Audio only
Everyone wants to smell better, right? People invest a lot of money in products to stifle and alter their natural scent.
But body odor is normal and natural, and it can be good and bad.
Interestingly, all body odor provides clues about our health. And everyone has their own unique odor, though generally speaking, the scent (stench?) of body odor is unmistakable.
What’s the best way to manage body odor? What if you sweat too much? Can what you eat affect the way you smell?
Listen as Mark Gomez, MD, and his guest, Alix Charles, MD, cover everything from sweat stains to shaving your underarms to using your odor to attract a new romantic partner in Episode 31.
Guest
Myths vs. Facts
“Sweat equals body odor.” – Fact
Sweat interacting with body bacteria will lead to body odor.
“Deodorants work in various ways: They kill bacteria, cover odor with perfumes and decrease sweat production.” – Fact
Both deodorants and antiperspirants successfully stifle body odor.
“Smelly foods only affect your breath.” - Myth
Certain foods like garlic and onion can trigger bad breath, but foods like broccoli, bok choy and cabbage can affect your body odor.
“Men have larger apocrine sweat glands in the armpits than women, which is why men typically smell worse.” – Fact
Men have larger sweat glands (and more of them) than women. There could also be other factors contributing to their body odor.
“Body odor smells the same on everyone.” – Myth
Everyone’s body odor is as unique as their fingerprint.
“Overwashing can help manage body odor. So can baking soda.” – Fact
Washing can help manage body odor. Baking soda might have an effect on bacteria and some oils and might also help with odor.
“Research indicates that women prefer the smell of men who eat a diet rich in eggs, cheese, soy, fruits, and vegetables compared with a red-meat diet.” – Fact
One study asked women to rate the scent of sweat from men who eat a diet with more fruits and vegetables and men who ate more red meat. They rated the sweat from the fruit and vegetable eaters higher.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
Dr. G genuinely enjoys hearing about your journey and, with your permission, will read it on the show. Simply message him across all social media @Health360wDrG. Who knows? Your story may be a catalyst for someone else who needs to hear it.
Additional resources