What do bad body odors reveal about your health?

Health experts said that bad body odor comes from several sources and causes, and may indicate a specific health problem that people suffer from without realizing it.

In this regard, experts shared their advice on how to deal with common body odors.

An unpleasant and pungent smell of sweat

GP, Anne Nainan, says bad body odor could just be a sign that you need to shower quickly and get rid of the dirt that has accumulated during the day.

However, there are also many other possible reasons behind the bad odor.

She says: “Stress can stimulate sweating and worsen body odor. Wearing tight clothing that does not allow for proper ventilation can trap sweat and bacteria, which contributes to body odor, while some medications or nutritional supplements may change the body’s chemistry and lead to Changes in body odor as a side effect.

She explains that a diet high in processed foods, sugar and alcohol can also affect body odor by changing the balance of bacteria on the skin and increasing sweat production.

She says: “Use soap and scrub the smelly areas well. Don’t forget to dry yourself well afterward, because bacteria like to be in wet places.”

Vaginal discharge with a foul odor

Jo Bailey, a consultant gynecologist, says that sometimes thick and clumpy white discharge could be due to vaginal thrush.

She adds: “The female sexual organ contains several types of bacteria and yeasts known as the vaginal microbiome. Thrush can occur when there is an imbalance of bacteria in this microbiome.”

She recommends using antifungal medications to treat thrush, as well as unscented soap, wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding tight clothing.

The smell of urine

Diet and water intake can affect the look and smell of urine, as can infections, medications and some medical conditions.

“When your body is dehydrated, your urine has a strong odor and appears dark in colour,” says Dr Sushma Srikrishna, a consultant urogenital tract at London Bridge Hospital.

Some foods, such as asparagus, onions, and some spices, can change the smell of urine, and a diet rich in salt can make urine more concentrated, giving it a stronger smell.

She adds: “Some nutritional supplements can cause a strong odor in urine. The odor can indicate urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and diabetes.”

“If you notice other symptoms, such as blood in your urine, painful urination, frequent urination, fever, chills, or back pain, you should see your doctor immediately,” she says.

Mouth smell 

Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of persistent bad breath, as well as gum disease, dehydration, hunger, digestive problems, or tonsil infections.

Dr Jasmine Beran, clinical director at SmilesbyJasmine London, says: “The foul-smelling gases released by the bacteria coating your teeth, gums and tongue contain volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) which are often responsible for persistent bad breath. This can lead to gum disease. ".

Bad breath can lead to social anxiety and loss of confidence.

She says: “Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day using an effective electric toothbrush, and clean between your teeth at least once a day using dental floss. It is also important to stay hydrated with regular water intake throughout the day and eating regularly.”

The smell of feet 

Belfast's leading podiatrist, Andrea Jones, reveals that several factors contribute to the development of sweaty feet.

“Wearing tight shoes can exacerbate sweating by trapping moisture and heat, which further promotes bacterial growth,” she says.

She adds: "Washing your feet regularly with antibacterial soap and drying them well helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Wearing moisture-absorbing socks and porous shoes allows air circulation, prevents the accumulation of sweat and reduces odor."