We’ve all been there—standing next to someone (or realizing it’s us) and thinking, Whoa, what’s that smell? The truth is, the body’s natural scent is influenced by more than just soap and deodorant. What you eat and drink can have a major impact on how fresh (or funky) you smell. While certain foods like onions, garlic, and red meat can ramp up body odor, there are also ways to make yourself smell naturally nice from the inside out. Here’s how:
Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It
Water is the ultimate natural deodorizer. It helps flush toxins out of your system, preventing them from building up and making you smell, well, off. If you’re dehydrated, those toxins tend to linger in your body, sometimes making their way into your sweat, urine, and breath. Drinking enough water also keeps your urine light in color, which is good because because dark, concentrated urine can have a strong smell, and that’s never fun. So, if you want to stay fresh, sip water throughout the day like it’s your full-time job. Bonus: It also keeps your skin glowing and helps with digestion.
Load Up on Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, pineapples—basically, if it’s citrusy, it’s your friend. These fruits contain natural oils that your body absorbs and emits through your skin, making you smell subtly sweet and fresh. Plus, the acids in citrus help detoxify your body by flushing out odor-causing compounds. Try squeezing fresh lemon into your water, snacking on some pineapple, or adding orange slices to your meals. Not only will you smell amazing, but you’ll also get a nice boost of vitamins.
Give Your Gut Some Love with Probiotics
When your gut is out of balance, it can lead to indigestion, bloating, and even stronger body odors. That’s where probiotics come in. Foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi contain beneficial bacteria that help break down sulfur compounds, the same ones that can make your breath and sweat smell unpleasant. Adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet can help keep things running smoothly inside, meaning fewer unpleasant odors escaping outside. Your gut (and anyone standing close to you) will thank you.
Sip on Green Tea for an Internal Detox
Green tea isn’t just for boosting metabolism or winding down at night, it’s also a secret weapon for smelling fresh. Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea helps neutralize odor-causing sulfur compounds in your body. Plus, its tannins help reduce sweat production, meaning fewer opportunities for bacteria to do their dirty work. Try swapping out your morning coffee for green tea or sipping on a cup in the afternoon. You’ll also get a nice antioxidant boost out of it.
Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Speaking of antioxidants, they help fight off free radicals and toxins that can contribute to bad body odor. Some of the best foods for this include tomatoes, rosemary, and sage. Tomatoes have natural antibacterial properties that help control odor-causing bacteria, while rosemary and sage can reduce excessive sweating. Toss some fresh tomatoes in your salad, use rosemary and sage in your cooking, or make a simple herbal tea with these fragrant herbs.
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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