Sweating, and armpit odor, are a result of our bodies’ temperature regulation system, especially our sweat glands. Sweating, however, is healthy because it cools our bodies. Sweat alone is mostly just water and salt; it has no smell. It is when the sweat mixes with bacteria (which lives on our skin) that odor develops.
Will crossing your arms hide arm pit odor? Probably not. Be confident in your own fragrance by practicing our tips.
People spend lots of money on products aimed at getting rid of armpit odor. There are aerosol deodorants and anti perspirints as well as roll-on deodorant and anti perspirints. There are deodorant’s that claim to target bacteria, ones that say they neutralize odor and ones that are called super odor fighters. Some claim to have 24 hour protection, some are called odor eliminators and some come as crystals, organics and natural deodorants.
Despite all the money that is being spent on deodorants and anti perspirints people are still having problems with under-arm odor. Clearly something else needs to be tried. There are several things people can try.
Try different soaps – We all use soap to bathe. Some soaps, however, are better than other soaps when it comes to fighting bacteria. There are anti-bacterial soaps, ones with strong scents and brands that are known for their lather. Soaps react differently with people so try several brands to find the right one.
Use warm water – Although most people prefer really hot water, warm water is better when it comes to fighting body odors because with hot water you leave the shower already sweating. Use hot water to ease sore muscles but switch to warm water when it comes to soaping up. You might have to take more than one shower a day, especially in the summer or after a particularly physical day.
Dry carefully – Pay attention to places like your armpits. If left damp, more bacteria will grow, resulting in more odor. Women are fortunate in that they can shave under their arms; this removal of hair keeps bacteria at bay which results in less odor.
Natural fibers are our friends – Clothes made from cotton, silk and wool allow our skin to breathe. Also, moisture-wicking fabrics pull wetness away from the body. Remember to wash clothes often, especially clothes you sweat in. It is also a good idea to change clothes often if you are a heavy sweater. Wear loose clothes in hot weather; tight clothes trap moisture and promote bacteria growth. Also, try to stay away from synthetic materials which will only make you sweat more.
Keep your body bare – of fragrances, that is. Some people like to apply perfumes to their armpits; not a good idea. They will only add artificial scents which, when added to sweat, just produces more bad odor.
Drink lots of water – Drinking lots of water can flush out the toxins in our systems. Less toxins equals less odor. At first you will feel like running to the toilet ever two minutes but, after a while, your body will get used to all the extra water.
Look in your fridge – Try using a lemon to combat armpit odor. Lemon has citric acid which is used as a cleanser in many products. Squeeze out the juice of a whole lemon into a small container and fill with around 2 cups of warm water to dilute the lemon juice. Then take a shower. After showering, pour some of the lemon juice into your hand and pat your armpit. Keep on doing this until there is no more lemon juice left. Do not rinse afterwards, just let your armpits dry. After doing this for a couple of weeks, 2 – 3 times a week, you will notice a decrease of armpit odor.
Look in your pantry – Baking powder is that wonderful powder we place in our fridge or freezer to suck up odors. Not surprisingly, it works on other odors as well. Sprinkle some baking soda in your hand and dab in armpits after every shower and odors will disappear. (Wiping with a cotton ball doused in witch hazel after a shower will also help eliminate armpit odor.)
We are what we eat – This saying is true when it comes to body odors. There are certain foods that stay with us and come out in our sweat. Things like onions and garlic stay with us for a long time. You don not have to eliminate them from your diet entirely; cut back some and there will be less odor. And stay away from too many processed foods.
Quit drinking – We have all smelled alcohol evaporating off of people who drink a lot so if you do not want to be one of “those people” then quit drinking.
Quit smoking – Does this even have to be pointed out? Smokers reek of smoke. It emanates from their clothes, their hair, their breath and, yes, even their armpits. The reason is sweat and deodorant does not help this type of armpit odor.
Eat the right foods – Foods that have a high content of chlorophyll, which is a natural purifier, will help eliminate odor. Some if these foods are kale, spinach, parsley and other dark green leafy vegetables.
Try magnesium tablets – Sometimes body odors, especially armpit odors, are caused by a deficiency in magnesium. Get some tablets from the vitamin aisle (after making sure your doctor agrees) and take them for a week or two. Armpit odors should be gone.
Stay away from sugar – Refined sugar especially. Refined sugar feeds bacteria which increases body odor, especially where you sweat the most – in the armpits.
Sweat – Yes, sweat. Go for a jog, sit in a steam bath or take a hike. You will smell at first (even stink) but after enough sweating has occurred your pores will be flushed out and your underarm sweat will no longer smell bad.
If, despite everything you have tried, you still have armpit odor, then a trip to your doctor might be a good idea because there are illnesses that cause odors. There are prescription deodorants that doctors can prescribe when everything else has failed.
