natural" and can effectively control your body odor. Crystal deodorants formulated from ammonium alum are especially popular. Scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory warn that there's no government regulations or rules regarding the use of the word "natural," and all products can be labeled as "natural." If you're wishing to avoid a specific chemical or ingredient, consult the natural deodorant's ingredient list to make sure it doesn't contain it. Organic products are usually the best choice.
Many deodorants and antiperspirants are made with aluminum in order to halt the perspiration of your sweat glands, and this aluminum is suspected of accumulating in the nervous system and ultimately contributing to nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Remember that your armpits have an important health function in getting rid of toxins, so it is important to keep them open and unclogged.
Wash Regularly
Bathing at least once a day can help limit the bacteria population on your skin, which is the source of most body odors, according to the Mayo Clinic. When washing, focus on traditionally troublesome areas like your feet and armpits. Dry your body well after washing since bacteria grow best on damp skin.
Spritz With Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and can help kill bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface, according to The Vinegar Institute. Spritzing white or apple cider vinegar on odorous areas, then wiping the area dry, can help to eliminate offensive smells.
Take Green Supplements
Add a wheat grass or chlorophyll supplement to your daily vitamin routine. Such supplements act as natural deodorizers and can help keep you smelling nice, according to Columbia University's Health Services.
Wear Clothing Made From Natural Fibers
Only wear natural-fiber clothing like silk or cotton, recommends the Mayo Clinic. The clinic says such fabrics allow for greater breathability and air flow on the skin surface to keep your skin drier and drive away the humidity and moisture in which odor-causing bacteria thrive.
Wipe With A Natural Sterilizer
Wipe your underarms and other smelly areas with tea tree oil or witch hazel. The former is a natural antiseptic, and the latter modifies your skin's pH to make it undesirable for bacteria, reports Columbia University's Health Services.
Change Your Diet
Some foods and spices may cause bad odors to exude through your pores after you eat them. This includes onions and garlic, as well as caffeinated drinks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Changing your diet to take out these items may improve your general body odor.
Consider A Detox
When body odor is indicative of a problem from within, detoxifying your body is the answer. There are a variety of cleansing routines that may be appropriate and regularly incorporating detox foods may help. Regular sessions in an infrared sauna are also known to encourage the removal of toxic impurities through the skin.
Check Your Digestion and Gut Health 
About 7% of people complaining of body odor do not completely digest particular foods because of enzyme deficiencies or digestive problems. So for regular support, persons with body odor should take a probiotic supplement, as this will help boost intestinal flora quality. Taking digestive enzymes with your meals may also be of benefit. Apple cider vinegar can also be effective in aiding digestion.
