NEWNow you can listen to articles from a reputable news source!
Recently, topics like “old people smell” and “Ozempic smell” have been trending on social media, bringing attention to how our bodies produce and react to different scents.
According to experts, various foods, not just garlic, can affect our body odor, but there are ways to manage this through our dietary choices.
“Certain foods have a stronger impact on body odor than others,” noted dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade based in New Jersey.
Studies have shown that body odor is influenced by an individual’s skin bacteria and how it breaks down sweat.
Here are some common foods that can affect how we smell.
Fish
We all know the distinct “fishy” smell that seafood has, but it can also alter our personal scent.
Some individuals may emit a foul odor after consuming fish due to a rare condition. (iStock)
In rare cases, a compound called trimethylamine is produced in the body after consuming seafood, giving off a fishy odor, as reported by Cleveland Clinic.
This compound is released through breath and skin, circulating throughout the body.
People with trimethylaminuria may also have a fishy smell after eating foods like beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts, and soy products.
However, Cleveland Clinic reassures that this condition is extremely rare and most individuals can enjoy fish without any issues.
Vegetables
Despite being healthy choices, certain vegetables can lead to unexpected odors for some people.
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are known to produce sulfur-like smells. (iStock)
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can cause body odor by releasing sulfuric acid, according to Cleveland Clinic. This scent can be intensified by sweat, breath, and gas.
Spices
“Certain spicy foods can increase body odor due to their sulfur-containing compounds and specific metabolites,” mentioned Palinski-Wade.
These compounds interact with skin bacteria, resulting in distinct odors when released.
Cleveland Clinic points out that spices such as curry and cumin contain “volatile compounds” that are absorbed into the bloodstream and released through sweat glands, leading to a unique smell.
Red meat
Consuming large amounts of red meat can also affect body odor, according to Palinski-Wade.
Odorless proteins from red meat can create an unpleasant smell when combined with skin bacteria, experts explain. (iStock)
Red meat can release odorless proteins through sweat, which can become smelly when mixed with skin bacteria.
Foods to improve body odor
Each person may have a unique reaction to food-related body scents due to genetic differences, affecting the type and intensity of odors produced, experts emphasized.
Making adjustments to your diet, such as reducing sulfur-rich foods, limiting red meat and spicy foods, and increasing water intake along with fruits and vegetables, can help reduce or prevent body odor, as suggested by Palinski-Wade.
Experts recommend dietary changes to improve body odor. (iStock)
Foods like apples, leafy greens, yogurt, and green tea can help neutralize odor-causing compounds and promote beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce unpleasant body odors, according to Palinski-Wade.
In addition to diet, maintaining good hygiene by bathing regularly, using antibacterial soap, and wearing breathable fabrics can also help improve overall body odor.
“By staying hydrated and focusing on supporting metabolic health through quality sleep, stress reduction, and staying active, you can enhance your overall body odor,” added Palinski-Wade.
