Food and bodily smell
Key Facts About Body Odour
- Sweat itself is odorless — the smell comes when bacteria break down sweat into acids.
- Armpits and feet smell more because they have many sweat glands and stay warm and moist.
- Apocrine glands (found in armpits) produce sweat rich in proteins and fats, which bacteria love to feed on.
- Diet influences odour — foods like garlic, onions, and spicy meals can make sweat smell stronger. - Puberty increases odour — hormonal changes activate apocrine glands, which is why teenagers notice stronger smells.
- Deodorants vs. antiperspirants: - Deodorants mask or reduce smell by killing bacteria. - Antiperspirants reduce sweat production.
- Daily hygiene matters: Showering, washing armpits carefully, and wearing clean clothes are the simplest ways to control odour.
- Feet odour often comes from sweat trapped in shoes and socks — breathable fabrics help reduce it.
- It’s normal: Everyone experiences body odour. The key is learning how to manage it, not feeling embarrassed.
1. What causes body odour?
- A) Sweat itself
- B) Bacteria breaking down sweat
- C) Dust on the skin
- D) Lack of water
2. Which part of the body usually smells the strongest?
- A) Hands
- B) Feet
- C) Armpits
- D) Elbows
3. What type of sweat gland is most linked to body odour?
- A) Eccrine glands
- B) Apocrine glands
- C) Oil glands
- D) Tear glands
4. Which food can make body odour stronger?
- A) Apples
- B) Garlic
- C) Rice
- D) Bananas
5. What is the main purpose of deodorant?
- A) Stop sweating
- B) Kill bacteria and mask smell
- C) Make skin soft
- D) Add vitamins
6. What is the main purpose of antiperspirant?
- A) Reduce sweat production
- B) Add perfume
- C) Clean the skin
- D) Kill viruses
7. Which natural remedy can help reduce odour?
- A) Lemon juice
- B) Olive oil
- C) Honey
- D) Milk
8. Why do feet often smell bad?
- A) They touch the ground
- B) They have many sweat glands
- C) Shoes are dirty
- D) They are far from the heart
9. Which lifestyle habit can reduce body odour?
- A) Wearing the same clothes daily
- B) Eating more spicy food
- C) Showering regularly
- D) Sleeping less
10. What is another word for “body odour”?
- A) Aroma
- B) Fragrance
- C) BO
- D) Mist
What we eat and drink can affect how our body smells. Various studies at universities around the world have shown that what we put into our bodies changes our bodily smells. Researchers say that each of us has a unique pattern of bodily odours. This is similar to the uniqueness of a fingerprint. Lina Begdache, an assistant professor of health and wellness at the State University of New York, said the odours our body gives off come from two areas. One is the stomach, which is full of bacteria. When these bacteria break down food, gases and chemicals are released through our breath. Some of these gases can give us bad breath. The second area is the skin. Food can change the smell of bacteria on our skin when we sweat.
Researchers say the foods that give off the strongest smells contain sulphur. This chemical often creates a "bad-egg smell". Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower contain a lot of sulphur. Another food that affects how smelly we are is garlic. This is well known for making our breath smell. However, researchers say it can make our armpit sweat smell nicer. Scientists also say drinks affect body odours. Alcohol can lead to stronger, unattractive bodily smells and bad breath. Caffeine in coffee and tea creates chemicals that produce sweat in areas like our armpits and groin. If we want to smell a little sweeter, we should eat oranges, apples, parsley, and yoghurt, and drink water and green tea.