Naturally, as humans, we don’t just want to appear nice but also smell nice. But how come when we sweat, it is sometimes accompanied with an unpleasant odor, especially since research
as proven that sweat is odorless? Good question. In this article, we will be covering four of the most common factors that make your sweat stink to enable you decipher an issue and correct accordingly.
The smell you sometimes pick from your sweat is caused by bacteria build up on a sweaty skin which then breaks down proteins and fatty acids, hence, triggering a smell. Do you know that what you eat and wear can also be a determining factor as to why your sweat stinks?
Check out 4 things that make your sweat smell unpleasantly…
1. Excessive alcohol intake
Excessive drinkers oftentimes try to cover up their odor with breath mints, but what they don’t realize is that the odor comes from their skin pores. Also, scientists say that only 90% of the alcohol consumed is metabolized by the body; the remaining is excreted through different ways, including the pores. So reducing alcohol intake can help reduce excessive sweating.
2. Medical conditions
There are certain medical conditions that could also make your sweat smell, such as diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver dysfunction and others. If you have recently started picking up an unpleasant smell from your sweat as well as noticing other medical symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
3. Wrong fabric
Damp clothing when mixed with sweat also gives off an awful smell so wear clean dry clothes. Also, avoid synthetic fibers like polyester if you will be overly active through out the day. This is because polyester traps moisture to the skin, and consequently causes sweat to smell. If possible, change clothing often if you are sweating and wear also wear outfits made of wool, cotton and linen as they help absorb sweat and also give room for it to evaporate.
4. Pungent foods
Foods such as garlic, onions, and chili pepper fall under this category. These foods don’t actually make your sweat any smellier, but the scent of the above mentioned foods can permeate through the pores and not just your breath. Thus making the sweat being perceived more smelly.
While this list is not exhausted, you have an idea of some things that makes your sweat stink than it normally should and I’m sure necessary precaution will be taken to remedy this and also boost your overall health.
Featured image: Avi Richards | Unsplash
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