Body odor is usually brought about when a person begins to sweat, and therefore it is commonly believed that it is the sweating that causes body odor. However, it is not the sweat that causes the odor to occur, but rather it is caused by the toxins that are present in the sweat as it is being eliminated from the body.
The body has two different types of sweat glands; the eccrine glands, which are located over the skin's surface, and the apocrine glands which are located in the underarm and groin areas.
The eccrine glands are designed to control the body temperature, and thus they normally do not produce an offensive odor.
But the apocrine glands are designed to remove harmful toxins from the body, and thus the sweat they produce is often offensive, as it is full of harmful toxins. According to studies, the sweat that comes from the apocrine glands is high in protein, which comes from meat and other animal proteins.
The apocrine glands do not begin to function until puberty, which is why young children do not have to worry about body odor.
If the body is clean on the inside, then the sweat it produces will be odorless. But if the body is toxic, then the toxins are eliminated through sweating, and as a result a foul odor occurs. So where do these toxins come from?
Foods
Red meat is one of the worst foods for causing foul body odor. It has too many proteins that the body cannot use, and thus they become toxic and give off an offensive odor as they are eliminated from the body.
Other foods that cause body odor are fast foods, processed foods, as well as foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Certain foods that are extremely healthy such as onions, garlic, ginger and curry powders also contribute to a foul odor.
Diseases
Certain diseases can also cause body odor to arise. These include diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney and liver problems, tumors in the stomach or mouth, uterine cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, skin infections, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders and obesity.
Medications
There are also many medications that contribute to body odor. These include drugs that cause the body to sweat excessively such as aspirin, morphine, anti-psychotic drugs, and drugs to treat a high fever.
Some drugs are dehydrating, which reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth. Not enough saliva allows for more harmful bacteria to breed, which then contributes to body odor. Some of these drugs include antidepressants, antihistamines, certain dieting pills, certain blood pressure pills and certain birth control pills.
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