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WHAT IS BODY ODOR AND HOW DOES IT DEVELOP?
According to Unilever R&D Manager Jamie Regan, “Body odor can be affected by the food you eat, a change in hormones like puberty, stress, and medications.” Body odor is the distinct scent that forms when natural compounds in sweat are broken down by bacteria on the skin. Sweat itself is almost odorless. It’s the bacterial activity that transforms those molecules into smelly byproducts.
Two major types of sweat glands play a role:
- Eccrine glands, which are found all over the body, release watery sweat that helps regulate temperature.
- Apocrine glands, concentrated in the underarms and groin, produce thicker secretions rich in proteins and lipids.
HOW DIET INFLUENCES BODY ODOR CHEMISTRY
Foods can make your scent smell different or stronger.¹ When you eat, your body breaks down what's on your plate and the byproducts of that process don't just disappear. They travel through the bloodstream and can escape through your sweat. Once sweat hits the skin, bacteria get to work on it, and that's where odor is born.
Your gut also plays a bigger role than most people realize. The bacteria living in your digestive system produce chemicals as they process food, and some of those chemicals find their way out through your pores. Eat a lot of garlic or onions, for example, and those sulfur compounds can literally seep through your skin. On the flip side, a diet rich in fruits may actually help keep your natural scent fresher.²
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FOODS THAT CAN INCREASE BODY ODOR
Some foods are known to magnify body odor, especially those rich in sulfur compounds or with strong aromatic profiles.
- Red meat: Associated with a heavier, more noticeable scent due to how it’s broken down and released through the skin.
- Garlic and onions: Contain sulfur compounds that circulate through the body and are released through breath and sweat.
- Alcohol: Metabolized into byproducts that can be excreted through the skin, contributing to a distinct odor.
- Spices (curry, cumin): Contain aromatic compounds that can come through in sweat after consumption.
Dietary patterns can also play a role. High-protein diets may influence body odor depending on how protein is metabolized, while low-carb or ketogenic diets can lead to the production of ketones, which may change both body and breath scent.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower contain sulfur compounds that can affect odor in some people, although they remain an important part of a healthy diet.
If you notice stronger body odor after eating certain foods, adjust your portions rather than cut out entire food groups to make a difference.
FOODS THAT MAY IMPROVE OR LIGHTEN BODY ODOR
Other foods support a fresher, lighter natural scent by helping with digestion, hydration, and skin balance.
- Fruits (pineapple, citrus, berries): Their natural acids and antioxidants can contribute to a fresher scent.
- Fiber-rich vegetables: Support healthy digestion which reduces buildup of odor-causing compounds.
- Herbs (mint, parsley): Contain chlorophyll and aromatic oils that help freshen breath and support overall freshness.
- Probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut): Support gut health
- Hydrating foods (cucumber, watermelon): Help dilute sweat and flush odor-causing compounds.
A plant-forward diet with good hydration is associated with a milder, more pleasant scent.
HOW TO BALANCE DIET AND HYGIENE FOR ODOR CONTROL
Diet helps, but it’s not the whole story. Your daily hygiene routine is what really keeps odor in check. The sweet spot is pairing balanced nutrition with the right products. As Unilever R&D Manager Bivash Dasgupta explains, “Deodorants target odor by neutralizing or masking it, while antiperspirants go a step further by reducing sweat at the source."
Daily freshness checklist
- Shower regularly with a moisturizing body wash like Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Body + Face Wash. Formulated to remove odor-causing bacteria.
- Apply an antiperspirant like Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Antiperspirant Spray for up to 72-hour protection against sweat and odor.
- Rotate shoes and socks daily. Keep your feet dry to prevent bacterial growth.
- Eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and avoid excess alcohol or heavily processed foods.
- Choose breathable fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate.
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS FOR ELIMINATING ODOR FROM UNDERARMS TO FEET
Targeted grooming products are the most effective tools to fight body odor and this is where Dove Men+Care stands out. Dermatologist-tested and designed with skin care in mind, the range delivers long-lasting protection.
Pairing these products with breathable clothing, moisture-wicking socks, and regular washing helps maximize the results.
WHEN TO CONSIDER MEDICAL ADVICE FOR BODY ODOR
If body odor suddenly changes, becomes unusually strong, or persists despite good hygiene and dietary changes, it could signal an underlying health issue. Conditions such as diabetes, hormonal changes, or rare metabolic disorders can change your odor.⁵ In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional is best.
FAQs
Does diet have a permanent effect on body odor?
Diet changes your scent temporarily. Once your eating habits return to normal, so does your natural odor.
Why do certain foods like garlic and onions cause stronger odors?
Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that circulate through your bloodstream and are released through your sweat and breath.
How long does it take to notice changes in body odor from diet?
You can notice changes in a few days to a week, depending on your metabolism and hygiene habits.
Can dehydration make body odor worse?
Yes. When you’re dehydrated, sweat becomes more concentrated and produces a stronger odor.
By paying attention to both what you eat and how you care for your skin, you can naturally influence how you smell and feel more confident throughout the day. Pairing balanced nutrition with dermatologist-tested care from Dove Men+Care helps make staying fresh a simple, consistent part of your daily routine.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. How 7 Different Foods Affect Your Body Odor. 2024.
2. Harvard Health. What’s that smell? Get rid of Body Odor.
3. Northwestern Medicine. Body Odor: A Window to your Health. 2024.
