Underarm odor is caused by bacteria and diet or metabolism imbalances, not excessive sweat. Antiperspirants can reduce sweat and built-in deodorants mask odor, but some may need extra help. Detoxing the body with water may also help eliminate toxins that cause odor.
Many people struggle to get rid of the offensive underarm odor because the underlying cause of the odor is not known. Isolating what leads to underarm odor allows you to treat the condition. Some of the most common causes of underarm odor are bacteria and diet or metabolism imbalances. Some people who have already dealt with underarm odor also recommend trying a detox program to rid your body of toxins that may be causing the odor.
It’s a common misconception that excessive amounts of sweat cause underarm odor, but sweat by itself usually has little or no detectable odor. The odor is caused by the interaction between sweat and bacteria often found in the underarm area. When sweat is expelled through the armpits, it is broken down and then eaten by bacteria, which releases an unpleasant-smelling chemical. Bathing regularly helps kill or remove bacteria, but some can be left behind. Antiperspirants can be used to reduce the amount of sweat released and thus reduce the smelly byproduct of bacteria.
Sometimes antiperspirants are not enough to reduce the amount of sweat produced by some individuals. Extra strong antiperspirants are available over the counter to provide a little extra help in dealing with the problem. Prescription antiperspirants and even the removal of some sweat glands in the armpit can be options provided by a doctor. Most antiperspirants offer a built-in deodorant, which attempts to mask the odor caused by the bacteria. These are only effective when they cover up mild odors and only if the area is kept clean and mostly free of bacteria in the first place.
Certain imbalances in metabolism and diet can lead to many types of body odor, including underarm odor. Some people are unable to digest certain foods or food groups properly and produce an unpleasant smell when they try to eat and digest food. Eliminating some of these foods can reduce the odor generated.
Some body odors are thought to be caused by the buildup of toxins in the body. If your hygiene and diet are in check and your underarm odor persists, it may be worth considering trying to detox your body. The easiest and safest way to do this is to drink lots of water. Water is thought to naturally cleanse the body of toxins and gently remove them, which may help some people flush out the toxins that can cause an unpleasant underarm odor.
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