Changes in body odor can become more prevalent as a woman ages due to fluctuating hormone levels that throw off her body's homeostasis. The good news is that it's easily treatable, often without a prescription.
Read on to learn about how to get rid of body odor in six ways to feel confidently fresh in no time.
Get Nutrient-Specific
Sometimes all that's needed to get rid of body odor is a couple of changes to nutrition. Since magnesium and zinc deficiency can lead to this condition, incorporate foods into your diet with higher concentrations of these minerals. Spinach, nuts and seeds, and fish are all magnesium-rich, while zinc can be readily found in oysters, wheat germ, and fall vegetables like squash.
Avoid Alcohol
Though usually harmless in moderation, any amount of alcohol may negatively impact one's personal scent. The odor of alcohol itself can be secreted through the skin, even if temporarily, and since it can raise the body's temperature, it can also increase the amount of sweat released. To get rid of body odor permanently, a switch to water is advised.
Try Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass can act as a natural deodorant to get rid of body odor thanks to its high content of chlorophyll. Hunters have used this plant for years to mask their scents from game, and without a doubt, wheatgrass can be used for daily life as well. Wheatgrass can be purchased in liquid, tablet, and powder forms either in health food stores or online.
Let Skin Breathe
Because it covers the entire body, it's easy to forget that skin is an organ, and it needs sufficient oxygen to function properly. Breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen help control body odor by absorbing sweat instead of trapping it against the body. Polyester and multi-blends have the opposite effect and should be avoided.
Balance Your Hormones
Particularly for women going through menopause, one of the leading causes of body odor actually comes from hormonal imbalance. Estrogen, which helps regulate the hypothalamus in the brain, declines during this time and causes the temperature control center to think the body is overheating. This leads to sweating, and increased sweating can cause body odor. Lifestyle changes and natural herbal supplements can help regain hormonal equilibrium in addition to various other body odor treatments.
Pinpoint Medications or Conditions
Some medications, especially those aimed at disorders like hypoglycemia or breast cancer, may increase body odor since they can cause hot flashes, which lead to sweating. Other times, different underlying health conditions, like diabetes or kidney problems, can be behind body odor changes. Talk to your doctor to find out if odor problems could be caused by an unresolved medical issue or prescription drugs.
Key Takeaways
Getting rid of bad body odor doesn't have to be difficult. It just requires a bit of initiative and motivation to find the correct solution for your lifestyle. Options that include resolving nutritional deficiencies, avoiding alcohol, trying wheatgrass, wearing breathable fabrics, balancing hormones, and pinpointing medications or medical conditions can get you on your way to smelling fresh quickly.
Don't let the menopausal transition keep you holding your nose and isolated for long. Take initiative today!
Sources
- Degraff, L. (2011). The Complete Guide to Growing and Using Wheatgrass. Florida: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc. Available from Google Books.
- Estes, M. (2013). Health Assessment and Physical Examination. United States: Cengage Learning. Available from Google Books.
- Marohn, S. (2001). The Natural Medicine First Aid Remedies. Virginia: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc. Available from Google Books.
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Hot flashes: Symptoms & causes. Retrieved December 14, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790