The Best Way to Get Rid of Body Odor

In some cases, using a common deodorant isn't enough to control strong body odors.

Body odor can be an embarrassing and sensitive subject for anybody. Excessive sweating and strong body odor often makes you feel unclean and self-conscious around other people, and strong body odors can cling to your clothes. The most effective way to control body odor is to wash regularly and use an antiperspirant and deodorant, but this may not be enough for everyone. When ordinary antiperspirants and deodorants aren't enough, you can try a combination of natural remedies, changing your habits and lifestyle or prescription strength products to get rid of body odor.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar
• Wheatgrass supplements

Instructions

1. Take daily showers or baths and wash yourself thoroughly with an antibacterial soap--this is one of the most effective things you can do to control strong body odor. Lather up for a minimum of one minute every time you wash to kill some of the bacteria that cause body odor. If you have particularly strong body odor, try showering twice a day. Do not take your showers that are too hot; hot water can dry out your skin and cause sweating just after washing.

2. Drink more water. The recommended amount of water for adults is eight eight-ounce glasses per day just to maintain proper hydration, but you should consume more than that if you want to control body odor. Drinking more water helps flush toxins out of your body, which can help to reduce unwanted body odor.

3. Change your diet to eliminate garlic, onions, fish and other spicy foods that can contribute to body odor. Avoid processed foods rich in dehydrogenated oils, refined sugar, preservatives and other chemicals. If your body odor is very strong, eliminate red meat and white flour from your diet. Increases in your intake of fruits and vegetables can also help reduce body odor.

4. Try natural remedies. Apply baking soda, apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil directly to your underarms to help neutralize and eliminate strong body odors. Take wheatgrass supplements; wheatgrass is a natural deodorizer and will help eliminate some of the internal bacteria that causes body odor.

5. Wear breathable fabrics. Tight, synthetic fabrics prevent the skin from breathing and can cause excess sweating, which triggers odor. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, and clothes that are loose or flowing. Synthetic fabrics also have more of a tendency to retain body odors in the fabric fiber than natural fabrics.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have excessive sweating, try a prescription or overnight antiperspirant. You generally apply these products the night before to control perspiration and body odors.

• A sudden change in body odor could signify a health problem. Consult your doctor if you notice an abnormal body odor.

References

• Columbia University: Go Ask Alice!: What Can I Do About My Strong Body Odor?
• Utah State University: Health Services
• Health Guidance: Body Odor Can Be Eliminated Through A Change In Diet
• Natural Home Remedies: How to Get Rid of Body Odor