Tsai Yi-Fang, a nutritionist at Taiwan KOII Nutrition Consultation Center, told The Epoch Times that body odor mainly arises when bodily secretions are broken down by bacteria on the skin’s surface. If your diet is improper, odor is amplified and harder to ignore.

Several common types of foods and dietary behaviors are associated with stronger body odor:

Some spices and vegetables naturally contain odor precursors. After being metabolized by the body and further broken down by skin-surface bacteria, they may produce stronger odors, Tsai said. Examples include cumin, turmeric, onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, and asparagus.

Sulfur compounds, after being metabolized in the intestines and acted upon by skin microbiota, generate various odor molecules. These are released through sweat or breath, producing a smell similar to rotten eggs.

Red meat is rich in L-carnitine, which gut bacteria metabolize into trimethylamine, producing a fishy odor. In addition, eating many choline-rich foods, such as egg yolks, soybeans, and fish, may also increase the production of odor-causing molecules.

Heavy drinking can alter the balance of oral bacteria, increasing the risk of gum inflammation, dental plaque, and cavities. It can also cause dry mouth, which may lead to bad breath.

Furthermore, alcohol is metabolized into acetate, which has a slightly sweet smell. Some of it is excreted through breath and sweat, thereby intensifying body odor.

Fasting and high-fat ketogenic diets cause the body to burn fat and produce ketones. The volatile compound acetone can create a fruity or rotten-apple-like smell. This odor may also occur in people with diabetes when blood sugar levels are too high.

Excessive protein intake can lead to the production of ammonia and other odorous gases. Ammonia has a smell similar to urine. The liver and kidneys are the main organs responsible for protein metabolism. When liver or kidney function is impaired, ammonia can accumulate, making body odor stronger.

Eating too many fried foods or foods high in saturated or trans fats can increase sebum production. When sebum is broken down by skin bacteria, it produces a rancid, oxidized oil smell.

Children may also develop unusual body odors in hot weather if they eat too many fried foods.

Many young people find that their body odor, once barely noticeable, becomes more pronounced due to certain lifestyle habits, Tsai said. Common contributing factors include:

• Clothing and Personal Hygiene: Poor hygiene practices, along with wearing tight or non-breathable clothing, can interfere with normal sweat evaporation, which can clog pores and lead to a buildup of sebum and metabolic waste on the skin. When these substances are broken down by bacteria, unpleasant odors can develop.
• Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Chronic stress and insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolic rhythms. These changes may increase sweat production, alter metabolic byproducts, and disturb the balance of the skin microbiome — all of which can make body odor more noticeable.
• Hydration and Bowel Irregularity: Inadequate water intake and irregular bowel movements can impair the body’s ability to eliminate metabolic waste efficiently. When waste products remain in the body for longer periods, bacterial activity may convert them into odor-causing compounds, intensifying body odor.

Adjusting your diet, along with physically removing bacteria and accumulated odor-boosting substances, can help reduce body odor Tsai said.

• Dietary Adjustments: Cut back on foods that ramp up smelly metabolic byproducts. Drinking more water helps flush out metabolic waste. For those with constipation, moderately increase dietary fiber and foods that promote bowel movements. Supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics can nurture a healthier gut microbiome.
• Lifestyle Tweaks: Choose breathable clothing to keep the skin dry and well-ventilated. Establish a regular daily routine to improve sleep quality. Relieve stress through exercise, breathing techniques, or other relaxation methods. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent oral bacteria from producing odor-causing substances.

Regular physical activity can also help improve body odor. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week—such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—can reduce stress and enhance blood circulation.

Grace Zhang, a practitioner at the New York Northern Medical Center, told The Epoch Times that, from a TCM perspective, people prone to body odor are often considered to have a “damp-heat constitution.”

Damp-heat constitution can be further divided into the following two types:

Those who frequently eat barbecue, sweets, and dairy products, and who experience bloating, constipation, or sticky stools, may gradually weaken their liver and kidney function. In clinical practice, the herbal formula Ganlu Xiaodu Dan (Sweet Dew Toxin-Removing Elixir) is often prescribed. It is used to relieve internal heat and dryness, reduce inflammation, and improve imbalances in the body’s fluid metabolism.

People under significant emotional stress, who stay up late frequently, and who are prone to irritability, dry mouth, or a bitter taste in the mouth, may develop liver and kidney weakness along with stagnation. This can disrupt endocrine and metabolic functions.

If someone has diabetes or kidney disease, or is experiencing hormonal changes such as menopause, they may notice an unusual odor that differs from their usual scent. In such cases, further medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause.

Massaging specific acupressure points can also help clear damp-heat from the body, thereby relieving excessive sweating and troublesome body odor, Zhang said.

Located on the inner side of the elbow, at the midpoint of the line connecting the inner end of the elbow crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Stimulating this point can help stabilize emotions, regulate sweating, and relieve discomfort caused by stress or internal heat.

Located between the second and third metacarpal bones, at the tip of the middle finger when the hand is clenched into a fist.

Massaging this point can help relieve stress and support healthy fluid metabolism.

Located in the depression just to the front and below the head of the fibula (the bony prominence on the outer side of the lower leg when seated).

Chou Tsung-Han, attending physician at Han Ming Tang Clinic in Taiwan, shared various natural conditioning methods, ranging from homemade body powder and herbal teas to medicinal baths:

Preparation: Mix equal parts talcum powder and potash alum, then add a small amount of borneol. Grind into a fine powder and blend thoroughly until evenly mixed.

Talcum powder has both astringent and moisture-absorbing properties, helping to tighten skin tissue and keep the surface dry. Potash alum offers antifungal and deodorizing effects.

Preparation: Place five dried organic rose buds in a cup. Pour in about 8 ounces (240 ml) of hot water, cover, and steep for 5 to 6 minutes before drinking.

Those with a sensitive or “cold” digestive system, or who are prone to loose stools, should consume rose tea in moderation.

Ingredients

• 10 to 15 grams mint
• 15 to 30 grams mugwort leaves
• 10 to 15 grams perilla leaves
• 3 to 6 grams cloves

Preparation

• Wash herbs thoroughly and wrap them in gauze. Place in a pot with 4 to 6 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Once the herbal liquid has cooled to a warm temperature, gently wipe the underarm odor areas with it; it will release a very strong herbal fragrance.

Chou suggests that for a full-body bath, the amount of the above herbs can be increased by two to three times. In addition, those with sensitive skin should first test on a small area—it is not suitable for use on broken skin or during the acute phase of eczema. Pregnant women or those with special constitutions are advised to consult a physician first.

The Chinese herbs mentioned may be unfamiliar, but many are available at health food stores or Asian grocery stores. Because each person’s constitution differs, it is important to consult a professional practitioner for a tailored treatment plan.

Long-term reliance on antiperspirants or undergoing sweat-reduction surgery is generally not recommended, Chou said. Antiperspirants mainly address the symptom rather than the root cause. Frequent long-term use may affect the function of the underarm sweat glands and local circulation. Whether they impact lymphatic circulation or breast health remains debated in the medical community and requires further research.