Everyone sweats in the heat, but some people notice a strong, unpleasant body odor even after showering and applying deodorant.
A bad sweat smell is usually not genetic but it's caused by what we eat, how we handle stress, and how we care for our body.
Here are the key reasons your sweat might smell worse than it should, and what you can do about it.
Change your diet
Foods like garlic, onions, fenugreek, and amba contain sulfur-based compounds.
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While most of these are broken down during digestion, some make it into your bloodstream and are released through your sweat glands or breath, causing strong body odor.
Spicy food also increases sweat production, which can make things worse. Cut back on odor-triggering foods and opt for cleaner alternatives.
Drink more water
Dehydration allows toxins and waste to build up in your system. These can be released through your sweat, making it smell stronger.
Drinking plenty of water helps flush these out more efficiently and reduces body odor from within.
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Reduce your stress levels
Sweat caused by heat is mostly water, but stress sweat is different.
It contains about 20 % fatty acids and proteins that skin bacteria feed on, producing a sharper, more pungent smell.
Reducing stress is good not only for your mental and physical health but it can also help you smell better.
Dry yourself thoroughly
After a shower or swim, make sure to dry off completely. Bacteria thrive in damp environments, especially in areas like armpits or groin.
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According to experts at WebMD, thoroughly drying your skin can reduce the bacteria that cause body odor without damaging your skin’s natural barrier.
Change clothes more often
Even if you apply deodorant, wearing the same clothes (especially synthetics) can contribute to lingering odors.
Sweat and bacteria build up in fabric fibers, so make sure to change clothes frequently in hot weather. Also choose breathable materials like cotton when possible.
Use antibacterial soap
Regular soap might wash off sweat, but it doesn’t always kill the bacteria responsible for bad odor.
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An antibacterial soap can reduce these bacteria on your skin and help you stay fresher for longer.
See a doctor if it changes suddenly
If your body odor becomes unusually strong without any changes to your diet or stress levels, it could be a medical issue.
Conditions like diabetes (especially diabetic ketoacidosis) or an overactive thyroid can affect body odor. A sudden change might mean it’s time for a check-up.
Don’t ignore foot sweat
Foot odor can be just as intense – if not worse – than underarm odor. Closed shoes and damp socks are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.
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Wear breathable shoes, change socks regularly, and consider using foot powder to absorb excess moisture.
Switch deodorants if needed
Not all deodorants work the same for everyone. If your current one isn’t effective, try a different type – preferably one with antiperspirant and antibacterial ingredients.
It might take some trial and error to find the one that really works for your body chemistry.
Keep an eye on what you eat
It bears repeating: what you eat affects how you smell. If you’re struggling with persistent body odor, try keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers.
A few small changes could make a big difference in how your sweat smells.
This article is based on information from Healthy.walla.co.il.