What Your Body Odor Says About Your Health
Radhika Hitkari | Dec 09, 2025, 17:44 IST
bad body smell
( Image credit : Freepik )
In this article, we will discuss what body odor smell can tell about the health of a person and how people can get rid of their bad body odor through some home remedies. Sometimes a change in the body odor can indicate a serious health issue, which can only be determined by a health expert or doctor.
Highlights
- Normal changes in body odor can be normal, but it should not be ignored if it's too sudden or frequent.
- Body odor can be a sign of a health condition.
- Some home remedies can help in getting rid of body odor if it's not due to a serious condition.
Many people often ignore bad body odor as a major health issue; it is rather considered a more hygiene-related issue that can be treated. However, it is important to know that sometimes body odor can reveal a more serious health-related issue in the body, which might need treatment from a health expert. Knowing and recognizing these can help in early diagnosis of a health issue and prevent further complications. Even though having a body odor is not an issue but sudden changes in it can be because of an underlying condition.
Reasons for change in Body Odor
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Hormone changes: Many hormonal changes in the body, like puberty or menstruation, can cause a change in the body's odor and can alter its smell.
Diabetics: People who have underlying health condition of diabetics can have a change in the way their breath smells as the blood sugars levels become high it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis which changes the smell of the breath.
Infections: Having any bacterial or fungal infection in the body can cause changes in the body's odor.
Cancer: Many people notice a lot of unpleasant body odor if they have cancer disease in their body.
Liver Kidney Disease: A person who might have a liver disease can have a bleach like smell due to the buildup of toxic in the body.
Apart from all the underlying medical conditions changes in body odor smell can also happen due to the changes in diet like if a person consumes certain foods that are rich in sulfur can also develop a body odor which is not a big concern. However to know the exact cause one should consult a health specialist or doctor for the same.
Baking soda: This can help in getting rid of the bad body smell as it prevents the bacteria from getting trapped and reduces the odor when it is applied.
Apple cider vinegar: This helps in killing the bacteria and balances the skin's pH level to reduce bacteria growth.
Coffee scrub: This helps in removing the dead skin cells and prevents the growth of bacteria in the body.
Green tea bags: This helps in reducing the amount of sweating in the body and helps fight the bacteria that causes smell in the body.
Lemon juice: This can also help in killing the bacteria as it has acidic properties and contains citric acid.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Reasons for change in Body Odor
body odor
( Image credit : Freepik )
Hormone changes: Many hormonal changes in the body, like puberty or menstruation, can cause a change in the body's odor and can alter its smell.
Diabetics: People who have underlying health condition of diabetics can have a change in the way their breath smells as the blood sugars levels become high it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis which changes the smell of the breath.
Infections: Having any bacterial or fungal infection in the body can cause changes in the body's odor.
Cancer: Many people notice a lot of unpleasant body odor if they have cancer disease in their body.
Liver Kidney Disease: A person who might have a liver disease can have a bleach like smell due to the buildup of toxic in the body.
Apart from all the underlying medical conditions changes in body odor smell can also happen due to the changes in diet like if a person consumes certain foods that are rich in sulfur can also develop a body odor which is not a big concern. However to know the exact cause one should consult a health specialist or doctor for the same.
How to get rid of Body Odour
Baking soda: This can help in getting rid of the bad body smell as it prevents the bacteria from getting trapped and reduces the odor when it is applied.
Apple cider vinegar: This helps in killing the bacteria and balances the skin's pH level to reduce bacteria growth.
Coffee scrub: This helps in removing the dead skin cells and prevents the growth of bacteria in the body.
Green tea bags: This helps in reducing the amount of sweating in the body and helps fight the bacteria that causes smell in the body.
Lemon juice: This can also help in killing the bacteria as it has acidic properties and contains citric acid.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How to control body odor during pregnancy?
Maintain good hygiene, staying hydrated, wear breathable fabrics, and using a deodorant that suits your needs can help in controlling body odor during pregnancy. - What chemical imbalance causes body odor?
The strong body odor may result from an excess of certain chemical compounds in the diet or from an abnormal increase in bacteria that produce trimethylamine in the digestive system. - Can dehydration cause body odor?
Dehydration, supplements, or eating spicy, garlicy or onion-rich food can lead to body odor.